Posted on

Junior Boys – It’s All True


My friend Mario introduced me to the Junior Boys back in ’09, I liked them immediately. What’s not to like? Junior Boys possess a mellow energy which can motivate even the stodgiest downer to snap their fingers or dance manically behind closed doors. Now, its 2011 and yet another excellent album (Jeremy Greenspan and partner Matt Didemus’ fourth)has been released into the world. The LP It’s All True is the epitome of what I like about the Junior Boys. I am a fan for life. The last track on the latest album is “Banana Ripple“, and although the name is quirky the song isn’t. However, its another shining example of why I like the Junior Boys so much. Thanks again, Mario. Peace.

P.S. Plus you got to love the fact that these guys use a LZX Modular Video Synthesizer at a lot of their shows. How rad is that?

Junior Boys – Banana Ripple from Domino Recording Co on Vimeo.

Posted on

Houses – Soak It Up

Houses - Soak It Up

The duo Houses is the result, like many things in life, of chance and uncontrollable change. Like the old adage about how when life throws lemons your way you make … um, music. Maybe that’s not how it really goes, but for Dexter Tortoriell and Megan Messina it definitely went something like the aforementioned.  The track “Soak It Up” is like listening to the soft coupling of noises so pleasing, yet not easily defined, they enable you to shed whatever weight is tying you down. Kinda like the sound of a waterfall, a tumbling surf, or the soft soughing of the wind rustling leafy branches to and fro. Yeah, something utterly natural and soothing. I think I’ll have another listen and ease down into Houses baptismal of tranquility. Also, “Like” Houses on Facebook for band updates.


Posted on

Summer Camp – Better Off Without You

With the fundraising campaign behind them, Summer Camp has finally laid down their debut LP, Welcome to Condale. The album is scheduled to drop November 8th. Until the album gets here check out their infectious songs “I Want You” and “Down” I think you’ll like them. Elizabeth Sankey and Jeremy Warmsley have worked tirelessly to make Welcome to Condale a reality.  And like a close family friend (in my head) I am eagerly awaiting the birth of the duos rosy cheeked child, whom shall be christened Welcome to Condale. You’ve probably noticed the video for “Better Off Without You” just hanging out below. Check it out. Peace.

(Stream the full Welcome To Condale LP Via The Guardian)

Posted on

Battles – My Machines

Battles - Glass Drop

Die hard Battles fans learned a hard lessen. The band is doing a little more than alright without former front-man Tyondai Braxton. In many ways I like the new stuff better. Now, in its current state the music doesn’t seem like so much fungi growing amok in a petri dish. I have listened to the LP Glass Drop countless times and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. That’s saying something. But when there exists tracks like “Inchworm”, “My Machines” and “Wall Street” it is hard for the dust to settle. Now, with the release of the “My Machines” video, fans can watch the visual hijinks accompanying the über palatable audio that is Battles. Tyondai who? Peace.

Posted on

Childish Gambino Signs to Glassnote Records

Childish Gambino

How long has Childish Gambino been ripping it up with nowhere to call home (Label)? Well, now the wait is finally over. Don Glover aka Childish Gambino has signed to Glassnote Records. Gambino Heads can expect the rapper’s debut LP Camp to drop this fall. See, there really is a Santa Claus. To celebrate I’ve posted the word playalistic Freaks and Geeks video below.


Freaks and Geeks from Donald Glover on Vimeo.

Posted on

Hooray The Earth – Sails

Hooray For Earth

Dreamy and spliced with steady electric rainbow pulses. Yes, this is how my brain describes the NYC rock/synth foursome Hooray For Earth. Over the past several years the alternative music scene has witnessed the welcome return of the synth-driven band, and Hooray for Earth is among the top ensembles in this genre. On their first full-length debut LP front-man Noel Heroux and company have crafted some beauteous sound gems, filled with vibrant energy and scattered color schemes straight out of Jackson Pollock’s head. Although their album True Loves dropped earlier this year, if you haven’t listened to it your missing out. I have posted the video for the song “Sails”. The video is filled with twists and turns, with multiple permutations of a woman chasing herself down nearly vacant night time streets. It’s a bit surreal, kinda like Hooray for Earth’s music, but it’s all good. Peace



Hooray For Earth – “Sails” from Dovecote Records on Vimeo.

Posted on

Purity Ring – Loftcries

Purity Ring - Loftcries

I’m in a bit of a mood. A mood more akin to lighting candles and getting the massage oil all warm and NOT watching reruns of The Office. Can you blame me? The NYC duo Purity Ring can have that kind of affect on you. Especially when spinning their track “Loftcries”. This track showcases singer  Megan James’ seductively gossamer voice, draped adoringly over Corin Roddick’s other-worldly-synths, which are brain numbingly hypnotic. I pulled this one out of the vault. Can you blame me? Because in Michigan when the temperature drops what better way to warm up the ear drums. Peace.


Posted on

Cymbals Eat Guitars – Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name)

Cymbals Eat Guitars

The song “Rifle Eyesight” is a slow starter. Yet, , it picks up momentum and before its all over you are coming out of the other end of this one thoroughly drenched. Not really sure if that’s a good analogy, but at eight-plus minutes you’ll have plenty of time to figure it out. New York/New Jersey rockers Cymbals Eat Guitars are in fine form on their much anticipated sophomore release Alien Lenses. This time out Joseph D’Agostino and crew are channeling a plethora of influences from Jane’s Addiction, Pavement, and perhaps a tad bit of The Mars Volta. Whatever the recipe, from what I’ve heard this one in easily digested. Peace.


Posted on

Old Tapes – What I Need Tonite

Old Tapes

Old Tapes is one sexy band, no? Well, don’t take my word for it hustle right down below and check out the whole damn EP for yourself. From the first track until the last you’ll find it hard not getting a bit of Old Tapes for yourself. Well, maybe I’m being a bit pretentious but oh well, you can’t fault a man his weaknesses can you? The song “What I Need Tonite” is a dangerous song. Not because of its subliminal messages (there aren’t any, I think) but because it makes you want to be bad. But that’s alright. Because being bad can be oh so good. Peace.

This is Goodbye – EP by Old Tapes

Posted on

Josh Rouse and The Long Vacations – Oh, Look What The Sun Did

Josh Rouse and The Long Vacations

Everything about Josh Rouse’s music is laid back. Dare I say smooth? Like sipping on a pinch of Jameson while watching a magnificent magenta Michigan sunset on a Grand Haven or Traverse City beach. While I could go on for quite some time about how much I like everything about Mr. Rouse’s ability to craft songs that seem to fit the moment regardless of the time of year,  I won’t. I’ll say this though, the new album by Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations is perfectly suited  for these newly minted Autumn days and beyond. Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations’ self titled album is due out on September 27th. Check out the first single from their forthcoming album Oh, Look What The Sun Did. This song pays homage to our very distant flaming Zonje. Peace.