WATCH: Spirit Animal - "The Black Jack White"

Whoa, it's been a while since I posted anything new. And having been on vacation and swamped at work, I've, obviously, missed a lot of great new happenings in the world of music.

Take for example this new thing called the "Black Jack White." Our friends in Spirit Animal premiered the new video for their single "The Black Jack White" on MTVu a few days ago, and it's a good time. Having been available on YouTube for the past three days, I must admit the fact that it's only been viewed just 392 times at this writing is a real head-scratcher. Why? Because the men of Spirit Animal (vocalist and moog striker Steve Cooper, drummer Ronen Evron, bassist Paul Michel, and guitarist Cal Stamp) know thing or two about style, rock, funk, and crafting a magnet of a groove.

LISTEN: Lunar Maria - Beginnings

Camera shy.

Lunar Maria is the new project from Bluejay's Matthew Livick. And while it recalls the sound of that band to an extent, this solo venture illustrates the impressive scope of his artistic vision as he both wrote and performed every part on Lunar Maria's debut, a 2-song EP entitled Beginnings, which was released yesterday. It's an anthemic, electrifying set of electro pop that leaves little to be desired.

The EP's second track "Roger" is like Passion Pit, Peter Gabriel, and Talking Heads hanging out with its layers of synthesizers framing wily guitar riffs and progressions. Take that for what you will as I haven't slept much recently -- so I may be crazy -- but I can say with certainty that it's slick, fun, a pinch abstract, and quietly profound to make for a strong debut.

Livick is donating every cent earned on the release to The Trevor Project. Grab/hear the whole thing below.

LISTEN: HAERTS - "Wings"

There's something inherently uplifting about '80s pop, especially the kind that isn't sugarcoated with charm to cover a lack of substance. It feels so effortless and yet so passionate -- which happens to make it all the more infectious. And with elements of dream pop and new wave, you can't help but get sucked in. If you're wondering what I'm even talking about -- sometimes I wonder myself -- go ahead and spin the stellar "Wings" by HAERTS below. It makes me think of something like Fleetwood Mac collaborating with The Cars.

LISTEN: Cemeteries - "The Wilderness"

MP3: Cemeteries - "The Wilderness"

The illusory things once seemed so harmless, and yet now, at times, they feel more real and discomforting than the reality you're trying to escape. Instead of an oasis, your safe haven is nothing more than a rickety treehouse caught in between the shades of gray that decorate the ominous sky. But you remind yourself that "real" is nothing but an adjective, not an absolute. You begin to realize that fear is not an obstacle but rather a compass for how things will shape up and come to pass.

REVIEW: We Can't Enjoy Ourselves - Make A Mess of Sacred Ground

We Can't Enjoy Ourselves - Make A Mess of Sacred Ground

Indie pop: the most charming of musical genres. It’s accessible, catchy, melodious, and seemingly simplistic – an easy listen that bears replay on account of its spirited pacing. It can lean more towards good ‘ol rock ‘n’ roll or indulge in more innocent, light-hearted affair. It’s a genre that handles melancholy and heartbreak with a graceful brilliance, molding it into something that can be just as charming as newfound love. For a perfect example of this balance, look no further than New York’s We Can’t Enjoy Ourselves’ debut album, Make A Mess of Sacred Ground. Amplifier tubes heating up with jangly chord progressions? Check. Musical acuity for mixing sounds of the present with those of decades past? Check. Witty lyrics on everything from heartache to aging? Check. Here we go.

SPIRIT ANIMAL IN D.C. THIS SUNDAY, DOWNLOAD "CROCODILE SKINS"

What's slick like electro, infectious like funk, and packed with rock 'n' roll attitude? A Spirit Animal. Does that sound like something you'd like to see live? Well, you're in luck if you happen to live in NYC or the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. The New York band only has two shows lined up at the moment, the first of which is tonight at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn along with Flying Cars. And THIS Sunday, May 20th, these dudes will be gracing the fine stage of Red Palace in D.C. along with Vamos and Flying Cars. Based solely off some YouTube clips I've seen, Spirit Animal puts on a solid show. Not to miss if you want a good time.

