We Have a Holiday Coming

Well at least for those of us in the U.S. BUT for everybody else, Metronomy is releasing a new track titled Holiday next week. They just sent over to us the b-side to the single. If The Raid, is a b-side I cannot wait to hear the other side!!

MP3: The Raid zshare / ysi
Well, actually we do get to hear it, via YouTube and this promotional clip for the track. The single is out on July 7th (probably not here in the US what else is new?). They also are running a contest via their MySpace profile, Facedook, etc... and will be giving out holiday "kits" for the funniest holiday photos which include special Metronomy sunglasses.

I'm sure you guys have a few photos floating around. Upload the photos and tell them who sent ya.

POW!!! Dancefloor Stompers Edition

Time for some New Dance Jams! Fresh of the Press for your downloading/mixing pleasure... Don't you just love us! Download them and spread them like _____! (It's always more artsy if you use your own imagination.)

First off here's Canadian artist Vivek Shraya. Seems he's not signed yet, despite getting some pretty good blog love already. I like the original for 'If We're Not Talking' but this Rodion Remix being released June the 30th is even better, especially if you're thinking you'd like to try this on the dancefloor! Check out both their myspace's for alot more good stuff.

MP3: If We're Not Talking (Rodion Remix) - Vivek Shraya (YSI)

Next here's a track by French Man Joachim Garraud called 'The Sound of Disco'. Here it's remixed by Dani Deahl & Mike Gillenwater to great effect! It's a great track especially for electroclash lovers. Is that a bad word now? Don't worry you could probably call it electro house or a million other names so that your friends don't think you're a loser.

MP3: The Sound of Disco (Dani Deahl & Mike Gillenwater Remix) - Joachim Garraud (YSI)

Here's Kid Filthy's Remix of Foals track 'Electric Bloom'. The Foals are more of a minimal rock band from the UK, but this remix is made for the dancefloor. Second take I assume. Dark and Dancey, like I like'em. Look into the Foals regular material as well. Good stuff!

MP3: Electric Bloom (Kid Filthy's Take 2 Remix) - Foals (YSI)

What do you get when you mix Santogold, Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) and Pharell Williams? Easy! A Hit!!! Here's a track they did to celebrate the Converse 100 Year Annv! Chris sent me this track, but didn't wanna post it cause he thought it had been blogged to death. I figure some of you just find new shit from us. No? Fuck it, I'll post it anyways...

MP3: My Drive Thru (feat. Santogold & Julian Casablancas) - N.E.R.D. (YSI)

I Love Feist! Not only does she do amazing pop music, but her tracks are also perfectly suited for the Remix. Like this Escort Remix of 'I Feel It All' with horns, marching drums & clapping. Not a dance jam in the vein of these other tracks, but just as good.

MP3: I Feel it All (Escort Remix) - Feist (YSI)

Mail Bag

Been awhile since I've done a Mail Bag. Good stuff sent in to us?! Us bloggers love that! Not having to search for new music just open up our inbox and bam there it is! Can't beat that! If you guys have cool stuff you'd like featured on our blog feel free to send it our way. I'd prefer you send mine to offtheradarfridays@gmail.com, AOL's a bitch sometimes. Send MP3's 192 Kbps or better if possbile. If it's good/matches our style we'll put it up. Simple as that...

Here's some of the latest goodness that's been sent our way...



First here' a couple of tracks from Canadian Electro-Pop duo Bikini. Go to their myspace page to read up on some of their history, pretty interesting. One's an original track 'I Remember Being Young' and the other's a cover of Feist's 1234. Not too shabby...

MP3: I Remember Being Young - Bikini (YSI)
MP3: 1234 (Feist Cover) - Bikini (YSI)

Next here's a young man called White Williams. You can see an interview of him on my previous Public Access post. He's on Domino Records and supported Vampire Weekend on their last tour. His new album's called 'Smoke' and is apprently doing pretty good. Here's a track they sent me from the album called 'Fleetwood Crack' and his latest video for his new single 'Violator'.

