Soaring Above

Doves roots can be traced back to brothers Andy and Jez Willams meeting Jimi Goodwin when they were teenagers. After several attempts in other musical projects they became Sub Sub. A dance act that had moderate success with single "Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)". It wasn't until the band's studio burnt down that they made the decision to switch to a more rock oriented sound and thus became Doves. They issued debut album Lost Souls in 2000 to much critical acclaim and then Last Broadcast in 2002 with both albums being nominated for the Mercury Prize. In 2003 the band compiled b-sides and rarities for Lost Sides. For their 3rd full length they retreated to the countryside to record and then released Some Cities in 2005. 4th album Kingdom Of Rust took a bit longer to see the light of day but finally did in 2009. After that it was announced that the band were going on hiatus and that sparked rumours of a break up. The band cleared that up by issuing a statement saying they had no immediate plans to return to the studio but said that it could still happen if they felt ready. They had also spoke of venturing into different projects such as film soundtracks. "Jetstream" from Kingdoms of Rust was the band's attempt at film music saying it was conceived as "an imaginary song for the closing credits on Ridley Scott's classic Blade Runner.". Who knows where the band is headed but hopefully they will continue the amazing lineage of albums they have released as Doves. Upon first hearing Lost Souls I was immediately hooked from opening song "Firesuite" and the US release featured additional tracks which added to the album being one of their finest releases so far in my opinion. Close your eyes dear:

"Firesuite" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Man Who Told Everything" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Catch The Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Break Me Gently" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"There Goes The Fear" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Pounding" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Caught By The River" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sky Starts Falling" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Black and White Town" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Snowden" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Kingdom Of Rust" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Outsiders" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Compulsion" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Mind The Gap

The Soundtrack Of Our Lives or T.S.O.O.L as they are often referred to are from Sweden. Even though they got their start in 1995 it wasn't until 2002 that they received much attention. Their first album Welcome To The Infant Freebase was released in 1996 followed by Extended Revelation for the Psychic Weaklings of Western Civilization in 1998. When they put out Behind The Music in 2002 is when people finally took notice even earning them a Grammy nomination. 2004 saw the band issue Origins Vol. 1 which is to be followed by Vol. 2 in the near future. In 2008 the band made a bold move and put forth Communion, which was a double disc to the masses. In an already failing CD market a double CD is a hard sell but with the CD being stocked full of solid tracks it would be impossible to ignore the amount of work put into it. T.S.O.O.L. have definite ties to classic rock of yester year but still manage to sound fresh and relevant. Ebbot Lundberg is also a great front man who engages the audience in live settings by going out into the crowd to make them feel a part of the performance. Don't pass up on an opportunity to make friends with Soundtrack. Unleash the good times:

"Instant Repeater '99" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Mantra Slider" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Firmanent Vacation" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sister Surround" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Still Aging" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Nevermore" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Bigtime" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Believe I've Found" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Heading For A Breakdown" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Thrill Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Flipside" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Ego Delusion" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Yer Like The Ocean

A band that has been making waves for 3 albums now goes by the name of The Besnard Lakes. Originating from Montreal they were formed in 2003 by husband and wife duo Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas. Their first album Volume 1 came out in 2003 in limited release but was later given a larger release. Both their 2nd and 3rd albums were recorded at Jace Lasek's Breakglass studios. Besides singing the duo also self produced the albums and Jace has produced for Land Of Talk, Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown and Young Galaxy. Second album ...Are The Dark Horse ganered them a Polaris Prize nomination while third album ...Are The Roaring Night earned them yet another nod. Very atmospheric and built upon layers of sound, the band has carved out their own niche in an already talented pool of musicians in Montreal. Etheral vocals sung in Jace Lasek's trademark falsetto lull the senses and allow the music to flow through. Take a dip:

"For Agent 13" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Devastation" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Disaster" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"And You Lied To Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Albatross" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent Pt 1 & 2" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"And This Is What We Call Progress" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Bittersweet

The Shore are from California and got their start in 2002 when Ben Ashley (lead singer) began writing songs and then recorded a demo which caught the ear of a record executive who offered the band a contract after only a short time together. They recorded and released The Shore EP in 2003 which was then followed by their debut self titled album in 2004. They left their record label and went on to self release their 2008 album Light Years which was initially only a digital release but then a CD version came out the following year. The Verve comparisons will be immediate as both the songs and Ben Ashley's voice draw comparisons quite easily. All around a great underrated band that will hopefully gain some attention for their efforts. Please hold on:

"Firefly" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Hard Road" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Hold On" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Waiting For The Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"When Tomorrow Comes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"On The Way" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Get Your Kicks

