Shock Mountain

My second artist submission comes from the Toronto, Ontario based band, The Isosceles Project. Those of us who are geometry inclined can deduce that there are three members to this young andf vocal-less Progressive Rock band. To my knowledge, they are quite unknown, having only 11 listeners on Last.fm. Their small following should definitely not be a deterrent from checking out this album though. Fast and in your face riffs compounding to create soundscapes, over sophisticated and fast drumming, and funky bass lines makes this band have a very concrete sound. One second, you’re listening to an intricate and smooth guitar melody, the next you are propelled into a world of spazztic storming guitars and blast beats that would have no problem impregnating your mom. In all seriousness, Eric Euler can shred like no other and it is demonstrated in this, their first proper release. This is the kind of underground band that makes me wish that I lived in their city. Like, does it not bum you out that shitty bands are touring the country over and over, but artists who are actually good are kept under the radar until out of sheer luck or determination do they get the accolades they deserve. Hopefully, this posting will generate some buzz and some other blogs will post this because this band definitely deserves it.

Myspace

GREAT POKEMON OR THE GREATEST?

I felt like uploading the song that this blog shares a name with. This is definitely for fans of Deerhunter’s Turn It Up Faggot, or those who especially liked Lake Somerset off of Cryptograms. It’s definitely a more raw sound but has a groove to it that is inexplicably enticing. The four songs leave me feeling somewhat unfulfilled simply becasue my appetite for this sound is insatiable. Yes, this is the third Deerhunter related post I have made, but find me a band in the Shoegaze scene that is more prolific and talented . . . seriously, can you?

Myspace

Cole Alexander of The Black Lips sometimes likes to record under the pseudonym Old King Cole Younger. This is the case with his split with Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, who records under the pseudonym Atlas Sound. Great Garage Rock but not as good as the other side of the split, in my opinion.

Myspace

Glissade is a band based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. I honestly know very little about this band other than the fact that they put out a very under appreciated Shoegaze album in 2008. It’s an interesting mix of build-up Post Rock and meditative Shoegaze that leaves the listener in a strange feeling of anxiousness.  Further seems to be a fitting title because it’s exactly what the band is trying to accomplish. Push their art into a wider spectrum and to a broader audience. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an up and coming Shoegaze band.

Myspace

Exile is a DJ out of Los Angeles, California. I know what you’re thinking: Who isn’t? The difference here is that this is one of the most brave and fun albums I have ever heard. Almost every sound on this record, if not all of them, are radio samples. This makes room for some incredibly intricate vocals and abrupt halts. The album in itself is set up so that you are actually listening to the radio. Songs will morph from one to another, leaving the listener to be perpetually mindfucked with a complete different sound. Smooth electronics are mixed with talk radio clips and backing vocals. Incredibly great driving music, no pun intended. Yet, despite all of the seemingly randomness to his samples, there is a definite narrative to each one of these songs. This album is a series of statements that Exile seems to be making to the entire world or whoever is willing to hear him out before changing the station.

One of the best albums that 2009 has brought me thus far.

Myspace

Bell Orchestre are a instrumental band based out of Montreal, Canada. Featuring two members of Arcade Fire, two members of The Luyas, a member of Snailhouse, and someone named Kaveh Nabation (in no other band WUT A FAG, AMIRITE?) on trumpet and harmonica, the band sets out to release their second full length album. Their first release, Recording a Tape The Color of Light, was recorded in 2003, but it was not released until 2005 since members were touring with the exponentially growing Arcade Fire at the time. People often tag this as Post Rock, although I just think of it as what chamber music would sound like if it were put into rock form. The percussion on this album is incredibly spot on and the brass sections have a radiance that is so powerfully backed up by the strings, that it seems almost too good to be true. This is the type of music you listen to and think to yourself “Of course, why didn’t I think of that?”, because everything about this album makes sense. It’s definitely one of the most cohesive and strong albums I have heard this year.

This album is scheduled to be released on 3/10/2009.

Myspace

Yesterday, I bought the following albums on vinyl:

Abe Vigoda – Reviver

Elliott Smith – Either/Or

Elliott Smith – XO

Mi Ami – Watersports

The total cost was $55

I’m curious as to what YOUR opinion is on buying music. Seeing as how anyone that visits this site is in favor of downloading illegally, what are you looking for when purchasing? Do you prefer digital downloads (iTunes Store, Amazon, etc.), CD’s, or Vinyl? What needs to be present in order for you to spend your hard earned money on supporting an artist?

Please leave your replies in the comment section below.