MP3: Fleetwood Crack - White Williams (YSI)

Next from NY we have Samuel. Love that name, very Biblical. Samuel sent us a great track called 'Say Goodbye'. It's very poppy and very easy to get stuck in your head! Apparently his band features Wade Oates from The Virgins as well. See what you think. He's got a few more on his myspace page if your hungry for more.

MP3: Say Goodbye - Samuel (YSI)

Finally I leave you with a Smoking Hot Danger TV remix they sent me of We Are Scientists' new single Chick Lit. The original version of this track rips off the Daft Punk 'Robot Rock' riff pretty badly, but it's nowhere to be heard here.

MP3: Chick Lit (Danger TV Remix Edit) - We Are Scientists (YSI)

Public Access

Check out Public Access for some great Interviews with up and coming bands such as Health, M83, The Teenagers, Dandi Wind, White Williams and many more... Just kinda stumbled onto that. Thought I'd share.

Here's a couple of the Remixes Health talk about in their Interview. They're a pretty cool L.A. band I recently found out about. These remixes are much dancier than what they usually sound like (they're much darker, experimental & rocky), but that's the point of the remix. Plus they want DJ's playing these out, so get to it!

MP3: TRICERATOPS (CFCF RMX) - HEALTH (YSI)
MP3: HEAVEN (NARCTRAX REMIX) - HEALTH (YSI)

Indie Pop MIX TAPE

Just saw some of Chris's pictures from Japan and all I can say is wow! Pretty amazing place... Can't believe Chris actually came back. Here's a couple pics I'm stealing from him. Shhhh don't tell... Pretty amazing huh. He has over 1000! Lucky bastard! I told him to post some of the best ones on here so you guys can check them out as well. Let's keep our finger's crossed..

Anyways last week I did a Dance Mixtape so this week I'm doing an Indie Pop Mixtape for you guys. I don't get to play out too much Indie Pop anymore. It's all about the dance stuff nowadays, but I still love the jangly guitars and mellower stuff when I'm home and in the car.

Here's some cool tracks I've gotten recently, including new My Morning Jacket, Cinderpop, We Are Scientists, Electric President, Soundpool and more! Lots of cool stuff here, I'm sure there'll be something that'll tickle your fancy.

Enjoy and have a great week-end!

MP3: Cinnamon Winter - Cinderpop (YSI)

MP3: Two Halves - My Morning Jacket (YSI)

MP3: London Bridges - This is Ivy League (YSI)

MP3: After Hours - We Are Scientists (YSI)

MP3: Better Things - South (YSI)

MP3: The Divides of March - Soundpool (YSI)

MP3: Monsters - Electric President (YSI)

MIX TAPE :: Dance Jams Edition

Wow, the Quinceanera Party was a blast last night! Jose El Rey killed it and I got to play Freestyle & Miami Bass! That's always fun. Don't get to play that stuff out too often. Some of that Freestyle stuff has some pretty amazing production values and beats. Funny how some of that reminds me of modern stuff I dig now. Music like everything else goes around in cycles. It all comes back eventually, albeit with a new modern twist. Gonna have to do a Freestyle Mix Tape for you guys one day.

Anyways, it's been awhile since I've done a Mix Tape post and I know how much you guys love those! I have a ton of new stuff for you guys so think I'm gonna split it up into two posts. One for this week and one for next week. Can't spill all your beans at once...

First off here's a bad-ass remix of Portishead's Nylon Smile by the Scienticians! It's great how you can get a slow song and have it remixed so it can also be a dancefloor jam as well. This is an excellent example of that!

MP3: Nylon Smile (Scienticians Remix) - Portishead (YSI)

I love Fred Falke as well as his partner in crime Alan Brake! First heard about these guys on the Erlend Oye's DJ Kicks compilation a few years ago and have been a fan of anything they do ever since. They're pretty amazing! Anything they touch turns to gold! I recommend grabbing anything with their names attached to it. They'll never steer you wrong. Here Fred Falke remixes Ladyhawke's 'Back of the Van' and creates a disco dancefloor masterpiece! Sounds like a classic 70's dance jam. Excellent! Check it out, I think you'll will dig it.