The Hiss were a band from Atlanta, Georgia who were only around for a brief time. Their first album Panic Movement came out in 2003 and was produced by Owen Morris who had previously produced Oasis and The Verve. They had some minor hits off the album that were used in video games and movies. Their second album Chocolate Hearts was released in 2007 and while recording the album in Florida, the band had to be evacuated due to hurricanes. Sadly in 2008 the band decided to split up. Definitely rock n roll in every sense and unfortunate that they didn't get to develop their sound further. Dig in:

"Clever Kicks" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Back On The Radio" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Chocolate Hearts" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Design and Disassemble

Engineers are a british band who formed in 2003. They released a mini album entitled Folly in 2004 preceding their debut self titled album in 2005. After the release of Engineers their record company folded so while recording their second album it was unsure what would happen with the band. After signing to a new label they released Three Fact Fader in 2009. In February 2010 it was announced that 2 of the founding members were leaving the group on amicable terms. After adding new members the band set forth with In Praise Of More which came out in September of 2010. This is very atmospheric music and will definitely lull the senses with soft vocals and shimmering guitars. Take a trip along the aural sound scape:

"Home" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Come In Out Of The Rain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Forgiveness" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Clean Coloured Wine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"International Dirge" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"In Praise Of More" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Deux Es Machina

Today's featured band is Electric Soft Parade originating from Brighton, England. Consisting of brothers Alex & Thomas White, their first album Holes In The Wall was released in 2002 and went on to garner them a lot of attention. Following in 2003 with The American Adventure which was their response to the treatment they had received from BMG. Although a bit different in soundscape it was as solid as Holes In The Wall. In 2005 they released The Human Body EP and then No Need To Be Downhearted in 2007. Since 2008 the band has been on an indefinite hiatus but Thomas White has released solo albums and both brothers continue to play in Brakes. Definitely a band that has instantly likable songs and hopefully will have some more material for Electric Soft Parade soon. Slide away:

"There's A Silence" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Silent To The Dark" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Empty At The End" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Bruxellisation" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Lose Yr Frown" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Life In The Backseat" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Also check out Brakes and Thomas White's solo album for more of the same. Keep on keeping on...

Revisiting The Past

In anticipation of the upcoming 2010 list I thought I would break from tradition and post the last couple of years best of lists. I encourage you to do the same this year and compile your own list. For any music geek this is their time to shine with showing off their knowledge and also sharing music with others. I have done this for the last couple of years and let me tell you it does not get any easier. The hardest one was the best albums of the last 10 years to mark the leap into 2010. So take a look and you may find some stuff that is new or just remind you of some of the music you may have forgotten. Enjoy and don't be afraid to check out the music for yourself:

Top 10 of 2008:

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Beck - Modern Guilt
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Bloc Party - Intimacy
The Verve - Forth
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
Last Of The Shadow Puppets - Age Of The Understatement
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV

Notable mentions:

Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
Sigur Ros - Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
The Music - Strength In Numbers
The Cure - 4:13 Dream
Caesars - Strawberry Weed
Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
The Kills - Midnight Boom
The Hives - The Black & White Album
Ladytron - Velocifero
Spiritualized - Songs In A & E
The Stills - Oceans Will Rise
Secret Machines - Secret Machines
Primal Scream - Beautiful Future
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
The Dears - Missiles
Darker My Love - 2
The Presets - Apocalypso
Neil Halstead - Oh! Mighty Engine
Ryan Adams - Cardinology
The Whip - X Marks Destination
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
The Black Angels - Directions To See A Ghost
The Killers - Day & Age
Keane - Perfect Symmetry
Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends
The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
Razorlight - Slipway Fires
The Little Ones - Morning Tide
Longwave - Secrets Are Sinister
Little Joy - Little Joy
Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
The Duke Spirit - Neptune
The Automatic - This Is A Fix
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
The Lions - Sounds Familiar
Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns
Mogwai - The Hawk Is Howling
Tricky - Knowle West Boy
The Futureheads - This Is Not The World
The Aliens - Luna
Cold War Kids - Loyalty To Loyalty
The Vines - Melodia
Metronomy - Nights Out
Cajun Dance Party - Colourful Life
The Pigeon Detectives - Emergency
The Subways - All Or Nothing
The Fratellis - Here We Stand
The Rascals - Rascalize
Portishead - Third
The Zutons - You Can Do Anything
The Paddingtons - No Mundane Options
The Young Knives - Superabundance
The Kooks - Konk
The Courteeners - St. Jude
The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha
Sons & Daughters - This Gift
Dirty Pretty Things - Romance At Short Notice
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
The Metros - More Money Less Grief
The Whigs - Mission Control
Pete & The Pirates - Little Death
People In Planes - Beyond The Horizon
The Notwist - The Devil, You and Me
Neon Neon - Stainless Style
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Deerhunter - Microcastles
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Dead Meadow - Old Growth


Tops 10 Songs Of 2008:

Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Kings Of Leon - Closer
MGMT - Electric Feel
Beck - Modern Guilt
Caesars - Crystal
Frightened Rabbit - Keep Yourself Warm
Friendly Fires - Jump in The Pool
Last Of The Shadow Puppets - Standing Next To Me
Bloc Party - Ion Square
The Verve - Rather Be

Notable mentions:

Amazing Baby - Invisible Palace
The Virgins - Rich Girls
Glasvegas - Daddy's Gone
The Stills - I'm With You
The Kills - Sour Cherry
The Dears - Lights Off
Keane - You Haven't Told Me Anything
Coldplay - A Spell A Rebel Yell
Oasis - I'm Outta Time
The Music - Vision
Metronomy - My Heart Rate Rapid
Razorlight - Wire To Wire
The Courteeners - No You Didn't, No You Don't
Magnetic Morning - At A Crossroads, Passive
Spiritualized - Death Take Your Fiddle
The Tings Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go
Black Kids - I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Foxboro Hot Tubs - Alligator
The Presets - This Boy's In Love
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Kaiser Chiefs - Half The Truth
Let's Wrestle - Let's Wrestle
The Lions - She's Lonely
Neil Halstead - No Mercy For The Muse
The Whip - Sirens
TV On The Radio - Golden Age
The Little Ones - High On A Hill
White Lies - Death
The Submarines - You, Me and The Bourgeoisie
Sian Alice Group - Way Down To Heaven
Sebastien Grainger - I Hate My Friends
The Futureheads - Beginning Of The Twist
Crystal Stilts - Crystal Stilts
Beggars - You & Me


Top 10 Albums of 2009

1. Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
2. White Lies - To Lose My Life
3. The Horrors - Primary Colours
4. The Veils - Sun Gangs
5. Julian Plenti - Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper
6. Ian Brown - My Way
7. The Raveonettes - In and Out Of Control
8. Stellastarr* - Civilized
9. Placebo - Battle For The Sun
10. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

Notable Mentions:

Doves - Kingdom Of Rust
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Live
Director - I'll Wait for Sound
The Big Pink - A Brief History Of Love
Muse - The Resistance
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
The XX - XX
Florence and The Machine - Lungs
Dangermouse & Sparklehorse & David Lynch - Dark Night Of The Soul
The Dead Weather - Horehound
Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
White Denim - Fits
Mew - No More Stories...
Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
Crystal Stilts - Alight Of Night
The Cribs - Ignore The Ignorant
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
The Maccabees - Wall Of Arms
Fever Ray - Fever Ray
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
The Boxer Rebellion - Unions
Editors - In This Light and On This Evening
Metric - Fantasies
The Strange Boys - And Girls Club
Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins
Morrissey - Years Of Refusal
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - The Century Of Self
Asobi Seksu - Hush
Red Light Company - Fine Fascination
Starsailor - All The Plans
The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love
Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind
Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications
Silversun Pickups - Swoon
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
The Temper Trap - Conditions
Pete Yorn - Back and Forth
Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Break Up
Jet - Shaka Rock
The Twilight Sad - Forget The Night Ahead
The Cinematics - Love and Terror
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
The Flaming Lips - Dark Side Of The Moon
Aidan Moffat & The Best-Ofs - How To Get To Heaven From Scotland
Sleepy Sun - Embrace
The Enemy - Music For The People
BrakesBrakesBrakes - Touchdown
Art Brut - Art Brut Vs Satan
Stereophonics - Keep Calm and Carry On
The Rakes - Klang
The View - Which Bitch?
A Place To Bury Strangers - Exploding Head
Massive Attack - Splitting The Atom EP
The Longcut - Open Hearts
The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die
Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs
The Clientele - Bonfires On The Heath
The Von Bondies - Love, Hate and Then There's You
The Lonely Islands - Incredibad
Living Things - Habeas Corpus
IAMX - Kingdom Of Welcome Addiction
Mutemath - Armistice
Weezer - Raditude
Pearl Jam - Backspacer
Marilyn Manson - The High End Of Low
The Bravery - Stir The Blood
Karen O & The Kids - Where The Wild Things Are Soundtrack
Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up
Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More... See More
The Drums - Summertime EP
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us
Band Of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
The Antlers - Hospice
Sonic Youth - The Eternal
Pete Doherty - Grace/Wastelands
Super Furry Animals - Dark Days/Light Years
Taken By Trees - East Of Eden
White Rabbits - It's Frightening
Wilco - Wilco The Album
Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
Eels - Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs Of Desire
Datarock - Red
Electric Six - Kill