PS: TWO WEEKS STRONG!!!

(The Sounds Of) Kaleidoscope are a Philidelphia based band incorporating elements of Post Punk, Shoegaze, and modern Indie Rock. Upon reading the band’s myspace about me, I was taken aback by this “what started out as a basement 4track operation involving vaccuum cleaners as rhythm sections has slowly grown into a solid body of work ”. Needless to say, their sound is much more honed nowadays, but that should give you some idea as to the inventiveness that this band relies on. Since their inception nearly four years ago, the band has played with many notable artists such as The Fall, J. Mascis and the Fog, Indian Jewelry, Rogue Wave, and The Black Lips. I really don’t know how these guys aren’t more popular because this album is very good.

Myspace

This past summer, my friend, Adam, had a broken disc drive and a bunch of cd’s that he needed on his computer. So, I was happy to take the files and upload them. Among the albums were two releases by the Louisville, Kentucky based band, Mountain Asleep. Since having their first show 2 years ago, they have played a total of 68 shows so far. I saw them briefly at Berea Fest, but definitely had a more accurate depiction of them at D.I.T. Fest. Honestly, it was one of the most amazing musical performances I have been to. Since I had more time to listen to them before seeing them for a second time, I was extremely excited to see them. Their lead singer, Jake Snyder, was completely nuts and energetic making the entire crowd just burst out. Everyone in that room was having the most awesome time and everyone was aware of the fact. It is what music is meant for; it’s about bringing people together to enjoy the fact that you’re alive. My friend Adam went on to tour with Mountain Asleep, with his band Two Hands Fool. Also, my good friend Ben somehow knew them and invited them to go to a party at my friend’s house in Chicago. Fast and passionate punk never hurt anyone, in fact, it’s pretty damn fun. I can’t stress enough how amazing they are live and if there is ever a chance for you to see them, please do. I’m sure the ticket will be cheap and the crowd will be fun.

SUPPORT D.I.Y.!!!

Myspace

I’m sure you have all heard of Danny Boyle’s latest movie, Slumdog Millionaire. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly encourage you to either download it or go to a theater.  The music on this album is as awe-inspiring as the cinematic shots and actor’s performances. With three tracks by Sri Lanka born artist M.I.A. and the rest filled by composer A.R. Rahman, this soundtrack holds it down. Tribal beats and Indian music make this bollywood release burst with excitement and life. With a wide range of feelings on every track, there is something for everyone.

I am very proud to announce this blog’s first artist submission. inbirdseye is an Indie Rock band out of Elkhart, Indiana. The band has had a myspace profile for just under a month but they already have 5 shows lined up and 3 well produced songs. I don’t know what other bands these members have been a part of, but it’s clear that they aren’t new to the scene. The guys asked me to upload their song “They Won’t See”, which has an incredibly cool drum line. The guitars have a very dreamy texture to them and strings are contantly being bended. The vocals are very whispery and the chorus is as endearing as a morning sunrise. It makes me so happy to be able to post such a promising up and coming artist in the first of what I hope to be multiple artist submissions.

Myspace

Those who have been loyal followers of mine since my old blog are no strangers to Paul Baribeau. Paul is a very active force in the D.I.Y. Folk Punk scene. His songs are from the heart and his voice is incredibly sincere. Utilizing lots of palm-muting he has created his own unique style of playing. This album, which features Ginger Alford of Good Luck, is compiled entirely of Bruce Springsteen covers. He is releasing this in conjunction with a tour that they are going on together. They’re coming to Cleveland at the end of March and I am definitely going to pick this album up. If you don’t like Bruce Springsteen, at least download this for Paul’s beard.

Myspace

Touch & Go Records. You shall be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Official Website

This is a band that really needs no introduction. Thursday, for better or worse, effectively changed the face of underground music. Having been born out of the screamo scene, they formed out of New Jersey over ten years ago. Lead Singer, Geoff Rickley, often held basement shows with the likes of You & I, Saetia, and Pg. 99. Their initial sound was gritty and raw, something that is ever present on their most recent release. Yesterday, Thursday had a day off from touring and to coincide with their release, they gave out their phone number. Fans called in and left mesages through an online service and many of them were called back by the band themselves. I mean, what bands do you know of that are willing to do something like that for their fans? I believe that more artists should do this on release dates, because I’m sure it’s a boost to sales of not only albums, but also tickets to shows. The band are completely fine with you pirating their art, which is even more reason to support these awesome guys who have given the past 12 years of their life to people like us.

Official Website