MP3: Back of the Van (Fred Falke Ultimate Beverly Mix) - Ladyhawke (YSI)

In keeping with the disco sound here is a great track by Aeroplane feat Kathy Diamond called Whispers. It's the original version. Sometimes tracks don't need to be remixed. They're just perfect the way they are. Like this...

MP3: Whispers (Original Mix) - Aeroplane feat Kathy Diamond (YSI)

I was playing this next track Flight Night by Muddyloop remixed by Love Vs Machine Keenhouse the other night and I had someone come up to me and say House? I never thought of myself as a House DJ but then I realized this track is pretty much a house track. Anyways I find as I've gotten older I don't care for genre boundaries so much. If it sounds good to my ears it's a good no matter what label people associate with it. Good music is good music in my book. Just check this track out and see what you think. If you like this I recommend you check out other stuff by Muddyloop. I got 3 tracks from them and they're all excellent!
'Take a Flight Night... When the Feeling is Right'

MP3: Flight Night (Love Vs Machines Keenhouse Remix) - Muddyloop (YSI)

This next track by Chavy Boys of London called Request Line is pretty pumping dance jam. It's mostly instrumental but it still manages to not get boring. I'm a big fan of vocals, so if a song is instrumental it better be damn good to keep my attention. This is one of them. Great beat and rolling synth lines.

MP3: Request Line - Chavy Boys of London (YSI)

Here's a great track by Headman called 'Catch Me If You Can'. Wasn't there a Tom Hanks/Leonardo Di Caprio movie by that name? Anyway's this is a great pop dancefloor track sure to get the Indie Kids dancing with smiles on their faces.

MP3: Catch Me If U Can - Headman (YSI)

Here's a great housey track by Millioners called Body into Use sure to get you moving up and down that dancefloor. This is also a great track to jam out to while your on the treadmill. Give you that extra energy to speed up even while your body is saying stop!!!

MP3: Body into Use - Millioners (YSI)

Finally I leave you with a track by Zombie Zombie called 'Driving This Road Until Death Sets You Free'. Sounds pretty grim huh... Like the name implies it sounds like the score to a slasher or zombie flick. All dark and ominous. I love it! Great experimental instrumental track!

MP3: Driving This Raod Until Death Sets You Free - Zombie Zombie (YSI)


That should keep you busy for awhile... Hope you enjoy them and pass the love!


Here's the New Video for Radiohead's 'All I Need' off of their latest 'In Rainbows'. Their gonna be performing this coming Monday in West Palm Beach! Time to scramble for some tickets...

Indie Bands That Blogs Love

Two bands that I played A LOT of in 2005, The French Kicks and Tapes 'n Tapes both have new albums coming out this spring. I figured yesterday I went a little beat heavy, so today I'll bring back some guitars from two of my favorite indie bands.

The French Kicks track is off of their just released (4/1 on iTunes) album Swimming. Nothing can replace The Trial of the Century, it is one of my favorite tracks of all time, but I like how the bass line teases in track Abandon before coming out in full force. It has the same haunting tone I think they pull off very well.

The French Kicks have their roots in DC but pretty much started after moving to Brooklyn. With two of the three original members no longer with the band after A Trial of the Century was released, I think it showed in 2006's Two Thousand. But it seems they have once again found their music space with their latest. They have been teetering on the verge of breaking out and 2008 might be the year.


MP3: The Trial of the Century (YSI)
MP3: Abadon (YSI)

The Trial of the Century

Now Tapes 'n Tapes is another band whose track Insistor burned a whole in my play list back in 2005, probably well into '06. In fact I really want to listen to it right now after talking about it. You can call these guys one of the earliest music blog success stories. Their popularity rose quickly after their first release, The Loon, was featured on several popular music blogs (Music for Robots, You Ain't No Picasso, Gorilla vs. Bear, Pitchfork (Okay not a blog per se, but you know you all read it...).

You can get a whole bunch of older Tapes 'n Tapes tracks on their site. Hang Them All is showing that Tapes 'n Tapes have matured.

MP3: Insistor (YSI)
MP3: Hang Them All (YSI)

The Insistor

I Wanna Be Trash...

