Happy Hoidays

Track Number 17 will be back on December 27th, 2010. Have a safe and happy holiday!

The Music Junkie

International - "What Do I Do" by Lanie Lane

Genre: Blues/Pop/Jazz
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Latest Album: (unknown)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Lipstick" and "Red Accordian"

Fun Fact: Lanie Lane describes her musical style in several ways: "The spirit of Muddy Waters inhabiting Doris Day. The Andrews Sisters in the year 2010. Erykah Badu singing to herself as she does the housework."

Lanie Lane Website HERE.

What Do I Do (Lanie Lane) from Lanie Lane on Vimeo.

Acoustic - "Bed Down" by Split Seconds

Genre: Pop
Hometown: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Latest Album: (unknown)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Paperboy"

Fun Fact: Split Seconds originally started as a solo project for lead singer Sean Pollard, however their all-singing, all-instrument playing (and swapping) group has lead to great success in around one year. They have been regarded by such bands as Cloud Control and Parade only to name a few.

Split Seconds Website HERE.

Cover - "Girlfriend" by the Pigeon Detectives

The Original: "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne

Genre: Garage Rock
Hometown: Rothwell, West Yorkshire, England
Latest Album: Emergency (2008)
Label: Dance to the Radio
Other Notable Songs: "Take Her Back" and "Romantic Type"

Fun Fact: They have been championed by such well known DJs as Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley, and performed at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in 2006, where they were tagged "the band most likely to leap to the main stage in 2007" in an NME review.

The Pigeon Detectives Website HERE.



The Original:

New Favorite - "Shoeshine" by Black Taxi

Genre: Dance Rock/Indie
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Latest Album: Things Of That Nature (2009)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Up Here For Thinking, Down There For Dancing"

Fun Fact: Black Taxi is performing in NYC at Le Poisson Rouge for their "Black Apple/You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" X-mas party on Saturday, December 18th at 11PM. Get tickets HERE.

Black Taxi Website HERE.

Black Taxi - "Shoeshine" from Resonance Interactive on Vimeo.

Local Music - "Kids In The Hall" by Byrds of Paradise

Genre: Punk Rock
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Latest Album: Omega Man (2010)
Label: Don Giovanni
Other Notable Songs: "Rowena" and "Rosebud"

Fun Fact: "Byrds of Paradise" was originally a TV series in the 90's starring Seth Green and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The band is currently planning their tour in the South and have made their single "Kids in the Hall" available to download for FREE on Byrds of Paradise website.

Byrds of Paradise Website HERE.

International - "Like Punching in a Dream" by The Naked and Famous

Genre: Alternative
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Latest Album: Passive Me, Aggressive You (2010)
Label: Fiction Records
Other Notable Songs: "Young Blood" and "All Of This"

Fun Fact: Their single "Young Blood" debuted on the New Zealand chart at number one in 2010—the first New Zealand artist in three years to do so

The Naked and Famous Website HERE.

Acoustic - "Tall As Cliffs" by Margot and The Nuclear So & So's

Genre: Folk/Chamber Pop
Hometown: Indianaplis, IA
Latest Album: Buzzard (2010)
Label: Mariel Recording Company
Other Notable Songs: "Skeleton Key"

Fun Fact: The lead singer, Richard Edwards, was in a band during his college years called Archer Avenue, which was named after the street where the characters in The Royal Tenenbaums lived.

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's Website HERE.

Cover - "Crystalized" by Gorillaz

Original: "Crystalized" by the xx's

Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
Hometown: Essex, England
Latest Album: Plastic Beach (2010)
Label: Parlophone/Virgin Records
Other Notable Songs: "Feel Good Inc" and "Clint Eastwood"

Fun Fact: The band's 2001 debut album Gorillaz sold over seven million copies and earned them an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band

Gorillaz Website HERE.



The Original:

New Favorite - "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" by Cage the Elephant

Genre: Blues/Rock
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY
Latest Album: Cage the Elephant (2008)
Label: Relentless Records
Other Notable Songs: "Shake Me Down" and "In One Ear"

Fun Fact: The single, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked", was the free single of the week on iTunes for the week of April 12, 2009.

Cage the Elephant Website HERE.

Local Music - "Light Outside" by Wakey! Wakey!

Genre: Acoustic/Folk/Pop
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Latest Album: Almost Everything (2010)
Label: Family Records
Other Notable Songs: "War Sweater" and "Brooklyn"

Fun Fact: Mike Grubbs (Wakey! Wakey!) is currently on tour with pop artist Jenny Owen Youngs. To promote their tour, she covered his "Dance So Good", while he covered her song "Led to the Sea". Both songs are available for download for FREE online.

Wakey! Wakey! Website HERE.

Wakey!Wakey! - Light Outside from VsTheBrain on Vimeo.

