Category Archives: MP3’s

Women – Black Rice

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Today’s song of the day comes from Flemish Eye records’ up and coming band Women. “Black Rice” is a simple, lo-fi, catchy little pop rock song. Just some two note guitar riffs, a hint of glockenspiel and piano, the simplicity only leaves me wanting more. I’m interested in hearing the rest of the album when it comes out July 8th.

“Recorded by label-mate Chad VanGaalen and the band members, the 10 song, self-titled album by Women is an explosion out of the gates for this young band. Sometimes light and spacious, at other times eerie and dense with an ominous weight, this debut flirts with the noisy beauty of the Velvet Underground and effortlessly toys with the intricacy and playfulness of Deerhoof as crude percussion beats out a pulsing tattoo of clatter.” – from their press page.

But don’t take their word for it, listen yourself and check out their website for another track.

MP3: Women – Black Rice

If you live in or near Canada, try to catch one of their shows:
June 11 :: Winnipeg, Royal Albert
June 12 :: Saskatoon, Little Pictures
June 13 :: Calgary, Broken City
June 14 :: Edmonton, The Velvet Underground
June 14 :: Calgary, Marquee Room
June 16 :: Kelowna, Whitehouse Productions
June 17 :: Victoria, Lucky Bar
June 20 :: Vancouver, Little Mountain Studios
June 21 :: Vancouver, Hoko’s
June 24 :: Lethbridge, Knights of Columbus Hall
June 26 :: Calgary, Broken City
Website | Pitchfork’s Review | Myspace |

Breaking News: Bonnaroo Site Countdown Wrong???

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Since Indie Muse doesn’t really do breaking music news, I thought it would be fun to find a niche, taking a rather petty thing and making it into something much bigger. So here we go.

If you go to Bonnaroo.com, the Official website for Bonnaroo Music Festival, you will see their infamous “Countdown” to Bonnaroo. The only problem. It’s wrong. At the time of this posting, it is Monday, 2:12 AM. The Countdown says there is 1 Day, 21 Hours, 48 Minutes, 28 Seconds until Bonnaroo.

One day equals 24 hours, meaning there are, more or less, 46 Hours until Bonnaroo, according to this Countdown. That means that the gates would be opening at about 12 AM Wednesday. In actuality, the gates don’t open until 7 AM Thurday morning. What does this all mean? It means panicked hippies either saying “Durr, forget it, I’m not going. Pass the joint bro” after seeing on the site (if they can spell the url correctly) it was earlier than they thought (if they remember at all), or a mob of angry hippies showing up in their Jerry Garcia memorabilia 31 hours early. Either way, it’s bad news.

I suppose this is what happens when a stoner company hires a stoner programmer to make an application for stoner customers so they don’t forget to show up. What has the world come to? We will give you an hourly update as the story unfolds. We contacted Bonnaroo headquarters at 2:16 AM to hear their side of the story, but as of 3 AM they have yet to reply. What are you hiding Bonnaroo? This is Indiemuse.com. Akhil, back to you.

Six Songs From Bands Performing at Bonnaroo 08:

Iron & Wine – Resurrection Fern

Rogue Wave – Eyes

Ben Folds – Late

Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma

MGMT – Destrokk

Jack Johnson – Posters (live at Bonnaroo)

My Favorite Musician: Cat Stevens

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When talking with friends, I always show a lot of Wilco love, to a point where anyone would reasonably assume that Wilco is my favorite band. I’ve even convinced myself. But in truth, as much as Wilco will always hold a special place in my heart, I can’t say they are my absolute favorite. Not over Cat Stevens. I am in love with his older music (sorry Yusuf). Even though I listen to Wilco more regularly, and overall probably like more of their songs than Stevens, the songs of Cat Stevens that I do like, are earth shattering. They are simply the best songs I have ever heard before.

I go through phases of listening to his music, but when I get hooked, I get hooked hard. This time around, The Shivers triggered it, by me listening to their song “SoHo Party.” You may not expect it from lyrics at the beginning of the song, I would say:), but it turns into an amazing cover of Cat Stevens “The Wind.”