Sorry haven't been posting so much lately, just had a crazy week-end moving APT to Love/Hate Thursdays, plus the Opening of Vagabond and now WMC is upon us...

Been digging this track 'Trash' by The Whip a whole lot! They're from Manchester, England home to the beloved Smiths! Their debut album 'X Marks Destination' is out now. The video is pretty sweet. Pretty girl drummers are hard to come by you know.


MP3: Trash (YSI)
MP3: Dubsex (YSI)

Urban Outfitters' Backlot

Purveyors of ironic t-shirts and prepackaged wall art, Urban Outfitters has compiled a playlist of the artists they will be showcasing on their Backlot Stage, this week in Austin, TX as part of the SXSW festival. Despite staking a spot in every major mall in North America, URBN still manages to dip its toes into the indie music world. There is a rather distinct line between street cred and profits.

Anyways, the artists they have lined up are worthy enough for a listen. They are not particular the newest acts out there, but I believe most have yet to make it to a WB show soundtrack.

The Urban Outfitters showcase has shows starting right about now (Thursday, March 13th) through Saturday, March 15th. Not a bad line up either. The shows do seemed to be crammed together, so it is either going to be a total cluster f#ck or extremely short sets.

Among the artists performing:

Lightspeed
Champion
Le Loup
YACHT
MGMT
Walter Meego
Holy Fuck
Murs

Check out the complete listing here. And download the sampler here.

Jim, the Jimmeister , Jaiminator, Jimbo, Jiiiimmm...

Sometimes you need a break from the 4/4 beat and the electro-crunchiness that is sweeping across "indie" dance floors. You need something you can groove to, sing along too, that's where Jamie Lidell comes in. He some how manages to distinct himself from more mainstream modern blue-eyed soul acts similarly to how Jamiroquai did it (shall I say?) at the turn of the century. Perhaps it is the influence of his label Warp Records (Aphex Twin, Autechre, Sabres of Paradise) that helps him push the envelope in his genre. You gotta admit his voice is smooth, and his production is near flawless; yet it still feels like he is performing right next to you. Did I mention the hooks? You cannot have good pop music without a good hook.

So, he is back with a follow up to 2005's Multiply, JIM - the new album - is in stores April 28/29, 2008.

Get a free MP3 of the unreleased track 'Figured Me Out (LA Garage Mix)' by signing up to the newsletter now. The track is not a full on club remix (thankfully) but definitely a jam.

From Multipy and Mutiply Additions (remix album):
MP3: When I Come Around (YSI)

These next two tracks really showcase Jamie's voice.
MP3: Mulitply (In A Minor - Piano by Gonzales) (YSI)
MP3: A Little Bit More (Herbert's A Little Bit Less Remix) (YSI)

Only Jamie could pull off the moccasins with no socks look with class. hahaha...

Windy Destiny

Windy & Destiny are an Indie Pop (duo/couple) from Tel Aviv, Israel. They sent us their album 'Words for Such a Riot' a few days ago and I have to say I was pretty impressed! Their sound is classic lo-fi psychedelic pop, and reminds me of bands like Mazzy Star or Saint Etienne. Perfect late night fare, if I do say so myself.

Here's a couple of my faves... Check out their MySpace page for more, or better yet buy the whole album. It's worth it!

MP3: In Another Day (YSI)
MP3: Dear Grace (YSI)

Chairs in the Arno

If your a fan of bands like Barcelona, Figurine, Freezepop or even Postal Service then California band Chairs in the Arno should be your cup of tea. Bands are always being compared to some of the bands I mentioned above, but upon inspection they usually don't measure up or sound completely different. Chairs delivers on simple electro-pop and reminds me most of Figurine (especially their first album, Transportation + Communication = Love). Male and female vocals going back and forth over simple bleeps and melodies. Simple can be good as long as the ideas are there. Just listen to Magnetic Fields '69 Love Songs'.

Chairs has released an 8 song album called 'File Folder' which even has artwork reminiscent of early Figurine. Here's a couple tracks. Check out their MySpace for a couple more.