International - "Overpass" by John Steel Singers

Genre: Indie Rock/Pop
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
Latest Album: Tangalooma (2010)
Label: Dew Process
Other Notable Songs: "Rainbow Kraut"

Fun Fact: Lead singer, Tim Morrissey, had a toy horse as a child which he named John Steel, which provided inspiration for the band's name.

John Steel Singers Website HERE.

Acoustic - "Limit to Your Love" by James Blake

Genre: Indie/Jazz/Soul
Hometown: London, England
Latest Album: CMYK (2010)
Label: Hemlock Records
Other Notable Songs: "CYMK" and "I Only Know (What I Know Now)"

Fun Fact: At only 22 years old, James Blake has already released 3 EPs and has recorded and mixed all of his tracks at home on his personal computer.

James Blake Website HERE.

Cover - "Just" by Mark Ronson feat. Phantom Planet

Original: "Just" by Radiohead

Genre: Jazz/Hip Hop/Alternative
Hometown: London, England/New York, NY
Latest Album: Record Collection (2010)
Label: Sony
Other Notable Songs: "Oh My God" (feat. Lily Allen) and "Bang Bang Bang"

Fun Fact: A DJ, producer and guitarist, Mark Ronson was voted the most stylish man in UK by GQ magazine. He attributes his personal style to close friend Patrick van Reijendam, a Dutch fashion designer based in London.

Mark Ronson Website HERE.



Watch the Original by Radiohead HERE.

New Favorite - "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Genre: Alternative/Indie Folk
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Latest Album: Up From Below (2009)
Label: Rough Trade Records
Other Notable Songs: "40 Day Dream"

Fun Fact: On June 5, 2009, the band released "Desert Song", a music video which is part 1 of a 12-part feature-length musical.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Website HERE.

Local Music - "I'm The One You Should've Let Go" by Zach Williams

Genre: Folk/R&B/Rock
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Latest Album: Story Time (2009)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Hospital", "Dirty Feet" and "James"

Fun Fact: As part of the Anti*Pop Music Festival, Brooklyn, NY's Zach Williams performs his unreleased song "I'm The One You Should've Let Go". He says that his music represents the communities he has had the privilege to pass through, experience, and the ones he is still holding on to.

Zach Williams Website HERE.

International - "70 Million" by Hold Your Horses!

Genre: Alternative/Bluegrass/Country
Hometown: Paris, France
Latest Album: Hold Your Horses! EP (2010)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Officer, Officer"

Fun Fact: Hold Your Horses! blew up virally when they released their video for "70 Million" on Vimeo. By recreating some of the most famous paintings in art history, this relatively unknown band they gained nearly 30,000 views within two weeks after posting it online in March 2010. They shot the video in a parking garage in Paris, using chalk boards for backdrops.

Hold Your Horses! Website HERE.

Acoustic - "Moon In My Eyes" by Highlife

Genre: Afro/Psych-Pop
Hometown: London, England/New York, NY
Latest Album: Best Bless (2010)
Label: The Social Registry
Other Notable Songs: "F Kenya RIP"

Fun Fact: The lead singer, Sleepy Doug Shaw, is from the band White Magic who is an associate of Gang Gang Dance and Animal Collective, the band name also serves as an end-around that deflates those who criticize Western pastiche of African sounds

Highlife Website HERE.

Cover - "Freshman" by Jay Brannan

Original: "The Freshman" by the Verve Pipe

Genre: Indie Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Hometown: New York NY
Latest Album: In Living Cover (2009)
Label: Great Depression Records
Other Notable Songs: "Soda Shop"

Fun Fact: Jay moved to California with a man he met on the internet, first to Palm Springs and later to Los Angeles, trying to become an actor. Later in New York City, he was cast as Ceth in the controversial movie Short Bus and engaged in a simulated sex scene in the movie.

Jay Brannan Website HERE.




The Original:

New Favorite - "Congratulations, You Suck" by J Minus

Genre: Alternative/Pop
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Latest Album: Devil Music (2010)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "A Mile Away"

Fun Fact: The story of J minus goes back to classical times. While studying the supernatural music of the spheres, the ancients discovered a bizarre musical key somewhat like the cry of a baby zebra. They knew it was powerful and they kept it a secret, referring to it only as “J minus.”

J Minus Website HERE.

Local Music - "Free Love" by Derek James

Genre: Rockabilly
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Latest Album: Stray (2005)
Label: (unsigned)
Other Notable Songs: "Smoky Light" and "One More Day"

Fun Fact: Derek James has performed often at the venue Rockwood Music Hall for the past several years. His shows are known for being energetic, lively and Derek, himself, for being very personable and friendly.

Derek James Website HERE.

