English quintet The Horrors have morphed quite a bit musically since their hard rocking debut, 2007’s Strange House. 2009’s Primary Colours dialed back the horror and channeled a softer (but still somewhat grim) new wavey 80’s sound with elements of synth-driven dance music. The Horrors’ new LP Skying, the band’s third record, is already out … Read more
But I know there is light Even in the shadows Wherever the sun goes I will follow, too Last year, I got divorced. Never thought it would happen to me, but things change, and people change. Mostly, everything changes when you’re married, whether you like it or not. And it all happens so damn fast. … Read more
If someone drew a visual representation illustrating the ways in which all indie bands are interconnected, the four musicians who make up Wild Flag would be in the same, tiny, intricately woven sphere of love. They have crossed paths countless times, eventually figuring out it can apparently be exciting to join musical forces and deliver … Read more
Of all the bands that played SXSW earlier this month, Boy & Bear have been voted most likely to succeed by more than a few in attendance. They seem completely poised to pop, with comparisons to everyone from Fleet Foxes, to Midlake, to those oh-so popular Mumford boys. Their catchiest song to date, “Rabbit Song,” is … Read more
Eddie Vedder and his magical uke are back at it once again, and this time it’s with some strings to accompany! He will release a new solo album, Ukulele Songs, on Tuesday, May 31st through Pearl Jam’s Monkeywrench Records. Just another exciting piece to help us celebrate his other project’s 20th anniversary. Ukulele Songs is … Read more
Fergus & Geronimo is Denton, Texas’s Jason Kelly and Andrew Savage. These are two talented guys that bonded over a mutual love of music, which ultimately led to the creation of their band, awesomely named after rival child gang leaders from the 1994 film, War of the Buttons. The band’s debut LP, Unlearn, is an … Read more
How did I fuck this up? I should have held my tongue. I usually say nothing or blurt out entirely too much. I’m sure many of you can relate — you know, the perfect formula for a common disaster. I don’t know the meaning of “just enough.” Singer-songwriter Jesse Thomas seems to have that same … Read more
Brooklyn’s experimental rock heroes TV on the Radio are back, and they are prepping for the release of a new record, their fifth full-length, Nine Types of Light (out April 12th on 4AD). To perk up excitement for the record (as if we needed anything at all), the fellas have provided fans with a free … Read more
How can I say this best? Today’s JOTD is Western roots-rock. Yup. You probably guessed that from the picture posted above, or at least it had you thinking, “What the hell is this?” Well, let’s all get out of our comfort zones and enjoy some Cory Mon & The Starlight Gospel! The first time I … Read more
Photo by Alicia J. Rose I rather adore that the bio for Portland’s seven-piece (yes, count ’em, seven), AgesandAges suggests that “church words” are the best way to describe its music. In fact, that same bio assures us that AgesandAges is not a cult. Good to know. Yet, I do get the comparison. The collective’s … Read more
Photo by BJ Warshaw After the experiences of nearly ten years as a band, Brooklyn-based noise-pop trio Parts & Labor are having a career-defining moment by delivering a catchy, blown-out masterwork. The bare essentials that made them sui generis totems of modern art-punk: synthesized keyboard riffs distorted into oblivion, percussion pummeled hypnotically, crackling drones that … Read more
Photo credit: Whitney McGraw Cotton Jones, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height of the 10 to Spin playlist you made for us last winter. I love thee to the level of your previous Pajammy Jam of the Day. I love you … Read more
Oh spare me today I’ve had enough of the hurry hurry It’s Monday. And yes, you need a little Young Galaxy in your life. I’m not sure if I’ve heard music like this in a while. That’s probably because I’m too obsessed with singer-songwriters, but hey, that story is for another day. Today, I’m caught … Read more
I remember listening to Matt Nathanson’s last album, Some Mad Hope, for the first time and thinking, “Boy, if the radio ever caught wind of some of these songs…” Well, to my surprise, pretty much everyone I know has now heard “Come On Get Higher,” and while that might not be Nathanson’s best song on … Read more
New wave. Indie pop. Shoe gaze. Those are the mixins’ for a delicious sound. California Wives is a band that continues to explore the ways these ingredients intertwine. And, I continue to anxiously await the debut LP, drooling like Pavlov’s dog each and every time the Chicago outfit releases another single. No album just yet, … Read more
Photo by Peter Ellenby For a high school English teacher like me (yes, I only moonlight as a music blogger), there’s really nothing that rocks my socks more than literary references – whether oh-so subtle or fiercely blatant – infused into song lyrics. That’s why, when I saw The Lonely Forest at Old Rock House … Read more
It’s December, which means you can start blaring that X-mas music, right? I mean, I saw a neon-green Santa today. And I heard an old dude at Burger King whistling “Silver Bells” while he ordered an Icee. It’s Christmas time in the city, I tell ya! This one’s a little different, though. It’s from Act … Read more
Former Dawes member, Alex Casnoff, has a new thing going. Having spent the past few years playing only other people’s music, he’s finally ready to birth his new musical baby, Harriet. The Los Angeles-based band is inspired by storytellers and filmmakers, and this influence can undoubtedly be heard on today’s Jam of the Day. Harriet’s … Read more
I don’t even know what the following poem means, but it was in the middle of the press release sent out announcing our Jam of the Day, “Rad Times,” by Black Bananas. Somehow it’s fitting before listening to the song. I’m your garbage collector I’ll turn your trash to gold What you cast off is … Read more