MP3: Input Delay (YSI)

MP3: Size 30 (YSI)

Tickle You With Cuteness

Miami artists/designers/friends Friends With You have created a wonderful new film as part of the Zune Arts program along with some artwork to decorate your Zune. Aaand Santogold has provided the musical backdrop with her song Say Aha.

The film is filled with puppets, magics jewels, and a pair of fuzzy characters as the protagonists. The story even has a moral to it. Be nice alright? I really enjoy how the duo explore the idea of mysticism and symbols by using ideas and concepts from past cultures but interpreting them in their projects. These narratives help to explain their ideas.

As for the film itself, the stop animation is awesome and now that CGI is everywhere, it is nice to see other media used to create animations. And a fantastic track was chosen as the musical score.

Good job Zune team! But I still love my iPod.

While we are on the topic, anybody actually own a Zune? I remember the hype about the Zune Social (the social ended a while ago) and the device being an iPod killer but ever since the 2nd generation's delay I think the player has fallen by the wayside. However this Zune Arts program is pretty interesting and relevant unlike its circuit board counterpart.

Tickle Party
Friends With You

I am posting (the much blogged) track Creator which illustrates the similarities between her and M.I.A. But after listening to more of Santogold's tracks you can tell that she is not a copy of M.I.A. (watch the film for another style of hers). This track below however has some out of control beats and basslines.

MP3: Santogold - Creator (YSI)

Everybody Likes Their Twenties

Being a huge fan of Metronomy (signed copy of Pip Paine (Pay The £5000 You Owe) anyone?), I listen to any recommendations he makes. Particularly if the band is a side project of bassist Gabriel Patrick. No worries, he is still part of Metronomy. In fact they are embarking on a headline tour through the UK in February and March and their new album entitled Nights Out has been submit to their label. (Note, I find it strange that Metronomy is one person but has band members, so I apologize from switching between he and them) Aaaaannnyyywwaayyss... isn't this a funny keyboard?

As far as the new band, its name is Your Twenties and their music has melodies reminiscent of 60's pop. Plenty of humable melodies (is that a word?) and catchy hooks

Check out a few songs on their MySpace profile. I cannot stop playing Caught Wheel. I like how it is a play on cart wheel. I wish I had some music of theirs to post or a video but seems like they are still in the demo phase.

Your Twenties has a few shows coming up in London next month.

• Feb 4 2008 //8:00P - DURRR @ The End, WC1 London, London and South East
• Feb 5 2008 // 8:00P - Club Skulls @ The Old Blue Last London, London and South East
• Feb 8 2008 // 8:00P - Put It On @ The Trinity, Harrow North West London, London and South East
• Feb 11 2008 // 8:00P - Wolfboy @ The Amersham Arms Saaaf East Lahndahn

The Love Is All remix album appropriately titled Love Is All... Mixed Up is awesome. Then again you cannot go wrong with getting remixed by Hot Chip, Optimo, Chicken Lips and Studio (and Metronomy). They hail from Sweden and have had a few high profile appearances such as touring with Maximo Park and being featured on Peel Sessions in the UK. They are currently signed to What's Your Rupture with label mates The Long Blondes.

So here's a little diddy that ties this whole post together and a b-side or something from Metronomy.

MP3: Love Is All - Spinning and Scratching (Metronomy Remix) (YSI)
MP3: Metronomy - Heart Rate Rapid (YSI)

Oh and here are a couple of Metronomy videos including their newest one for Radio Ladio (it's a featured video on YouTube's home page today!). First up is Trick or Treatz.


Trick or Treatz


Radio Ladio

By the way, the whole point of this post when I started was to highlight Your Twenties, so at least check out their tracks. I got carried away with all the side projects and remixes and videos etc...

Bits & Pieces

It's incredible how much great new music is out there at any given time... I stayed up just last night looking through the blogs and found like 40 great tracks. Enough to fill like 3 cds worth! That's just looking through my usual spots. If you search Hype you could probably find tons more. So there really is no excuse for not finding great new music. Lucky for you guys that we love to do it for you!