Acoustic - "Neon Bible" by Arcade Fire

Genre: Baroque Pop/Indie Rock
Hometown: Quebec, Canada
Latest Album: The Suburbs (2010)
Label: Merge Records
Other Notable Songs: "Rebellion (Lies)" and "Wake Up"

Fun Fact: In addition to instrument mainstays guitar, drums and bass guitar, members play piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy. The band takes most of their instruments on tour, and the multi-instrumentalist band members switch instrumental duties throughout their shows.

The Arcade Fire Website HERE.

Cover - "Teardrop" by José González

Original: "Teardrop" by Massive Attack

Genre: Indie Folk
Hometown: Gothenberg, Sweden
Latest Album: In Our Nature (2007)
Label: Imperial Records
Other Notable Songs: "Down the Line" and "Hints"

Fun Fact: His version of The Knife's song "Heartbeats" has become a hit after having been in a commercial for Sony Bravia where 250 000 colorful bouncy balls are placed over the streets of San Francisco,

José González Website HERE.



The Original:

New Favorite - "Money Grabber" by Fitz & the Tantrums

Genre: Motown/Neo-Soul
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Latest Album: Pickin' Up The Pieces (2010)
Label: Dangerbird Records
Other Notable Tracks: "Breakin' the Chains of Love" and "Dear Mr. President"

Fun Fact: Adam Levine personally invited Fitz and the Tantrums to tour with Maroon 5 after hearing their music upon the recommendation on his tattoo artist.

Fitz and the Tantrums Website HERE.

Local Music - "Mistaken For Strangers" by the National

Genre: Indie Rock
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Latest Album: High Violet (2010)
Label: 4AD
Other Notable Songs: "Bloodbuzz Ohio"

Fun Fact: In 2008 the band designed and sold a t-shirt featuring Obama's image above the words "Mr. November," a reference to both their song from "Alligator" and the month of the U.S. presidential election. All proceeds were donated to Obama's campaign.

The National Website HERE.

International - "Light It Up" by Blood Red Shoes

Genre: Rock/Alternative
Hometown: Brighton, England
Latest Album: Heartsink (2010)
Label: V2 Records
Other Notable Songs: "Heartsink" and "It Is Happening Again"

Fun Fact: Blood Red Shoes draw their inspiration from many bands from the 90s such as the Pixies and Sonic Youth. They have been called Britain's "Nirvana" by some music critics.

Blood Red Shoes Website HERE.

Acoustic - "If It Smashes Down" by My Morning Jacket

Genre: Indie/Psychedelic/Country Rock
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Latest Album: Evil Urges (2008)
Label: ATO Records
Other Notable Songs: "Highly Suspicious" and "Evil Urges"

Fun Fact: The band's lead singer Jim James was inspired to create their name from the initials "MMJ" which he saw embroidered on a discarded jacket at the scene of a fire.

My Morning Jacket Website HERE.

Cover - "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Starfucker

Original: "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

Genre: Electroacoustic/Disco House
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Latest Album: Julius EP (2010)
Label: Polyvinyl Records
Other Notable Songs: "Julius"

Fun Fact: Band members, particularly bassist Shawn Glassford, will frequently wear women's clothing during live performances.

Starfucker Website HERE.



The Original:

New Favorite - "Juniper" by Y La Bamba

Genre: Folk/Indie
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Latest Album: Lupon (2010)
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Other Notable Songs: "A Man and His Fields"

Fun Fact: The daughter of two Mexican immigrants, lead singer Luzelena Mendoza named her band after her six-toed white cat, La Bamba.

Y La Bamba Website HERE.

Y La Bamba - Juniper from Tangible Worldwide on Vimeo.

International Spotlight - "Monsters" by Francis International Airport

Genre: Alternative/Indie

Hometown: Wein, Austria
Label: Siluh Records
Latest Album: Into the Woods
Release Date: unknown
Notable Tracks: "Amnesiacs" and "Feet of Clay"

On Tour?: Yes.
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: The band takes its name from the fictional airport from Grand Theft Auto IV.

Francis International Airport Website.

International Spotlight - "Camilo (The Magician)" by Said the Whale

Genre: Indie Rock/Acoustic

Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Label:
Latest Album: Islands Disappear
Release Date: October 13th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "This City's a Mess" and "The Light is You".

On Tour?: No.
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: This quintet gets creative with their 'bubblegum folk' sound. They have often used a ukelele and a glockenspiel in their songs.

Said the Whale Website.

Shuffle Song - "Storm the Fucking Kastle" by Diamondsnake

Genre: Rock/Heavy Metal

Hometown: New York, NY
Label: unknown
Latest Album: unknown
Release Date: June 2010 (unconfirmed)
Notable Tracks: "We Wanna Love You" and "Switch Hitter"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Diamonsnake is the side-project of pop artist Moby, Phil Costello (frontman for Bee Gees), Tomato (Sound of Urchin) and Dave Hill (Valley Lodge).

Diamondsnake Website.

