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