The band will soon be releasing Spiritia Animalia, the follow up to their 2010 debut LP, The Cost of Living. They're currently sharing a track from it called "Crocodile Skins" for free download. Well, that's awfully nice of them, and...wait...and they're also sharing a killer remix of the song by Big Black Delta, the solo project of Jonathan Bates (Mellowdrone, ex-M83). Internet high five.

We Can't Enjoy Ourselves Releasing New Album, Download New Song

We Can't Enjoy Ourselves, the New York band lead by Giovanni Saldarriaga, have a new album on the way that, by all accounts, has been a long time coming. If you didn't catch the boat last time around, don't miss their new album, Make A Mess of Sacred Ground, out next week. Until then, download and listen to the album's first single below.

LISTEN: Howth - 'Newkirk'

Minnesota/New Jersey/Oregon five piece Howth released their debut album, Newkirk, yesterday through Mecca Lecca Records. It's a 10-song collection of spacious, mellow, surging, melodious folk and rock that rings pure and rich like the sunlight pouring through the chill, damp air floating in the dawn. The Brooklyn-based band intertwine the warmth and intimacy of folk, the comforting sincerity of Americana, the ghostly spirit of psych, and the tenacity of indie rock to craft something that falls in line with the band's own label of "Loud Space Folk." Newkirk plays out like a rollercoaster ride, starting off slow and gentle but gradually reaching a point where it blasts into something pretty momentous.

LISTEN: Ava Luna - "Wrenning Day"

Brooklyn seven-piece Ava Luna will release their proper debut LP, Ice Level, on February 28th via Infinite Best. The band is the brainchild of Carlos Hernandez, an occasional producer who has worked with bands like Fucked Up (he produced the U.S. mix of their "Year of the Pig" 7"). Hear a cut from Ava Luna's forthcoming record below. Good luck trying to pigeonhole this band.

SEE & HEAR: Lana Del Rey - "Video Games"

Sometimes, you click play on something without any preconceived notions of what to expect. Moments later, you're swept up in something you weren't prepared for. The space around you fades away, and all that matter is that moment. Each passing second more important than the last. This past weekend, I came across a song simply titled "Video Games" by a singer named Lana Del Rey. After I hit play, I lost track of time.

LISTEN: Railbird - "Hushaby"

Railbird - "Hushaby"


It's nothing that you expected; in its unpredictability is a great strength. "Hushaby" is one of those songs that defies classification, knocking you back with its hybrid of funk, hip-hop, pop, and hints of experimentalism. Railbird (aka Sarah K. Pedinotti or SKP) uses her mastery of rhythm to her advantage, accentuating the cadence of her words that intertwine ever so tightly with the dance of guitar riffs, drums, and background vocals. This is the type of song you return to because, honestly, there's always something new to appreciate. "Hushaby" is free, celebratory, engaging, and an all-around adventure, without losing its edge.

"Hushaby" is from Railbird's latest album No One.

The Rapture Reveal Cover Art for New Album

That, right up there, is the official cover art for The Rapture's highly-anticipated, and long-awaited, new album, In the Grace of Your Love. We've already heard first single "How Deep Is Your Love?", which, if any indication, tells us that this is sure to be one of the best releases of the year. As previously reported, this is the band's first release as a trio following the 2009 departure of bassist/singer Matt Safer.

In the Grace of Your Love is out September 6th via DFA. In case you missed it -- or just need a pick-me-up -- listen to "How Deep Is Your Love?" below.

Listen to Country Mice's New LP, Twister, In Its Entirety

If you're a fan of good 'ol Americana rock 'n' roll, alt country, or alternative folk, then I can't recommend Country Mice's new album, Twister, enough. I've always been a fan of rock 'n' roll with Southern charm and loud, distorted electric guitars, bands like Uncle Tupelo and Drive-By Truckers. Oddly enough, Country Mice are from some place far removed from open roads and the beautiful, golden countryside of the Midwest -- they're from Brooklyn (though three of four members originally hail from the Midwest). The country twang in their sound is matched with moments of delay and reverb-coated guitar riffs that can be just as desolate as they are rousing.

LISTEN: Country Mice - Twister

Paste offered up Twister cut "Morning Son" for free download a little while back. Check it out below.