Covers - "Fell In Love With A Girl" by the White Stripes

Original: "Fell In Love With A Boy" by Joss Stone

Genre [Original]: Soul/R&B
Genre [Cover]: Alternative/Post-Punk/Rock

Hometown: Detroit, MI
Label: Warner Bros
Latest Album: Icky Thump
Release Date: December, 2007
Notable Tracks: "Icky Thump" and "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You're Told)".

On Tour?: No.
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Jack and Meg White are husband and wife, not brother and sister as it had been rumored in the past. Jack decided to take Meg's last name when they married, making them the Whites, and eventually the White Stripes.

White Stripes Online.



Watch the Original HERE.

New Favorites - "Everything Will Be Alright" by Golden Ages

Genre: Soul/Electropsych-Pop

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Indiecater Records
Latest Album: Tradition
Release Date: April 16th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Be Cool" and "Right Season"

On Tour?: No
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Golden Ages is the result of a dorm room project by a 21-year-old Cognitive Science major from Philly.


Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

Local/Indie Music - "constellations" by darwin deez

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock

Hometown: New York, NY
Label: Lucky Number
Latest Album: Darwin Deez
Release Date: May 10th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Radar Detector"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Darwin Smith, aka. darwin deez, made a name for himself on the UK charts after the release of the single "constellations" in 2009. His UK tour extends through the beginning of 2011.

Darwin Deez Website

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

International Spotlight - "Painful" by Dash & Will

Genre: Pop-rock

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Label: Gigantically Small/Mercury Records
Latest Album: Up In Something
Release Date: August 28th, 2009
Notable Tracks: "Fighting Over Nothing"

On Tour?: No.
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Dash (Charlotte "Charlie" Thorpe) and Will (Josie De Sousa-Reay) originally met when they were 9 in grade school and hated each other for years before playing music together.

Dash & Will Website.

Shuffle Song - "Cut Like A Buffalo" by the Dead Weather

Genre: Alt. Rock

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Label: Third Man Records
Latest Album: Sea of Cowards
Release Date: May 11th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "The Difference Between Us", plus "Treat Me Like Your Mother" and "Diamonds and Pearls" from Horehound.

On Tour?: No
NYC Tour date/time: n/a

Fun Fact: The Dead Weather are known as a 'super group' in the music world. Group members include Alison Mosshart of Discount and the Kills, Dean Fertita of the Queens of the Stone Age, Jack Lawrence of the Greenhornes and the Raconteurs, and Jack White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs.

The Dead Weather Website.

Covers - "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by the Slits

Original: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
[Song] Genre: Soul/R&B
[Band] Genre: Punk Rock/Post-Punk

Hometown: London, England
Label: Narnack Records
Latest Album: Trapped Animal
Release Date: 2009
Notable Tracks: "Ask Ma" and "Lazy Slam"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: As female rock band, the Slits formed in 1975 and have played with many rock legends such as the Clash, Sonic Youth and the Buzzcocks.

The Slits on MySpace.



The Original:

New Favorites - "Only" by Coma Cinema

Genre: Indie/Alternative

Hometown: Columbia, SC
Label: Summertime in Hell
Latest Album: Stoned Alone
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Come On, Apathy!" and "Blissed"

On Tour?: unknown
NYC Tour Date/Venue: unknown
Fun Fact: All of Coma Cinema's music is available for download for FREE on their website.

ComaCinema.org

Coma Cinema - Only from Tyler T Williams on Vimeo.

Local/Indie Music - "Family Waves" by Dinosaur Feathers

Genre: Indie Rock

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Label: Insound
Latest Album: Fantasy Memorial
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Fantasy Memorial" and "Teenage Whore"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: Sept. 26th @1PM (The Atlantic Antic) and Sept. 29th @ 8PM (Death by Audio)

Fun Fact: After an interview with Daytrotter, the Dinosaur Feather guys didn't have a promotional poster to hang, so they presented an Igloo cooler as a parting gift - complete with a can of soda, a ham sandwich and refreezable cooler packs.

Dinosaur Feathers Online.

Family Waves by Dinosaur Feathers from Big Ugly Yellow Couch on Vimeo.

International Spotlight - "Fireworks" by The Hoof and The Heel

Genre: Indie/Folk/Electro

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Label: (unsigned)
Latest Album: "...and all the Tigers"
Release Date: July, 2010
Notable Tracks: "The King Finds Out" and "All the Tigers"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: All 3 members came together coincidentally at a rock lotto fundraiser - band members were chosen by pulling names out of a hat. They've been actively playing/writing together for less than  year.

The Hoof and The Heel Online.


The Hoof & The Heel - "Fireworks" (NSFW) from Bryan Schlam on Vimeo.