Anyways I still need a few days to sort out which ones make the final cut (only the best ones make it on our little blog here), but right away I know there are some amazing ones that I can share with you guys.

The first one is by a band from Stockholm called Rocca. What is it with Stockholm, they have so much great dance music over there. I'm gonna have to pay a visit one day. These guys ooze pop sensuality. My favorite track is Carrie-Anne. Been burning it out for a couple of weeks. It's an electro-pop gem in my opinion. See what you guys think. After all 'It's all for Carrie-Anne..'

The next one is by one of my favorite singers Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals. This guy is so prolific. He had a solo album and a full album with SFA last year and yet he still managed to do this project as well called Neon Neon with Boom Bip from Los Angeles. This track is more electronic and dancey that what I usually hear from him. Seems like he may be trying to do something like what Ben Gibbard from Death Cab did with Postal Service and have a more dancey side project. Even the artwork looks very Italo Disco. Can't wait to hear the album which comes out in March and also features Spank Rock and a few other collaborators. Check out their MySpace page for a few more treats.

Been awhile since we heard from The Helio Sequence and they didn't waste one minute. This track of theirs Can't Say No is spectacular! They got a couple more you can download on the Obscure Sound blog as well (all good) as well as interesting reading on how the singer almost lost his voice and how singers like Bob Dylan helped inspire him to get through it.

Run Dan Run are from Charleston South Carolina and they put out some great Indie-Pop. My favorite track so far is 'Your Name Escapes Me' and you need to check it out.

Finally here a slinky/groovy dance jam called New Romantic Sounds by a band called Superheroes. There's so many bands called Superheros on MySpace, I had no idea. Couldn't figure out which was their page. You figure it out.

Enjoy!


P.S. I took the picture on top in New York a few of years ago at the MoMA. Can't remember the name of the artist but it was pretty sweet. Pieces of this persons body displayed on all these different sized monitors.

MP3: Rocca - Carrie-Anne (YSI)
MP3: Neon Neon - I Told Her on Alderaan (YSI)
MP3: The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No (YSI)
MP3: Run Dan Run - Your Name Escapes Me (YSI)
MP3: Superheroes - New Romantic Sounds (YSI)


I leave you with a great video I saw on Headphonesex for Zongamin's track Azzazza...

Music To Make Love To

And now back to finding those hidden gems. One of the reasons I enjoy writing this blog so much is discovering new talent. Untapped creative juices just waiting to explode (or trickle) onto unsuspecting listeners.

Chris Price sent us an email a few weeks ago, announcing his debut full length album Post Pop Parade. The album take cues from the 80's and 90's and twists them into relevant pop music. He is not afraid to use the four letter word "pop" when describing it (I know it's only 3 letters, ugh, never mind...).

Chris is from Washington DC and has a weekly there at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursdays. So if any you stop by tell them, "Off the Radar sent ya!" (a lá Pee Wee and Large Marge)

Oh man, reading over his bio, I just remember the best part of the story, how he got into music in the first place. Porn. (hence the post title...) He wasn't exactly in the movies, his music was. He was not even old enough to purchase the movies. You can check out his full bio here and how the Weather Channel, Gangsta Christians and Chris are related.

I have been playing out this track when I DJ and the reaction has been, "Who's that?" "Who sings this?" "Where did you find this?" I am not one to hide the music I listen too (okaaayyy sometimes, I hold onto it a bit longer than I should but doesn't everyone? Fine, not Ray, he's a giver.). Anyways, with that I present a song I have been keeping to myself.

MP3: Dim the Lights, Evangeline (YSI)

We Come In Peace

Zort from Argentina sound like they would be an alien race in a 80's sci-fi movie but in reality they craft intelligent electronic music. They combine glitchy beats with sampled instruments that honestly gives your mind a workout. I like it. In fact, the more I listen to it the more I like it.
They sent us a couple of singles to share with you guys and hopefully they will cross the Caribbean and visit us in Miami soon. They are touring Europe promoting their fifth independently recorded album Nublado con Sol (Cloudy With Sunshine I guess it helps I know Spanish) and recently played the Experimentaclub festival in Madrid.