You are probably familiar with Stevens’ hit songs. I would say, spend this weekend listening through them. See if it sparks anything. And hey, maybe he just isn’t THAT artist for you, in the same way he is for me. That’s cool. Let me know who that artist is for you, and I’ll check them out.

The philosophy behind change really fascinates me. Look at the difference.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DFp00tnSv4&feature=related[/youtube]

This is even better then the above link. Couldn’t embed.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDBoZfuwIVQ&feature=related[/youtube]

The Great Cat Stevens:

Cat Stevens – The Wind

Cat Stevens – Sitting

Cat Stevens-Where Do the Children Play?

Cat Stevens-Father and Son

Cat Stevens – Trouble

Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman (Extras anyone?)

Yusuf – Maybe There’s A World
Covers n Stuff:

Elliott Smith – Trouble

The Shivers – SoHo Party

The Braids – The Wind (This is by far one of the worst covers I have ever heard. Enjoy!)

Fun Fact:

When the Flaming Lips first wrote “Fight Test,” there was a element that reminded them of Cat’s Stevens’ “Father and Son.” They changed it up, and like Wayne says, if he hadn’t mentioned it, nobody would have made the connection. Regardless, he told magazines about it, Cat Steven’s publishing company found out, and now the company owns 30% of the song. Sad, but funny. I wonder if they make 30% of the iTunes Original track where Wayne talks about it?

The Cat Stevens Connection (Flaming Lips iTunes Original)

Flaming Lips – Fight Test

Mini Mix

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Earlier on this year I had a New Year’s resolution that failed about 2 months in. Maybe it was too ambitious or maybe I’m too lazy, but regardless, posts on our blog have been running thin. I’m going to revise my resolution and instead of listening to an album a day I will post a miniature mix every weak instead consisting of five songs. Here are five songs that I like and I hope that you like them too:

MP3: Islands – The Arm

MP3: Fleet Foxes – Ragged Wood

MP3: No Age – Things I Did When I Was Dead

MP3: Ratatat РBrule̩

MP3: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Lie Down in the Light

Islands | Fleet Foxes | No Age | Ratatat | Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy

The Shivers – Beaks To The Moon

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I’ve been listening to the Shivers music for several years now. They do a great job balancing the familiar with the unfamiliar. The diversity of their albums and songs take me from something that I feel comfortable with to something that is new, angst, and generally unpleasant. But then, by the time it really starts to bug me, it’s gone. It becomes easier to breath again.

I think that it what draws me to the Shivers so much. The singer/guitarist of the Shivers, Keith Zarriello, has proven that he knows the difference between what is pleasant to the ears and what isn’t. When it comes to folk melodies, The Shivers are among the best; they very rarely mess up harmonic instrumentals. So why intentionally veer from that into uncomfortable, loud clashing?

[vimeo 1090710]

That’s the beauty of The Shivers. They are musicians who simply don’t care what you want. They know, I would think, that some of their music makes them lose listeners. Those listeners who enjoy their mellow music aren’t going to necessary like their more experimental songs. But the Shivers are okay with that. They are not going to alter their vision to sell more records. By not allowing the listener to influence their music, they are able to stay true to their music, and say and play what they want. Think about how many songs about pain are so pleasantly played instrumentally. Is that always what pain feels like? Keith knows it’s not.

Sure, this could sound like justifications for bad talent. Once you listen to the Shivers music though, and their new album, Beaks to the Moon, you will realize that’s not the case. The Shivers make beautiful, honest music. At times, the truth, or at least Keith’s truth can hurt or be undesirable, but this album is wonderful to listen to. In my opinion it has a perfect balance.

Beaks to the Moon (2008):

The Shivers – Lonely Road

The Shivers – Love Is Good

Album- Charades (2004)

The Shivers – Beauty

The Shivers – L.I.E.

