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Bon Iver – Beth/Rest Solo Piano Version

Bon Iver - Beth/Rest (Solo Piano Version)

Under normal circumstances I’m not one for surprises. However, like with most things in life there are those rare exceptions. Justin Vernor of Bon Iver is without a doubt an incredibly talented craftsman. What he does with chords and lyrics is nothing less than stellar. So, can his song craft get any better? Apparently so. Just when I thought he couldn’t take it to another level Mr. Vernon pulls a rabbit out of his hat. On his latest album Bon Iver, Bon Iver  the album closes with the song “Beth/Rest”. Now, even if you think the song is a bit grandiose it’s still a great song. Now, the surprise. Justin Vernon has taken this song and stripped it down to its bare bones, and what is left is pretty damn good, and that’s an understatement. Some people categorize Beth/Rest as a love song. Yes, it is a love song albeit a broken or a strained love song, and something wholly different too. It is almost a gospel musing with its naked spirituality, replete with declarations of something akin to a soulful throwing down of the gauntlet and taking a stance and confronting a thing head-on.

When Justin sings:

all the news at the door
such a revelry
well, it’s hocked inside
of everything you said to me

it was found what we orphaned
didn’t mention it would serve us picked
well your love is known
I’m standing up on it

aren’t we married?!
I ain’t living in the dark no more
it’s not a promise,
I’m just gonna call it…

This is the punch in the gut, it is a wake-up call. Whatever happened has come to the light of day. They either suffer and wrestle through it, or call it quits.

The song is now raw and intense and I can’t stop listening to it. Peace.


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We Are Trees – Boyfriend & Girlfriend

There is nothing quite as enjoyable as listening to beautiful music. Well, surely second to listening to gorgeous music is sharing such music with friends. We are friends, right? That is why I do what I do. Because getting the music out there is what I am all about. Take We Are Tress, the brainchild of James Richard Nee, and although I won’t go into a full-on bio or who most folks think the band sounds like.  I will proffer this, We Are Trees are in the vein of bands similar to say Grizzly Bear or even Bon Iver, stylistically speaking. It is music to chill to and provides the perfect backdrop to accompany such occasions as making out or maybe just cuddling with your favorite cuddle-buddy. I’ve posted both the Boyfriend (2010) and Girlfriend (2011) EPs. And I am going to highly recommend the track “Dear Chan Marshall”, because like Mr. Nee I too am a huge Chan Marshall/Cat Power fan. Peace.



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Midnight Conspiracy – Discord

Midnight Conspiracy - Discord

So you’re not a Mid Con fan yet? Well, maybe I can change that in a few minutes. If you like to party hard to the spastic beats that is electro-sound blasting music then this is your lucky day. Midnight Conspiracy is Mikul Wing and his partner Louis Kha. Formed over a year ago the dynamic duo have jettisoned to the top of Chicago’s mind bending dj scene. I could sit here and try to describe their music to you but it is always best to get the straight dope right from the proverbial horse’s mouth, so to speak that is. Let your ears perform their own due diligence, and if both of your ears are in perfect alignment then you’ll be rockin’ Mid Con in an iPod near you. Also, keep an eye out for their EP Discord which is set to drop September 27th. Peace.

P.S. Love the Crystal Castles remix.

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Sudden Weather Change – The Whaler

I love, among other things, guitar bands. While that may translate into something else to other folk, it basically means to me bands who employ lots of guitar work in their music. Simple enough, no? The Icelandic band Sudden Weather Change makes the cut when it comes to rockin’ the fuck out. To my ears their music is one part Sonic Youth and some ratio of The Pixies. Hey, that’s just what I think. That said, check out their song “The Whaler”. This 7″ EP was released June 19th of 2010 by Kimi Records. This album has two songs, “The Thinliner” and “The Whaler”. Let me know if this kicks butt or not. Also, check ’em out on Facebook for additional tracks. Peace. Continue reading “Sudden Weather Change – The Whaler”

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FM Belfast – How To Make Friends

FM Belfast - How To Make Friends

Hey, it’s Friday and to kick it off the best day of the work week I am posting the entire debut album of fun-rockin FM Belfast. FMB is one of those bands which instill perpetual happiness in whomever happens to listen to their music. At times channeling Dr. Seuss, and at other times sounding as if someone has spiked the punch with um…syrup (Ask Weezy). I like the simple structure of the songs, and although the lyrics can become nonsensical at times, it all comes together and somehow works in the end. This is the album which turned the heads of so many, and likely still winning over new fans even as I pen this. How To Make Friends is one of my favorite albums to listen too. Period. I have referred this album to I don’t know how many people since it’s initial release back in 2010, I almost feel like the bands unofficial unpaid publicist. Anywho, check it out and enjoy. Also, FM Belfast’s recent release Don’t Want To Sleep has been out since Mid-June and is laden with even more clever fun-loving music. Let the party begin. Peace