Top 50 of 2000-2010

Sigur Rós - Agaetis Byrjun
Bjork - Vespertine
Kings of Leon - Youth & Young Manhood
The Decemberists - Her Majesty
Ryan Adams - Gold
The National - Alligator
Sigur Rós - ()
Gene - Libertine
Kent - Hagnesta Hill
Super Furry Animals - Rings Around The World
Spiritualized - Let It Come Down
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump
Johnny Cash - American Man IV:The Man Comes Around
The Rapture - Echoes
The Coral - The Coral
Blur - Think Tank
The White Stripes - White Blood Cells
Radiohead - Kid A
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Primal Scream - Evil Heat
The Libertines - Up The Bracket
The Strokes - Is This It
Bob Dylan - Love & Theft
Beck - Sea Change
Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - BRMC
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Take Them On, On Your Own
Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Behind The Music
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Source Tags & Codes
Mogwai - Happy Songs For Happy People
Pulp - We Love Life
Belle & Sebastian - Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant
British Sea Power - Open Season
Arab Strap - Monday at the Hug and Pint
Kasabian - Kasabian
The Futureheads - The Futureheads
The Dandy Warhols - Welcome To The Monkeyhouse
Oasis - Heathen Chemistry
Richard Ashcroft - Alone With Everybody
The Cooper Temple Clause - See This Through And Leave
Doves - Lost Souls
Coldplay - Parachutes
Mojave 3 - Excuses For Travellers
Sparklehorse - It's A Wonderful Life
Mercury Rev - All Is Dream

Notable Mentions (and by no means lesser albums)

Sigur Rós - Takk
Kings of Leon - Because Of The Times
Kings of Leon - A-Ha Shake Heartbreak
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven
The National - Boxer
Muse - Absolution
Muse - Black Holes and Other Revelations
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams - Cold Roses
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
Ryan Adams - Demolition
Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City
Bloc Party - Intimacy
Spiritualized - Amazing Grace
Spiritualized - Songs In A&E
Grandaddy - Sumday
Super Furry Animals - Phantom Power
Super Furry Animals - Mwng
The Rapture - Pieces Of The People We Love
The Libertines - The Libertines
The Coral - Magic and Medicine
The Coral - Nightfreak and The Sons of Becker
The Coral - Roots & Echoes
The Coral - The Invisible Invasion
The White Stripes - Elephant
The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Radiohead - Hail To The Thief
Radiohead - Amnesiac
Interpol - Antics
Interpol - Our Love To Admire
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
PJ Harvey - Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones
Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Primal Scream - Riot City Blues
Primal Scream - Exterminator
Primal Scream - Beautiful Future
The Strokes - Room On Fire
The Strokes - First Impressions Of Earth
Wolfmother - Wolfmother
Beck - Modern Guilt
Midlake - The Trials Of Van Occupanther
The Sunshine Underground - Raise The Alarm
Morrissey - Ringleader of The Tormentors
Morrissey - Years Of Refusal
Caesars - Strawberry Weed
Caesars - Paper Tiger
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81
Mogwai - Mr. Beast
Mogwai - Rock Action
Secret Machines - Now Here Is Nowhere
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops
Ian Brown - Solarized
Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics
Sons and Daughters - Love The Cup
Arab Strap - The Red Thread
Arab Strap - The Last Romance
The Futureheads - This Is Not The World
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
TV On The Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
Gruff Rhys - Candylion
The Killers - Hot Fuss
The Killers - Sam's Town
The Dears - No Cities Left
The Dears - Gang Of Losers
Howling Bells - Howling Bells
Kasabian - Empire
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Luntic Asylum
Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere
The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free
Hot Chip - The Warning
Hot Chip - Coming On Strong
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Queens Of The Stone Age - Rated R
Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf
Queens Of The Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
Queens Of The Stone Age - Lullabies To Paralyze
The Smashing Pumpkins - Machina/The Machines of God
The Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
Clinic - Walking With Thee
Clinic - Winchester Cathedral
The Dandy Warhols - Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia
Unkle - War Stories
Broadcast - The Noise Made By People
Richard Ashcroft - Keys To The World
The Verve - Forth
Elliot Smith - Figure 8
Yo La Tengo - And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out
Doves - The Last Broadcast
Doves - Some Cities
Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay - X&Y
Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Gorillaz - Gorillaz
Gorillaz - Demon Days
The Beta Band - Hot Shots II
R.E.M. - Reveal
R.E.M. - Around The Sun
Neil Halstead - Sleeping On Roads
Neil Halstead - Oh! Might Engine
Mojave 3 - Spoon and Rafter
Mojave 3 - Puzzles Like You
Kings of Convenience - Quiet Is The New Loud
New Order - Get Ready
The Charlatans - Wonderland
Clearlake - Cedars
Clearlake - Amber
Eels - Daisies Of The Galaxy
Eels - Souljacker
Eels - Blinking Lights and Other Revelations
Travis - The Invisible Band
Air - 10, 000 Hz Legend
Starsailor - Love Is Here
Supergrass - Road To Rouen
Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha
Darker My Love - 2
The Electric Soft Parade - Holes In The Wall
The Electric Soft Parade - The American Adventure
Ladytron - Witching Hour
Ladytron - Velocifero
Death In Vegas - Scorpio Rising
Radio 4 - Enemies Like This
The Cooper Temple Clause - Kick Up The Fire and Let The Flames Break Loose
Oasis - Don't Believe The Truth
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
The Hives - Veni Vidi Vicious
The Hives - The Black and White Album
Boards of Canada - Geogaddi
The Music - The Music
The Music - Welcome To The North
The Music - Strength In Numbers
The Vines - Highly Evolved
The Vines - Vision Valley
Elbow - Leaders Of The Free World
Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid
The Kills - Keep On Your Mean Side
The Kills - Midnight Boom
The Kills - No Wow
The Enemy - We'll Live And Die In These Towns
The Thrills - So Much For The City
British Sea Power - The Decline Of...
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
22-20s - 22-20s
Stellastarr* - Stellastarr*
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
The Raveonettes - Pretty In Black
The Raveonettes - In and Out Of Control
The Raveonettes - Whip It On
The Raveonettes - The Chain Gang Of Love
The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
Kent - Du & Jag Döden
Kent - Vapen & Ammunition
Kent - Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Gene - Rising For Sunset (Live)
Suede - A New Morning
The Tears - Here Come The Tears
Dead Meadow - Old Growth
Dead Meadow - Shivering King And Others
Dead Meadow - Feathers
The Duke Spirit - Cuts Across The Land
The Duke Spirit - Neptune
Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
Engineers - Engineers
Nine Black Alps - Everything
Brakes - Give Blood
Brakes - Beautific Visions
Autolux - Future Perfect
The Bravery - The Bravery
We Are Scientists - With Love and Squalor
Hard-Fi - Stars Of CCTV
Hard-Fi - Once Upon A Time In The West
Editors - The Back Room
Editors - An End Has A Start
Art Brut - Bang Bang Rock & Roll
Art Brut - Further Complications
Stereophonics - Language.Sex.Violence.Other?
Stereophonics - Just Enough Education To Perform
The Magic Numbers - The Magic Numbers
Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger
The Rakes - Capture/Release
The Rakes - Ten New Messages
The Cribs - The New Fellas
The Cribs - Men's Needs, Woman's Needs, Whatever
Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo To Anywhere
Dirty Pretty Things - Romance At Short Notice
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
The Decemberists - Castaways and Cutouts
The Decemberists - The Tain
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
The Decemberists - Picaresque
Keane - Hopes and Fears
Keane - Perfect Symmetry
The View - Hats Off To The Buskers
The Pigeon Detectives - Wait For Me
The Pigeon Detectives - Emergency
The Paddingtons - First Come First
The Paddingtons - No Mundane Options
The Horrors - Strange House
The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
The Maccabees - Colour It In
A Place To Bury Strangers - A Place To Bury Strangers
Richard Hawley - Lady's Bridge
The Good, The Bad and The Queen - The Good, The Bad and The Queen
The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow
The Shins - Oh, Inverted World
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
Metronomy - Nights Out
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Portishead - Third
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
Foals - Antidotes
Late Of The Pier - Fantasy Black Channel
Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
Tom Waits - Alice
Tom Waits - Blood Money