Shuffle Song - "Wanna Be in LA" by Eagles of Death Metal

Genre: Rock/Garage

Hometown: Palm Desert, CA
Label: Rekords Rekords, GUN Records, Downtown Records
Album: Heart On
Release Date: 10/28/08 (US)
Notable Tracks: "High Voltage", "Anything 'Cept the Truth" and "Secret Plans"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: For one of their first shows, they opened for Guns N Roses and were boo'ed off stage. Axel Rose called them the "pigeons of shit metal".

Covers - "Wonderwall" by Ryan Adams

Original: "Wonderwall" by Oasis
Genre: Alt. Country/Rock

Hometown: Jacksonville, NC
Label: PAX AM
Latest Album: Orion
Release Date: May 18th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "To Be Young" from Heartbreaker and "New York, New York" from Gold

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: His latest album entitled Orion is a divergence from his normal musical formula - it is a concept sci-fi/metal inspired album.



The Original:

New Favorites - "Hiding" by My Friend Wallis

Genre: Pop/Visual

Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Label: (unsigned)
Latest Album: When the Blue Turned Yellow
Release Date: Summer 2009
Notable Tracks: "Free Day" and "In The Winter"

On Tour?: No
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: My Friend Wallis is the solo project of Crystal Dorval of the indie pop group Vincat.

My Friend Wallis Online.


Hiding - My Friend Wallis from Kyle Surovy on Vimeo.

Local/Indie Music - "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear

Genre: Indie/Acoustic/Experimental

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Label: Warp
Album: Veckatimest
Release Date: May 26th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Two Weeks" and "Foreground", as well as "Knife" from Yellow House (2006)

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a (already past)

Fun Fact: Grizzly Bear used to be the nickname of the lead singer's ex-boyfriend.

Grizzly Bear WEBSITE

International Spotlight - "Romance Is Boring" by Los Campesinos!

Genre: Pop Punk/Rock

Hometown: Cardiff, Wales
Label: Wichita Records
Latest Album: Romance Is Boring
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Notable Tracks: "There Are Listed Buildings" and "TheSealsAreAGoodPlaceToThinkOfTheFuture"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: October 15th & 16th @ Music Hall of Williamsburg


Fun Fact: There are 7 members of Los Campesinos! and not one of them are Welch.

Los Campesinos! Online.


Los Campesinos! "Romance Is Boring" (dir Alex de Campi) from alex de campi on Vimeo.

Shuffle Song - "Airplanes" by Local Natives

Genre: Indie/Rock/Jungle

Hometown: Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
Label: Frenchkiss, Infectious
Album: Gorilla Manor
Release Date: February, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Wide Eyes" and "World News"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: n/a

Fun Fact: Formerly known as "Cavil at Rest", they released their debut album Gorilla Manor in late 2009 in the UK before releasing it in the US in early 2010. It debuted on the Bilboard's Top 200 was #3 on the New Artist Charts.


Local Natives WEBSITE

Covers - "Crazy" by Ray LaMontagne

Original: "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley
Genre: Folk/Folk Rock

Hometown: Nashua, NH
Label: RCA
Latest Album: God Willin' & the Creek Won't Rise
Release Date: September 6th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Repo Man", "New York City is Killing Me" and "Devil's in the Jukebox"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: TBA

Fun Fact: After purposefully refraining from musical activity for years and struggling to graduate high school, Ray quit his job in a shoe factory to play music after hearing a Stephen Stills song on the radio.



Watch the original by Gnarls Barkley HERE.

New Favorites - "A More Perfect Union" by Titus Andronicus

Genre: Punk/Lo-Fi

Hometown: Glen Rock, NJ
Label: XL Recordings
Album: The Monitor
Release Date: March 9th, 2010
Notable Tracks: "Titus Andronicus Forever" and "To Old Friends and New"

On Tour?: Yes
NYC Tour Date/Venue: September 25th @ Webster Hall.
Fun Fact: They take their name after the Shakespearean play Titus Andronicus and at one point they had up to 11 people in the band - there are now just 5 members.

Titus Andronicus Online.

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

...and we're back!

After a week hiatus, Track No. 17 is back and with a new format. Please give me some love (or not) about the change in format and how you feel about it. I'd love to hear thoughts on it and how it can be improved upon.


Enjoy the tunes!


-Bri

Local/Indie Music - "Collector" by Here We Go Magic

I'm going to admit that the first thing that got my attention about Here We Go Magic was their sweet band name. Hailing from Brooklyn, they recently signed with the amusingly-titled label Secretly Canadian and dropped their first full-length album on June 8th, with the track "Collector" as the first single.

So far through 2010, they've opened for impressive names such as Grizzly Bear and Beach Fossils and they're continuing their tour through the fall in the UK. When they come back to the states in the fall, I certainly plan to check them out live. You should too.

Here We Go Magic on MySpace.

International Spotlight - "Heavy Eyes" by Oh, Land

Oh, Land, a Danish cinematic electropop musician, has a very unique sound. She says "My goal is to sound like I'm from 2050, but still feel really classic, like the music is an old friend".