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Midnight Lion – All Greatness Stands Firm

Midnight Lion

I like “Rocky Music” music.  You know the type of music that makes you feel invincible, or has the innate ability to lift you up when your feeling down. You get the picture, right? Everyone has a song like this, and “All Greatness Stands Firm” by Midnight Lion could soon be your Rocky Song. Stewart Brock & Lewis Gardiner have a winning formula here, and I’m not sure if its the rigorous drums or the soul stirring vocals, mayhap both. Although this song is a little Pop-ish it still has a sound that is mostly counter mainstream. Give it a listen, and dammit whether or not you agree I’m still playing this song next time I need a little motivation. Peace.


Midnight Lion – All Greatness Stands Firm from Midnight Lion on Vimeo.

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Moombahton De Acero 3: Robots Jovenes – Young Robots

Moombahton De Acero 3: Robots Jovenes - Young Robots Records

Summer may be on its way out but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop. If you love music that gets your heart rate running like it’s being fueled by pure adrenalin, then check out this gaggle of re-mixes. Featuring Skinny Friedman and DJ Apt One, but known collectively as  Philadelphyinz. This is a great, albeit mini, compilation of party music. You know a lil sumpin sumpin to nod your head to while doing whatever you do. Click the player below and listen to re-mixes of Drake, Lil Wayne, and the likes of Soulja Boy. Crank it… XTRA LOUD!

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Modeselektor – (ft. Thom Yorke)

Modeselektor ft. Thom Yorke

Anyone who really knows moi is aware of my affinity for all things Radiohead in general, and my particular admiration for the genius that is Thom Yorke. So, when it was announced that Modeselektor would be featuring Thom Yorke on a few songs on its forthcoming album Monkeytown I was nonetheless elated. So, check out these two leaked gems, “Shipwreck” and “This”. True, Modeselektor is a force even without the added vocals of Mr. Yorke, but combining the two together makes for some pretty potent electric mojo. This only adds fuel to the fire that is my anticipation for the full length album. Hurry up already. Peace.

Here’s a run down on the tracklist:

1 Blue Clouds
Continue reading “Modeselektor – (ft. Thom Yorke)”

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Zechs Marquise – Getting Paid

Zechs Marquise - Getting Paid

How ironic, just last week I was talking with a friend (Kyle) about how I can’t wait until something new from the Mars Volta came out. Although Zech Marquise aren’t the Mars Volta however the proximity is close, super close. Zech Marquise brothers Marfred (bass) and Marcel (drums/keyboard) Rodríguez-López have a sibling in Omar Rodríguez-López , well you know who he is,right?  Nonetheless, since Zech Marquise 2009 debut of Our Delicate Stranded Nightmare, fans (me included) have been eagerly awaiting the release of the band’s sophomore album, which drops September 27th.

Below is just a sample to whet your appetite, and it has all the elements you have grown to expect from a  Zech Marquise project. Crank it LOUD!

P.S. Also, stream Zech Marquise’s previous LP Our Delicate Stranded Nightmare below.



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The Generationals – Ten Twenty Ten – Actor Caster

Generationals - Actor-Caster

Like most people I like fighters. I’m not talking about street brawlers or mixed martial artists. For me a fighter is someone who will not give up on their dreams, regardless. The Generationals  are such rarefied folk. After college unlike most of their peers they didn’t head off and find a safe job. Instead they chased a dream. Thumbs up to dream chasers the world over. Funny how life is, but regardless of the odds Ted Joyner and good friend and fellow band mate Grant Widmer are carving out a bright spot in the limelight. More than likely you’ve heard their Buddy Hollyesque song “Ten-Twenty-Ten”. But there is so much more to the Actor-Caster LP. One of my favorites is the song “I Promise”, with its jangling guitar mid-tempo beat, it makes me want to get out of bed and do something. The song is energetic without being pushy, in that is doesn’t try too hard to win me over. In a world of in your face posturing, one gets the feeling that these guys are really about having a good time doing what they like doing best, making good music. I also posted the “Ten-Twenty-Ten” video, you know at times its nice to have a visual to go along with you finger snappin’ and toe tappin’. And since the album dropped in March it is available now. Peace.


Ten-Twenty-Ten by Generationals from Jubadaba on Vimeo.