Dark Of The Matinee

Today's band to highlight is The Cinematics from Scotland. They released their first album A Strange Education in 2007 while signed to TVT Records. The record company later ran into financial troubles but the band managed to maintain their contract. They have enjoyed some moderate success in the US and Europe. On their first CD they covered Beck's song "Sunday Sun" from his CD Sea Change. They released their second album Love and Terror in 2009 which was followed by the Silent Scream EP in 2010. The EP was recorded live while on tour and as with Love and Terror self produced by the band. Currently they are working on their follow up album. It's a trick of the light:

"Break" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Chase" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Keep Forgetting" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Human" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sunday Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Love and Terror" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"New Mexico" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Hospital Bills" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Falls On Deaf Ears

Mutemath are from New Orleans and formed in 2001. They were originally a 2 piece called Earthsuit then recruited additional members before settling on Mutemath. Their first self titled CD was held up by troubles with Warner Bros. Records so they released it themselves under Teleprompt Records. Their initial success came from spreading their music through social mediums like Myspace. After settling with Warner their album was released in 2006 properly. Their first video for "Typical" was filmed backwards so the band had to learn how to play the song from the end to the beginning. The video garnered a lot of attention for the band and they even performed a taped version of the video on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Next the band released the Spotlight EP which was featured in the movie "Twilight". Not stopping there the band went back to writing and recording their sophomore CD Armistice which was released in 2009. They are currently at work at their 3rd album. They have a unique sound that falls between rock with electronic flourishes to psychedelic at points. Mind the gap:

"Typical" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Control" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Stare At The Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Spotlight" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Backfire" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Flying High