LISTEN: Chucha Santamaria Y Usted - "Fiebre Tropical"

Chucha Santamaria Y Usted - "Fiebre Tropical"


There's something indirectly hypnotic about singer Sofia Córdova's cadence throughout "Fiebre Tropical" (ex. at 0:45, 1:16); her voice consumes your attention, almost as if it was the onset of a fever. Although it begins and ends with a celestial ambiance, the core of the song is filled with an ominous sound that balances light and dark -- light enough to dance to and dark enough to possess a bit of a mystique. The song is said to be about the discovery of Puerto Rico in the 15th century, but, even if you don't speak Spanish, it's clear that there's a certain amount of soul-baring going on here.

Oakland, CA-based Chucha Santamaria Y Usted is a duo consisting of Sofía Córdova and Matthew Kirkland, originally from Puerto Rico and New York, respectively. Kirkland says, "Our basic musical process pretty much conforms to the platonic ideal of the synth duo – Sofía is responsible for concept/lyrics/melodies, while I create backing tracks to her specifications... though the separation between our two roles is definitely permeable - I edit lyrics, she rearranges songs, and so on."

LISTEN: Strange Shapes

Strange Shapes - "Where We Want to Be"

Hear more music below

What is it to be punctual? It takes a certain awareness to recognize appropriate cues, or timing. When it comes to music, being “punctual,” I would say, would be aligned with a distinction in pace. It’s something best illustrated in the dialogue between instruments – how a beat defines the rhythm of guitar, which in turn defines the placement of a vocal melody. There’s an obvious difference between an aggressively-strummed chord progression racing neck-in-neck with a fast drumbeat and a chord progression that speaks democratically, back and forth with a drumbeat.

Star Chart, the latest release from Brooklyn's Strange Shapes, is a collection of songs defined by a musical dialogue between two guitars, a bass, and drums. All the instruments reveal themselves to be, individually, rather divergent, but, as a whole, they connect to create a sound that takes the shimmering tones of surf rock and mixes in the charming spirit of ‘80s power pop (a la Big Star) and the rhythmic twists and turns of post-punk (a la Television). As if a realization of their name, Strange Shapes work a combination of diverse riffs and beats together without ever sounding cacophonous. The prism of sounds that shines throughout Star Chart is a testament to the band’s collective mindset, their musical union. Strange Shapes are smart and creative, challenging themselves musically without sacrificing or diluting the sum of their parts: bright, harmonious music.

SEE & HEAR: Charles Bradley - "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)"

By Kisha Bari

Charles Bradley - "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)"


Anyone who knows me well enough is aware of my love for old school soul/R&B/Motown. As a person who cares equally for lyrics and instrumentation, soul isn't necessarily the place to turn for incredibly inventive lyrics. What's the real draw for soul is the emotion that empowers -- or rather underscores -- each word that leaves the lips of the singer. Nothing is more gripping than raw emotion that emanates from the depths of the soul. It's relatable music for its sheer honesty and confessional spirit. And lately, for me, it's been the most comforting thing in this world.

Charles Bradley is a 62-year old soul singer that knows something about patience. He's been singing for years, but it's only now that he's releasing his debut album, No Time For Dreaming. Bradley's voice has the perfect amount of rasp and age to give such great detail and emotion to every "oh," every word, and every syllable that he sings. At 62, Bradley certainly has the life experience to inspire his performances. He spent a large chunk of his childhood living on the streets and, over four decades later, was still struggling to make ends meet. The chance to realize his dream didn't come until he was discovered by Gabriel Roth of Daptone records while doing his James Brown routines under his alter ego "Black Velvet."

No Time For Dreaming is out January 25, 2011 through Daptone subsidiary Dunham Records and is some of the most genuine soul music you're bound to find in the 21st century.

Download "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)" after the jump.

LISTEN: Blow! - "Better Day"

Blow! - "Better Day"


Analog warmth makes it sound like a perfectly preserved piece of a past relationship, one that was documented by a collection of songs on a cassette tape. From reel to reel the tape replays a vivid sequence of memories; a slideshow of favorite moments runs on the canvas of your mind. Dust falls from this capsule of nostalgia as the feelings all come rushing back through every fiber of your being. When it all reaches your heart, there's no escaping the past as you find yourself overcome by memories of better days.

"Better Day" is a warm, welcoming song that's coated in bright, lush harmonies. It pairs '50s innocence with a modern day indie pop aesthetic that results in a very agreeable sound. Deep down, there seem to be roots in doo wop -- or at the very least '50s pop -- for how it succinctly tackles heartache in such a pleasant and accessible way.