Drawing inspiration from her opera-singer mother, theater organist father and similiar artists such as Björk, Oh, Land is known for her live performances. With great energy, tons of instruments and toys, and some unique gadgetry, Oh, Land's live show is one to behold. She is currently in the middle of her US tour, so check it out while she's in the country. From what I've heard, it's a sight to behold.

Oh, Land Music Online.


Oh Land - Heavy Eyes

Oh Land | MySpace Music Videos

Shuffle Song - "Fuck You" by Cee Loo Green

After 4 people posted this video on Facebook with numerous responses and reactions from friends, I decided to watch it and see what it was all about. Cee Loo Green, or Thomas DeCarlo Caraway, has been involved in some big groups such as Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob, which is why you may recognize his voice on this track.

Producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter, Cee Loo Green has had a lot of exposure in the music world - doing backing vocals on TLC's "Waterfalls" and writing hit songs like "Closet Freak" for Timbaland - but he has just begun to explore a solo career. With a song like "Fuck You", he's off to a running start and his impressive career thusfar will carry him even further.

I don't normally like things this pop-y, but a girl's gotta splurge every once and a while, right? Plus, come on, it's pretty amusing in that immature college break-up kind of way.

Official Cee Loo Green Website.

Covers - "Hell" by Age of Rockets

Original: "Hell" by Tegan and Sara

I came across Age of Rockets when I attended a concert of theirs on a whim at Rockwood Music Hall in January of 2009. I was instantly blown away by their powerful stage presence, beautiful music and the incredibly interesting variety of instruments used during the set. Frontman Andrew Frutal began working on the project in 2003 and shortly thereafter won the John Lennon song-writing award in 2004.

In 2008, their sophomore album entitled Hannah was released. It reminds me very much of the Postal Service, however the lyrics have more depth and the music is mostly instrumental, without the heavily synthesized sound you get from Postal Service music.

Age of Rockets Online.



Watch the original by Tegan and Sara HERE.

New Favorites - "Post Acid" by Wavves

Wavves got me with the promise of a free MP3 download. Luckily for them, it was really good (unlike so many other, free MP3s) and now I'm officially a fan. Well done, sirs. This Lo-Fi/Punk/Noise Pop groups comes from San Diego, CA and most recently signed with Fat Possum Records. Two of the members had played with the late Jay Reatard, so you know they gotta be good.

They dropped their third album entitled King of the Beach earlier this month, and based on this first single, I think it may be worth a listen. They're already on tour to promote the album, so keep your eyes out for them across the US.

Wavves.net

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

Local/Indie Music - "Actor Out of Work" by St. Vincent

I first heard St. Vincent while I was living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was driving to work and heard her song "Actor Out of Work" on 88Nine Milwaukee and immediately pulled the car over and wrote down the song title and artist's name. Annie Erin Clark, otherwise known as the artist St. Vincent, is a multi-instrumentalist/vocalist artist from Oklahoma, who currently resides in New York City. She has played with artists such as Sufjan Stevens, The New Pornographers and has recently begun working with The Polyphonic Spree.

The thing that struck me most about this artist, who seems so immensely talented she should be on a major record label, was her insistence on staying indie - even at the expense of having a proper mainstream career. She believes art is art and once you sign a contract, you sign away control and that was the only thing she valued as an artist.

Not only do I think she is a brilliant artist, but this video is fucking brilliant, too. The title has never resonated with me as much as it does now - especially if you let the intensity of the emotion in this video hit you. Or not. Either way, it's powerful stuff.

IloveStVincent.com

International Spotlight - "Parlez-Vous Francais?" by Art vs Science

Art vs Science in an electro-pop/rock group from Australia in early 2008. They gained popularity with their second single "Hollywood" and eventually made it on the charts in Australia with their song "Flippers".

After their self-titled debut EP, they released "Parlez-Vous Francais?", which has gotten an amazing response in the music world. Their August headlining Australian tour in 2009 completely sold out and they have been named by XFM as one of the bands to watch in 2010.

Sorry about the mimes. Again.

Art vs Science on MySpace.

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

Shuffle Song - "I Don't Believe You" by the Thermals

The Thermals first caught my ear when I heard their catchy punk song "Here's Your Future" on an episode of Showtime's Weeds. It instantly became my summer time of 2009 anthem, for a good reason. They've got a punk/rock musical formula that you can either accept or reject for its simplicity - I choose acceptance.

This power trio from Portland, Oregon formed in 2002 and recorded their first album on a cassette recorder for around $10. The demo got passed through some channels and ended up in the hands of Ben Gibbard from Death Cab For Cutie & The Postal Service, who immediately signed the band. They've been touring/recording/rocking ever since.

Love the vid. Cute concept and quite amusing, too.

The Thermals Online.