People In Planes started as Robots In The Sky then Tetra Splendour before finally settling on their current name due to their love of flying. Formed in Cardiff, Wales the band didn't gain any real attention until 2005 even though they started in 1998. Their music video for "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)" was directed by Joaquin Phoenix and they released their debut album As Far As The Eye Can See in 2006. After touring the US in support of the album they went back into the studio to record their follow up. It was until 2008 that they released a teaser track as a free download from their website with the album Beyond The Horizon following later that year. They have been recording their 3rd album and road tested several songs on tour but no news of any release date as of yet. All systems go:

"If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Falling By The Wayside" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Moth" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Narcoleptic" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Pretty Buildings" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Mayday (M'Aidez)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Vampire" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Know By Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Evil With You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

A Reminder Of Simpler Things

The final band in the trip hop series is Zero 7. Some may argue that they do not fit in this genre but it definitely is as close as you can get if they didn't. Formed by Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker in the UK and started by remixing several bands including Radiohead, Sneaker Pimps to name a few. They released Simple Things in 2001 to massive critical acclaim and were even nominated for the Mercury Prize. The album featured collaborations with vocalists Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Barker. When touring the band took the original 3 guest vocalists along with several other musicians. In 2004 they released When It Falls then followed in 2006 with The Garden. Binns made his singing debut on The Garden and would again contribute vocals to 2009's Yeah Ghost. Long time collaborator Sia Furler did not contribute to Yeah Ghost but has appeared on ever other release. Listen from the inside:

"Destiny" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"In The Waiting Line" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"I Have Seen" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Home" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sommersault" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"You're My Flame" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Futures" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Throw It All Away" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Medicine Man" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

And so concludes the trip hop series. I will continue to do series sporadically so remember to keep tuned.

Smoke 'Em If You Got "Em

Today's band is Morcheeba from London, England. Although they did experience some moderate success in the run of the mid 90's they weren't as successful as their contemporaries. Originally formed by the Godfrey brothers, they managed to find Skye Edwards to fill the vocal duties. They first album Who Can You Trust? was released in 1996 followed by Big Calm in 1998 which spawned "The Sea" that went onto become a big hit for the band. In 2000 they released their 3rd album Fragments of Freedom then Charango in 2002 which featured Kurt Wagner of Lambchop more prominently than Edwards leading to the Godfrey brothers letting Skye Edwards go in 2003. In 2005 the band released The Antidote with new singer Daisy Martey who was then replaced by Jody Sternberg but both singer's stints in the band were very brief. Dive Deep was released in 2008 and then finally it was announced that Edwards would rejoin the band in 2010 with the band releasing Blood Like Lemonade shortly after. Definitely a band made for the relaxing times and always good to lull you into the haze. The name Morcheeba is derived from "the way of the cannabis" if that's any indication of how you should be listening to their music. Exhale and switch on:

"Trigger Hippie" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Tape Loop" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Sea" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Blindfold" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Rome Wasn't Built In A Day" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Be Yourself" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Otherwise" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Undress Me Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Lighten Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Enjoy The Ride" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Even Though" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Dream In Dreams

Today's band in this week's trip hop focus is Bowery Electric. Formed in New York City by Lawrence Chandler and Martha Schwendener with drummer Michael Johngren completing the trio, the band was one of the first to use laptops, mixers and samplers onstage alongside drums, bass and guitars. In 1995 they released their self titled album then Beat in 1996 followed by Vertigo in 1997 and finally Lushlife in 2000. They broke up in 2000 with Lawrence Chandler going on to form Metrotech and Martha Schwendener forming Echostar. A soothing sound that is always good for chilling out to. Trip along to:

"Slow Thrills" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Deep Sky Objects" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Fear of Flying" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Beat" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Freedom Fighter" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Soul City" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Shook Ones" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"After Landing" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Sleep Tight

This week's focus is going to be on trip hop. For those of who don't know what that is well it's a blend of mellow electronica with hip hop. Bands that you may have heard from the trip hop genre like Portishead, Tricky and Massive Attack to name a few all generated out of Bristol, England. The bands I am going to talk about are bands not as well known. The first band is Bows formed by Luke Sutherland formerly of Long Fin Killie. A multi-instrumentalist who joined up with Danish singer Signe Høirup Wille-Jørgensen to complete Bows lineup. Sutherland also plays frequently with Mogwai as a live violinist. They released Blush in 1999 to some critical acclaim and then Cassidy in 2001 but have released nothing after. A very lush sound with orchestral parts being the main focus, their sound definitely falls in with the trip hop genre in it's very easy going tempo. Breathe in:

"Big Wings" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Britannica" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Girls Lips Glitter" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Wonderland" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

London's Mine

A great band that caught my ear a while ago is White Rose Movement hailing from London, England. Named after White Rose which was a German anti-Nazi resistance, the band formed due to all the members being childhood friends and later recruited keyboardist Taxxi. They ran a club in London called The Dazzle for a while which was formerly a disco and started off as Arturo. They released their one and only album so far Kick in 2006 which saw them garner a large amount of attention in the UK. Kick was never released anywhere else but the UK and still the band managed to tour and play festivals to large crowds. The album managed to make it's way through the Internet and made the band known overseas. They recorded their second album which has been finished but due to troubles with trying to self finance and release it the band split up. Hopefully the CD will see some sort of release as it would be a shame for this talented, underrated band's music to not see the light of day. Jump on in:

"Love Is A Number" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Girls In The Back" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"London's Mine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Alsation" http://www.videosurf.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

A sad end to a promising start...