Blow! is New York duo Bruce Hyde and Johnny Zachman.

BUY: "Better Day" is the first single from Blow!'s "Overrated" 7", out now on Angry Mom Records. The track was produced by Blow! and the legendary producer Jimmy Bralower (Hall and Oates, Madonna, Peter Gabriel and Eric Clapton). You can pick it up here.

Blow!
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Jimmy McMillan, "Rent Is Too Damn High" Dude, Releasing Debut Album

A few short weeks ago, there was a televised debate for New York's gubernatorial candidates. While most were expecting a fairly standard debate, it was one man, and his party, that made the biggest impression and ended up being the most memorable part of the whole event. Jimmy McMillan, leader and founder of the Rent is Too Damn High Party, held quite a commanding presence during the debate to the point that Saturday Nigh Live did a spoof of him on a recent episode. If you happened to miss this memorable, one-of-a-kind gubernatorial debate, check out a quick video below.

At this point, you're probably wondering why I'm bothering to bring this up on a music blog. Well, I woke up this morning to a press release announcing the forthcoming release of Jimmy McMillan's debut album, The Rent is Too DAMN High (Volume 1). It turns out, aside from being a prospective governor, leader of the Rent is Too Damn High Party, karate expert, and a former stripper, McMillan is a singer/songwriter and actually released music in the '70s under the name Jimmy Mack. Check out his song "A Woman is So Hard To Understand" -- it sounds like disco-meets-soul -- below, which was a popular track back in the '70s.

LISTEN: Paper or Plastic

By Pedro Ramos

MP3: Paper or Plastic - "Death + Debt"

Well, they certainly make debt and dying sound rather fun. A Rhodes hammers along throughout the verses, making you want to, more than anything else, get up and pogo around. The guitar riff that colors the intro is one of those short-but-sweet leads that can carve a smile out of that expression of indifference some tend to wear. The drums change up on a straightforward beat in the verses, serving as a nice counterbalance to the pounding rhythm of the keys. Guitars play a game of Pong in the choruses as vocalist David Pollock emphatically convinces us to beat the sadness and move on. "Death + Debt" carries dark themes, but shines with the positive energy stirred up by the excited instrumentation.

MP3: Paper or Plastic - "Glass"

Listen, Ben Folds Five isn't a band anymore. Sure they played that one-off or whatever not too long ago, but I'd dare to say that Paper or Plastic is the next best thing to Ben Folds Five, piano rock charms and all. Ben Folds Five was memorable for using elements of jazz in their signature brand of piano rock. They topped it all off with smart lyrics that were either funny or deep. Paper or Plastic works a similar dynamic, with a saxophone to boot.

COOL FACT: Paper or Plastic recorded their new EP, Ron Save the King, live in a New York studio, direct to 2" analog tape. That's the way to do it.

BUY: "Death + Debt" and "Glass" are from the band's Ron Save the King EP (Sex Pistols play on words?) which is available now for...FREE. Download it here.

Paper or Plastic
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LISTEN: Five O'Clock Heroes - "Rough Boys"

What starts out as a dark stomp soon kicks into a cheery bounce fueled by peppy guitar and organ. It calls to mind the guitar/organ attack of old Elvis Costello & The Attractions records that's equal parts biting and inviting. With reverb-soaked lead guitar and crunchy, tube-driven amplifiers blaring, the song features elements of garage rock and surf rock, but is transposed with the addition of a more dance-oriented beat during the chorus. In much the same way Ted Leo pairs serious subject matter with energetic, upbeat indie rock, Five O'Clock Heroes contrast their lyrical content with catchy, spirited music. Altogether, "Rough Boys" is a tightly-wound jam that's fun and full of spirit.

It's odd to think that Five O'Clock Heroes are based out of NYC and yet have only, at this point, properly released their music overseas. Their previous two efforts, Bend To The Breaks (2006) and Speak Your Language (2007), were only released in Europe/UK. "Rough Boys" comes from the band's new LP, Different Times, which is their first official U.S. release. The new album was recorded during a short five day stretch in the studio with Grammy winning engineer and producer Gus Oberg (The Strokes, Bloc Party, Albert Hammond Jr.).

Different Times is out February 15, 2011.

Five O'Clock Heroes
Official Site
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