MP3: De Tanto Mirar (YSI)
MP3: Rotasasaso (YSI) highly recommended

(I really need to visit Argentina now. And since I technically have family there...hmm...)

Buzz In Our Backyard

This weekend you have a chance to catch Black Kids in their own backyard (they are from Jacksonville, FL) before they cross the big pond to play shows in London. The interest this band is creating is reminiscent of the The Arctic Monkeys or The Go! Team. And their music is not far off either. Infectious pop songs, girl group harmonies, 80’s synth-pop. I swear I can hear The Cure in the song Hit the Heartbreaks.

The ENTIRE Wizard of Ahhhs demo is available for FREE from their MySpace profile. The band is currently unsigned but picked up Quest Management who also handles Bjork and Arcade Fire to represent them. And it seems they will not be unsigned for long.

So if you live in South Florida don't miss your chance to catch them LIVE this Saturday (11/24/07 ) at Circa28 for CircaSaturdays. They have already played with the likes of Lo-Fi Fnk and Tiger City and you know we are fans of those bands.

More info about Black Kids at their website (http://blackkidsmusic.com/). Here is song where they channel The Cure and a remix not available on the EP.

MP3: Hit the HeartBreaks (YSI)
MP3: Hurricane Jane (Beige Reemix) (YSI)

More press on Black Kids:

• Vice Magazine: Interview (Sep 4 2007)
• Pitchfork Media: Best New Music (Oct 5 2007)
• Current: Daily Fix (Oct 23 2007)
• Treble: Album of the Week (Oct 31 2007)
• NME: CMJ Review (Nov 10 2007)

Life Is Too Short To Be A Naysayer

Here is one more new band that I am thoroughly enjoying right now.

yea·say·er /ˈyeɪˌseɪər/ [yey-sey-er] – noun
1. a person with an optimistic and confident outlook.

Yeasayer is a band out of Brooklyn that seems to be set to take the record of year title for 2007 in the blogosphere. The track 2080 ranks high in my personal favorites of the past 11 months.

(That reminds me, we are running out of time to compile our top lists of 2007. Ray! Get on it! hahaha)

The music evokes sounds from the past but that is not to say that Yeasayer are stuck there. They are a modern band with influences as varied as religious chants to David Byrne. You feel their connection to the natural world but before they settle into a new age sounds, they burst through with almost gospel anthems (No Need to Worry).

Fans of Animal Collective, TV on the Radio or any other modern band with a spiritual leanings will enjoy them.

They have a track available for down on their MySpace profile so drop in and check it out. And here is their first single that I cannot stop playing (it's everywhere right about now).

MP3: 2080 (YSI)

!!! (chk-chk-chk) Member Gone AWOL!!!

Time for some new music today. First up, Free Blood. This is the side project turned full-time project of ex-!!! (pronounced Chk-Chk-Chk for those out of the indie circle) drummer John Pugh. He describes the band , “the Fifties idea of what a band does, which is simply to soundtrack the party,” and “manic background music for ensuing debauchery.”

The music is definitely a notch up in intensity compared to !!!. Louder, in your face, and ready for the dance floor. Their first EP is only two tracks with two accompanying remixes. It is called Part 1, well, because Part 2 and 3 are still in the works.

As to why he left !!!, Pugh makes compares it to an army and he's gone AWOL.

!!! was like the army,” laughs Pugh. “We were all having fun but it was really intense and there was a lot of discipline involved. With Free Blood, I was interested in moving away from the space jam ethic and more into really mean pop songs we could flesh out with noise and chaos and our own emotion. There’s a certain freedom there – it definitely feels like I’m out of the army. After eight years, I’ve gone AWOL .

-Fact Mag

So here is one of the remixes off of the EP by Adventures Close To Home.

MP3: Never Hear Surf Music Again (ACTH Remix) (YSI)

Hear some more original tracks on their MySpace profile.

(Not sure about never hearing surf music again though. I kinda it sometimes... Oh and !!! really are awesome so go check them out too. I always have at least one of their albums on my iPod. In fact I think I'll play A New Name this week at Abraxas on Thursday.)