The Shivers – SoHo Party (This is an example of the diversity I’m talking about. Listen through whole song)

Album- Phone Calls (2007)

The Shivers – The Road

The Shivers – Half Invisible

The Shivers – New Direction

Site| Amazon | iTunes | Myspace | 911 Truth (This ones for you, Keith)

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Song of the Day – 5/30/08

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Well, it’s been a ridiculous month for all of us here. I’ve been getting done with school, making that annual trip home to Wisconsin and putting together a new band for the summer. Most of all, though, I’ve been hearing totally great music. My apologies for not letting you in on my level sooner, but here we go.

Sign this band:

Just a block from my house, Great Scott is a fantastic bar for hearing new indie music in a comfortable atmosphere.  I have no qualms about running down the street on a dull night and checking out what may be my new favorite bands. That’s  just what happened with Boston’s own You Can Be A Wesley. I knew a few of these kids from classes and around campus, but had no idea that they were as original, creative and tight as found. Song after song (even a Cardigan’s cover) I was enthralled–not only by the music but the uncontrollable energy: happiness, eminating from the stage.

I managed to lock down one of their brilliant ep’s, Feed The Moon, Starve The Sun. Recorded sometime in 2007, the EP displays the usual characteristics. It is smooth, interesting and most of all, they’ve continued to improve in a serious way. Their live show surpasses their formidable ep in every way. While Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun definitely kicks a lot of ass, I can’t wait to hear its live interpretation.

As a band, the group is superbly understanding of what roles each member plays. A large part of truly original music is the understanding of placement. The bass and drumming are efficient and purposeful. On lead guitar, Winston MacDonald has foresight, to say the least. Using the right notes, and only the right notes, the solos and fills come out in triumphant fashion giving the impression that these kids in their early twenties are much much more mature. Saara, a wonderful presence, fulfills her duties as a lead singer and guitarist with admirable intensity. Her voice has a beautiful, piercing quality that can only be described as “addictive.”

They can remind me of BSS, Built to Spill and any number of bands while still maintaining their own energy. The most important thing to remember with a group like this is how young they are. In such a short time they’ve developed an organization and ambition that will continue to bear fantastic results. When I say “Sign This Band.” it’s because they’re just waiting to be found.

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun”

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Balloon Head”

MP3: You Can Be A Wesley – “Summerhomes”

Support You Can Be a Wesley: Home | MySpace

Wesley is going to be touring the east coast in August, so if you can, check em out!

Sunny Levine – Love Rhino

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I came across Sunny Levine’s music a few weeks ago, and haven’t stopped listening since. He has a lot of influences, it’s hard to make an exact comparison to other musicians. Songs like “Relations” bring to mind Dave Matthews. Other songs remind me of Jack Johnson, but less acoustic based. At times, I also hear Beck a little. Even if you aren’t a fan of Matthews or Johnson, check out Levine. He has his own sound.

Levine’s recently released solo album, Rhino Love, is Californian electro/soul reggae/pop. I like most of the songs on the album, the only one I really dislike is the single for the album, “Daylight.” It sounds like a single. The rest of the songs range from decent to great. I’ve been listening to “Love Rhino” the most. I really like “Relations,” “Glass Jaw,” and the banjo in “Love On The Rocks.”

Sunny Levine is from Santa Monica, California. His family is deeply involved with the music industry, as his grandfather is Quincy Jones, his father is Stewart Levine (Simply Red, Joe Cocker, B.B. King, Dr. John, Minnie Ripperton, and Jamie Cullum), and his uncle is producer QD3 (Tupac Shakur, Ice Cube). Love Rhino is out on Quango Records. He was in the band Mata Hari for a short time a decade ago, but before releasing this solo album, has mostly been producing (The Happy Mondays, Mickey Avalon, Pete Yorn, and Hugh Masekela).

Love Rhino (2008):

Sunny Levine – Love Rhino

Sunny Levine – Relations

Site | Amazon | iTunes | Myspace | KCRW

New Maps & Atlases Song

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Maps & Atlases have released a new song via Myspace titled “You And Me And The Mountain” from their upcoming EP of the same name due out June 15th on Sergent House Records. The four Chicago lads first EP Trees, Swallows, Houses was re-released last year and it’s blend of Don Caballero noodling and tapping, poppy drum beats and wacky vocals made it one of the most fun records of the year. The new song isn’t as instrumentally impressive or wild but is catchy nonetheless. If you wanna hear some of the coolest tapping guitar work, listen to “Every Place Is A House” from their first EP. Here you go.