Covers - "La Vie En Rose" by Louis Amstrong

Original: "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf

Who says covers have to be new in order to be ground breaking? There is nothing better than a musical legend covering another musical legend, in my humble opinion. Louis Amstrong covered "La Vie En Rose" by the amazing Edith Piaf, who popularized the song in 1946. This cover gained popularity in 2008 when it was used the soundtrack to the imensely successful animated film WALL-E. 


This jazz classic has been covered dozens of times, but I maintain that Louis did it the best next to Edith herself.



Another interesting version is by none other than pop-princess Cyndi Lauper. I'm not a huge fan of hers, generally speaking, but every once and a great while I hear a song by her that really stuns me. This might be one of them.

New Favorites - "The Mama Papa" by Plants and Animals

Plants and Animals originally hail from Montreal, Canada and have recently been making a name for themselves in the US. With their newest album La La Land, they've expanded upon their familiar post-classic rock sound to a harder, more modern indie/rock feel that is able to showcase their artistic range a bit better than in previous years, apparently.

Having just discovered them, I appreciate their sound without having a basis for comparison to their 'old' sound. Whatever they've done to expand their sound, I think it's working. This video is a bit too theatrical and silly for my taste, but I enjoy it nonetheless. It's a great song - just ignore the mime.

Plants & Animals Online.

Watch their music video HERE.

Local/Indie Music - "Crown on the Ground" by Sleigh Bells

"Is Brooklyn the new Seattle?" I think there has been enough evidence to suggest the answer to this question is inevitably - YES.

One Brooklyn-based group that has caught my ear lately is noise-rock/pop duo Sleigh Bells. Hardly 2 years since their original formation, Sleigh Bells is already starting to make a name for themselves and have already dropped their first album entitled "Treats" as of May 2010.

Alexis Krauss (vocals) was working at a Brazilian restaurant when Derek E. Miller (guitar, songwriter, producer) mentioned he needed vocals for a music project he was working on. They started collaborating and shortly thereafter, Sleigh Bells was formed. Their concerts are apparently high energy, wild and not to be missed. I hope to see them live sometime soon. You should too. Take a listen...

Sleigh Bells on MySpace.

International Spotlight - "Animal Arithematic" by Jonsi

Jón “Jónsi” Þór Birgisson is the lead singer of the post-rock Icelandic band called Sigur Rós, which went on an indefinite hiatus in early 2010. Jonsi isn't quite as ambient as Sigur Rós, but it's certainly in the same ballpark. Alternative-soft-rock goodness :)

Currently on a world tour promoting his album, "Go", Jonsi is coming the the US in the fall. Get your tickets ASAP as I'm sure most of his shows will be selling out.

Jonsi Online.

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

Shuffle Song - "Forced to Love" by Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene is a collaboration of artists that ranges anywhere from 6 to 19 members, depending on the album and the song being performed. All (or at least, most) of them hail from Toronto, Canada and have various side/solo projects that keep them busy most of the time, thus the band's self-referencing title. Members include artists from Stars, Valley of Giants and Junior Blue, among many others.

Forgiveness Rock Record is the fourth record by Broken Social Scene and features guest artists such as Feist and Spiral Stairs (from Pavement). The buzz surrounding the album is pretty intense, and for good reason. It's even been a shortlist nominee for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize. Love it.

Broken Social Scene Online.

Covers - "One More Cup of Coffee" by the Frazey Ford/The White Stripes

Original: "One More Cup of Coffee" by Bob Dylan

It is damn hard to cover a Dylan song. I'm hyper critical when it comes to covers of classics - sometimes they should just never be touched. Frazey Ford is gutsy enough to cover "One More Cup of Coffee" and her guts-i-ness paid off. Of course, its not better than Dylan's original, but it really does the song justice.

Visit Frazey Ford on MySpace.



Another version is done by The White Stripes. It's a very different version from Frazey Ford, which is softer and more melodic, but this one is very old country/rock and it really an amazing reconception of Dylan's original.

White Stripes Online.



Come to think of it, I think I like both of these a little bit more than the original. Judge me if you must, but they are damn impressive.

New Favorites - "Mouth Full of Diamonds" by Phantogram

Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel make of the duo known as Phantogram, which was officially formed in 2007. The two friends had been working with other artists for a while and then reunited, creating the electro-rock goodness that you're about to enjoy.

Thanks to their dance-friendly sound, they've opened for acts such as Ra Ra Riot, Zero 7 and Minus the Bear and more. They have a very established sound and formula for being around less than 3 years. It's in the ballpark of Blonde Redhead, but with a little more heart.

This music video is stunning and a little creepy. A little too cheesy for my taste, but I like the intent behind it. I could do without the profile head-turning, but whatevs.

Phantogram on MySpace.

