Awesome New Republic, aka ANR, melds all that is good from bands like Menomena, Animal Collective, Yeasayer, and the hey-day era of Depeche Mode. The band is comprised of John Hancock & Brian Robertson, fellow graduates from The Frost School of Music, formerly the University of Miami's music program.
Unlike this writer, the fellows have taken their practical college education, and applied it to the real world. "Stay Kids" is like a genial by-product of Paul Simon's "Graceland" impregnating Hawthorne, California's favorite sons' "Pet Sounds", with a modern day spin. Check out my favorite track, from an all together great album, "It's Around You".
Forgetters is Blake Schwarzenbach's latest project. I hope this one lasts longer than his last project, Thorns of Life, which I quite enjoyed as well. Rather than ramble on about whether or not this new material sounds more like Jawbreaker, or more like Jets to Brazil, I'll let you listen to "The Night Accelerates" below.
Blake is joined by former Against Me! drummer Kevin Mahon and bass player Caroline Pacquita. Seems like the same type line up as Thorns of Life, but I haven't confirmed if his bassist was part of the ensemble cast of "The L Word"?
One thing I can be certain about is, that Blake continues to build on his prolific punk rock legacy, with this self-titled EP courtesy of Too Small to Fail Records. Forgetters will be playing two L.A. shows next month. This aging music nerd is left to decide which night he will be attending? The 22-year old version of me, would have no-doubtedly already bought tickets for both.
The Swedish trio continue their mission to prove to everyone, that they will be known for being more than just a one hit wonder. Here's the opening track to the forthcoming Peter, Bjorn, and John album, which has a release date of April 5th (March according to their official site). I'm reserving judgement until I get a real good listen to the follow up to 2009's "Living Thing", titled "Gimme Some", but the catchiness and harmonies we've come to expect from these three Swedes can be heard in "Tomorrow Has to Wait", below.
You can pre-order "Gimme Some" here. Visit the official site here.
Here's the album opener from the forthcoming Tapes 'N Tapes album, titled "Outside". Check out the fantastically rousing "Badaboom" below. The album as a whole has me hearing tinges of old David Byrnes/Talking Heads. Give a listen, and check out our Top Ten Albums of the year list below as well. "Outside" will be released on January 11, 2011. You can pre-order it HERE.
(10)The Way Out - The Books - I like found sounds. I like The Books. Highlight of this album, "Free Translator".
(9)Treats - Sleigh Bells - After hearing what this act was comprised of, my gut instinct told me to dislike this at all costs! Until I heard "Kids" & "Rill Rill".
(7)First Four Ep's - OFF! - This punk rock all star team puts out 16 tracks, each clocking in under 2:00 minutes. Nostalgia is nice.
(6)High Violet - The National - For me personally, I enjoyed this more than their last release. Dark never sounded so comforting.
(5)The Brutalist Bricks - Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - I was fist-pumping to this one all year. Ted makes NJ proud. Highlight song on this album for me, was "Bottled in Cork".
(4)Halcyon Digest - Deerhunter - I've always thought Deerhunter was an acquired taste, that took a little effort to really appreciate, as far as full albums go. I quite enjoyed this one though, and a few tracks even made my father question' "What's this?"
(3)Majesty Shredding - Superchunk - The much needed album from one of my favorite bands of all time, was highly welcomed in 2010. Mac & Co. showed they certainly still had the chops that I grew up hearing.
(2)The Suburbs - The Arcade Fire - The band of Canadians can seemingly do no wrong in my book. The exclamation point on this album, was my favorite music video experience of the year.
(1)My Beautiful, Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West - Yeah, I guess he's kind of an asshole, but Taylor Swift is a whore, no? I only keep up through TMZ. This album just has the goods. Highlight of the album for me, "Blame Game" featuring Aphex Twin sample.
Here's two tracks to fuel your Tuesday, holiday struggles. The first is a great track from The Crystal Castles, with The Cure's Robert Smith on vocals. Check out "Not in Love" below.
"Not in Love (featuring Robert Smith)" by The Crystal Castles
Secondly, we have a great track from a local L.A. band called Full Frontal. Check out their Facebook page, for show info and more tracks. Recommended if you like The Horrors, Joy Division, and Bauhaus. Check out "Suitcase or a Coffin" below.
Here's the new single from Basement Jaxx titled "Dracula". Also on here, Jason Segel singing "Dracula's Lament" from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". You decide which Dracula song you like better.
Unrelated to Vampires, you should check out www.bookofbandnames.com. Its a site that hilariously suggests fictitious band names for struggling artists. Just click it.
CLICK HERE for front page and full list of track postings.
No excuse. I hate myself for not posting anything new in so long. And with lots of music out there I really like. Coming soon. Been working on another site, that is a writing project, with a few friends. Instead of a book of baby names, we're writing and compiling a Book of Band Names. Check out www.bookofbandnames.com. Do it. Write us. Use the suggestions. Don't be so cruel.