 

“You And Me And The Mountain” On Myspace

“Every Place Is A House” from Trees, Swallows, Houses (2007)

 

Electric President – Sleep Well

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I’ve always been a big fan of the electronic/pop duo Electric President. I still listen to their 2006 self-titled release all the time, and one member, Ben Cooper, has a really neat solo project called Radical Face. An obvious comparison for Electric President, for those who need it, is the Postal Service, though Electric President combines electronic with real instruments.

Electric President have a new album coming out June 24 (digitally, June 6) called Sleep Well. I’ve been previewing it over the last few weeks, and even though I don’t like it as much as their debut album, it contains some great songs.

The best songs on the album include “We Will Walk Through Walls,” “Robophobia,” “Ether,” and “It’s like a Hearbeat, Only It Isn’t.” “We Will Walk Through Walls” is by far my favorite—I can’t stop listening to it. “Ether” is a beautiful instrumental, one of the best I have heard in a while. The song adds a lot to the album and is one of the reasons I love Electric President so much. The guys are passionate about music, and it comes through in their songs. I feel great when listening to them. This is definitely going to be one of my summer albums.

Electric President is Ben Cooper and Alex Kane. They are based out of Jacksonville, Florida and signed to morr music. I know more about Ben because of his solo project, Radical Face, and I would highly recommend you check out his blog. Though he doesn’t update it all that often, it’s really enjoyable to read, and he often shares extra songs and instrumentals he creates. One of his posts from 5 months ago was about his piano:

But a couple weeks ago, something lame happened — my piano died. I’ve had this piano for about two years. It cost me nothing. There was an ad in the local paper saying “Free Piano If You Are Willing to Pick it Up and Move It Yourself.” It was an old flat top wurlitzer upright, and it sounded like a haunted house. The people just wanted it out of their living room. I was happy to oblige.

 

These guys are awesome. Please support them when the album drops in June.

Sleep Well (2008):

Electric President- Monsters

S/T (2006)…recorded in 2004-2005:

Electric President- Grand Machine No. 14

Electric President – Good Morning, Hypocrite

You Have The Right To Remain Awesome EP(2006):

Electric President -Wearing Influences On Our Sleeve-less T-Shirts

Radical Face – Ghost:

Radical Face- Welcome Home, Son

Radical Face – Wrapped in Piano Strings

Site| Amazon | iTunes| Myspace

 

 

 

Fleet Foxes – S/T

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Sub Pop is continually discovering new talent and doesn’t waste time getting bands signed to their label. One of their most recent additions is the band, Fleet Foxes. They can be compared to My Morning Jacket and another folk/pop band that we recently featured, the Born Ruffians. There is actually a striking similarity between Fleet Foxes and Born Ruffians, so much so that, at times, a listener might think they are the same band. Their band histories are also similar, in that both chose to alter their bands’ course and focus on harmonies.

“White Winter Hymnal” is my favorite song on their upcoming self-titled June 3rd release. It contains, by far, the best harmony on the album. I’m obsessed. The album has its strengths and weaknesses, as some tracks are a bit dry and drawn out towards the end of the album, like “Meadowlark” and the harmonies can feel misplaced. I definitely enjoy the first half of the album more than the second half. Overall, though, I still really enjoy this band, and their good songs are excellent.

Fleet Foxes is based in Seattle, and band members include Robin Pecknold, Skye Skjelset, Nicholas Peterson, Casey Wescott, and Christian Wargo. They will be heading out on a large tour soon, so be sure to check out for dates near you. Also, until the new album releases you can get your fix by buying their EP Sun Giant which just came out in April. The songs are different than the ones on their upcoming debut.

Fleet Foxes -S/T( June 2008)

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes – Tiger Mountain Peasant Song

Sun Giant EP:

Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

iTunes | Amazon | Myspace |Label| The Stranger (Seattle coverage; interview)