Blalock's Indie/Rock Playlist

Local/Indie Music - "Let the Beat Build" by Nyle

This NYU student got things started early in his career when he was only a freshman with his first album called Frosh, which quickly became a cult sensation. Nyle has been touring on the East Coast ever since and his reputation and band of followers are building steadily. It's easy to understand when you see the talent in this video, and as far as I can tell, he's still in school. I'm really excited to see where his career will take him.

This video was shot in one take along with the audio you hear in the song as well. I believe all the musicians/performers are NYU students as well. Wow.

Visit Nyle Online HERE.

International Spotlight - "So Hung Over" by The Bedroom Philosopher

Originally from Melbourne, Austrialia, actor, musician, and comedian Justin Heazlewood started The Bedroom Philosopher in 2002 as performance persona for his comic/musical talents. The music is ironic-post-modern-rock-punk and is as self-aware as it seems. The latest album Songs from the 86 Tram includes songs about Australian self-loathing hipster culture, which mirrors American hipster culture in almost every sense, but hightened and a bit more pathetic (let's just be honest).

Have a laugh and take a look. If only I were Australian and were able to appreciate all the very obvious socio-cultural references being made in the song. Regardless, it's goddamn hilarious. Especially when he attempts to pedal away on the bike at the very end.

Justin Heazlewood aka - The Bedroom Philosopher on MySpace.

Shuffle Song - "Outta the Band" by My First Earthquake.

My First Earthquake formed in the late '06s in San Francisco. Their sound is very solid rock/punk combo that has since disappeared, when electronic/pop started gaining popularity on the early to mid-2000's, but with a fresh twist.  Fun, fast and brilliantly written, their first full length album Downstairs is quite impressive.

This music video was #5 on SPIN's Top 20 Best Music Videos of 2009. It's pretty great. Also, the band's name refers to when the leader singer/guitarist had their first song-writing session, Rebecca (the lead singer) experienced her first earthquake that day. Also, yes, there is sexual innuendo as well.

My First Earthquake online.

Covers - "Get Your Hands Off My Woman" by the Darkness

Original: "Get Your Hand Off My Woman" by Ben Folds

The Darkness were a flash of rock greatness and then disappeared in the late 2000's - a kind of one-hit wonder. I wish they had stuck around a bit longer because they have such an authentic 80s-rock sound that is hard to replicate without becoming pretentious or completely stuck in the past without sounding pathetic.

I love me some Ben Folds and this is one of his most amusing songs. I never thought it could be covered well, but somehow I really do enjoy this version a lot. It really just rocks. No music videos to speak of, but you can listen to it and compare it to the original, which is also brilliant. Gotta love men who sing in falsetto.

Visit the Darkness and Ben Folds online.



The original by Ben Folds.

New Favorites - "Short and Entertaining" by JAMAICA

JAMAICA is a new rock/pop duo that really has me excited. They have such a great old-school sound and yet a really amazing newness to them that is really nice to hear. I fell upon this song completely randomly and it's got me wanting to download their new album on iTunes (I never actually buy music online).  Give a listen and tell me what you think. I'm really loving everything about it.

I can't find out much about them other than that they're French and that most of their music is snyth-free, which I really think is smart and very impressive.

Check JAMAICA out.




JAMAICA - 'Short and Entertaining' VIDEO from bermudapants on Vimeo.

Local/Indie Music - "Please Don't Go" by Barcelona

Originally from Seattle, Washington, indie/rock group Barcelona has an amazing sound. With only three members in the band, they have a simple musical formula (which tends to be piano-heavy) and really is greater than the sum of it's parts.

Originally, the band created their own label called NBD in order to stay focused on writing and keeping their artistic control in tact. In 2008 they signed with Universal Records, but split from the major label in 2010. They quote other indie bands such as Lovedrug and Copeland as influences.

I could honestly listen to this song for a week straight. And the video is absolutely mesmerizing. I recommend clicking on the link and watching in full-screen HD. Enjoy.

Barcelona on MySpace.

Please Don't Go from Destinyzd on Vimeo.

International Spotlight - "Forget" by Vania and the Master

I don't know much about Vania and the Master besides that they are from Stuttgart, Germany. And that this song rocks my socks. The graphic design in this music video is tremendous as well - designed and animated by Michael Fragstein. Check it.

Vania and the Master on MySpace.

Michael Fragstein.


Forget from Michael Fragstein on Vimeo.

Shuffle Song - "Surprise Hotel" by Fool's Gold

I have honestly heard this song a million times this summer. In stores, on streets, on stereos driving down my block. It just appeals to everyone.

The members of Fool's Gold hail from Los Angeles, California and you can certainly tell. They have that Southwest, pseudo-Latino vibe happening in their music, but it doesn't overshadow their rock/pop roots. Happy, fun and just plain satisfying to listen to, I think "Surprise Hotel" is unofficially summer song of 2010. Plus, the video is just damn funny and pretty brilliant.

Fool's Gold on MySpace.