And It's So Hard

A band that has been largely without the recognition they deserve but had brief glimpses of the spotlight is ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead. They are from a very rich music scene in Austin, TX that boasts bands such as The Black Angels, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness. Formed by childhood friends Conrad Keely and Jason Reece as a duo they expanded to 2 more members. They released their first self titled album in 1998 and then Madonna in 1999. In 2002 they unleashed their best album to date Source Tags & Codes which was lauded by critics everywhere as a masterpiece. 2005 saw them release World's Apart followed by So Divided in 2006. There were reports of inter-band struggles over the last couple of albums but the band persevered and released The Century Of Self in 2009. A great band that defies being pigeon-holed into any specific music category. Their live shows are often chaotic and energized with Keely and Reece switching vocal and drumming duties. Conrad Keely has also done the artwork on all of the albums and sells select pieces at live shows. You will smile again:

"Mistakes & Regrets" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Another Morning Stoner" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Relative Ways" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"All Saints Day" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Rest Will Follow" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Will You Smile Again" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Naked Sun" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Segue Sunken Dreams & Sunken Dreams" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Isis Unveiled" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Their music offers something for everybody so listen and as always spread the good word (and by good word I mean music) to those you know who may like it...

In The Darkness I See A Light

Today I am focusing on another UK band by the name of the Editors. Easily dismissed as a Joy Division rip off band upon initial release of their first album. The band has grown and shown that they are more than the sum of their past. Comparing the band to Interpol is just a lazy way for reviewers to pass off actually listening to what they have to offer. The band started as Pilot then changed to The Pride and then Snowfield before finally going with Editors after being signed. The songs they recorded as Snowfield would eventually become Editors songs down the road. Their first album The Back Room in 2005 to critical acclaim and later a Mercury prize nomination. Their second album An End Has A Start was released in 2007 and single "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" was their highest charting single to date. For their 3rd album the band went with producer Flood who has recorded U2, Depeche Mode, The Killers & NIN to name a few. The album titled In This Light And On This Evening was a definite change in their sound with synthesizers becoming more prominent. Definitely a band that has surpassed it's comparisons and broken free of the shackles. Step inside the eye of your mind:

"Munich" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Bullets" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"All Sparks" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Racing Rats" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Push Your Head Toward The Air" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Papillon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

In Broken Dreams

Today I am going to talk about a band formed in North Texas who now reside in Brooklyn, NY that go by the name of Calla. The band met in Texas and played under the name The Factory Press. Moving to New York and splitting up in 1997 the band came back together as Calla and recorded a demo which was released in 1999. Their live shows influenced their sound a lot as they were able to take the experimentation and translate it to record. They have 5 studio albums including Calla, Scavengers, Televise, Collisions and Strength In Numbers. A very unique, sparse sound that keeps the band from sounding like anybody else. Take a glimpse:

"Fear of Fireflies" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Televised" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Strangler" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Astral" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"It Dawned On Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Swagger" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sanctify" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

The Boy With The Arab Strap

A group that was very prominent in the Scottish music scene over the years was Arab Strap. Consisting of Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton they formed the band after growing up in Falkirk and sharing a mutual love of Smog and Will Oldham (Palace Brothers). Belle and Sebastian even named their album Boy With The Arab Strap after the group. Aidan Moffat's lyrics are often in reference to nights of drinking, drugs, sex and general debauchery. They released 10 albums in their 10 years together including The Weekend Never Starts Round Here, Philophobia, Elephant Shoe, The Red Thread, Monday At The Hug & Pint and The Last Romance, along with 3 live CD's. Both members have gone onto successful solo releases after breaking up Arab Strap in 2006 with Malcolm Middleton going under his own name while Aidan Moffat first chose Lucky Pierre then Aidan Moffat & The Best-Of's. Slip into something more comfortable:

"The First Big Weekend" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Here We Go" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"(Afternoon) Soaps" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Love Detective" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Turbulence" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Shy Retirer" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Dream Sequence" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Speed-Date" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"There Is No Ending" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Overall a great band to listen to for a variety of emotions whether wanting to celebrate or drown your sorrows...

Take The Long Road

Another band in the series this week is The Music from Leeds who have been around for some time. You might remember them from their big hit "Take The Long Road And Walk It" in 2001 that garnered them a lot of attention from the music press. 2002 saw them release their self titled debut album and in 2004 they released their follow up album, Welcome To The North. They toured extensively for both albums and then came a lull which was later explained by lead singer Robert Harvey on the bands website as being due to drugs "the addiction began to sit into its groove. At first it was a joy then later became a habit and a way of escaping". He gave up drugs but then turned to alcohol stating "Drinking became the place to hide. I'd have a bottle of wine before 7pm, then go out and make a fool of myself. The next day was always panic and more questions it took a close friend to say to me 'Robert, you are depressed'". He sought help and the band returned in 2008 with the album Strength In Numbers. A distinctive sound and voice that they will continue to carry onto album number 4 which is due out next year. Welcome to The Music:

"Take The Long Road And Walk It" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The People" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Getaway" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Truth Is No Words" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Welcome To The North" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Freedom Fighters" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Breakin'" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Bleed From Within" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Strength In Numbers" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Spike" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Let the music speak to you...

The Only Cure Is More Cowbell

A band that came and went almost without notice was The Fever from New York. Most of the bands seem to have a NY connection as this may be the epicenter of the scene. The Fever were formed by Geremy Jasper and Chris Sanchez. Geremy was also responsible for all the artwork that appeared on the band's CD's. They released 2 full length albums Red Bedroom and In The City Of Sleep before disbanding in 2006. A punky, brash, dancey sound that definitely made you move your feet. Sadly we didn't get to hear more from them but hopefully the members will continue to put out great music in one way or another. Get on down:

"Gray Ghost" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Ladyfingers" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Waiting For The Centipede" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Save Our City

Another band in this week's focus on dance oriented bands is Radio 4. Now not to say that any of these bands are without their rock n roll roots but there's just an element of dance to their music. They are from Brooklyn and formed in 1999 with originally 3 members but expanded to a five piece later on. Their sound is a mix of punk/dance and the band cites Gang of Four & Primal Scream as some of their influences. They have released 4 albums to date including The New Song & Dance, Gotham, Stealing of a Nation and Enemies Like This. Their last album was released in 2006 but the band was quiet for some time. There was a one off download of new song "Quit Hiding" put out last year to precede their online only EP. Move along to the new song & dance:

"Dance To The Underground" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Party Crashers" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"State Of Alert" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Enemies Like This" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Too Much To Ask For" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Packing Things Up On The Scene" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"As Far As The Eye Can See" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

There's 2 more bands that I will talk about in this series but I am sure I will come back to more in the future. Until then let's dance...

Dance To The Underground

Today's band on the topic of bands with a dance oriented sound is The Sunshine Underground from Leeds, England. They have a sound that covers a variety of genres. They name is derived from a song on "Surrender" by The Chemical Brothers. They released their first album Raise The Alarm in 2006 and their newest album Nobody's Coming To Save You in 2010. This band makes it near impossible not to want to move to their music with catchy tunes like "Put You In Your Place" and "Spell It Out". Sounding like a mix between The Music and The Rapture they have carved out a huge following in the UK. Get on your dancing shoes:

"Borders" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"I Ain't Losing Any Sleep" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Commercial Breakdown" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"What You Like" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Put You In Your Place" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Coming To Save You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Spell It Out" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Try putting them on before going out to get you pumped up or if you're just in the mood for something upbeat

Shake, Shake, Shake....

The first band in the next couple of posts focusing on bands with a dance oriented sound is The Rapture from New York City. Using a varied array of music to pull their sound from the band was something new when Echoes brought them to the attention of the music press and fans in 2003. When they first burst upon the music scene there were magazines calling them "nu-rave". Now with so many bands following in their footsteps they are now the "godfathers of nu-rave". Releasing their first album Mirror in 1999 then followed with Out Of The Races And Onto The Tracks EP in 2001, Echoes in 2003 and Pieces of the People We Love in 2006. They haven't released a wealth of material but did release "No Sex For Ben" for the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack but that was only as teaser as no new material has been released since then. Matthew Safer (bassist) left the band in 2009 and there are reports saying the band has been in the studio recording music for their 4th album. Groove along to The Rapture:

"Out Of The Races And Onto The Tracks" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"House Of Jealous Lovers" http://vimeo.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Sister Saviour" http://www.dailymotion.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Get Myself Into It" http://www.dailymotion.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Whoo!Alright, Yeah...Uh Huh" http://www.dailymotion.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"No Sex For Ben" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Slow Down Things Ain't Gonna Be Easy

Another band that managed to come out with a great first album but then split up is The Wildbirds. The Kings Of Leon references were heard as soon as the southern swagger and lead singer's Nicholas Stewart's drawl came blasting through the stereo. That's where the reference stops though as The Wildbirds were more than a southern rock sounding band. They managed to vary their sound throughout the album and show us that there was more to the band than just the singles. Releasing only 1 album Golden Daze it caught everyone's attention but the original line-up split in 2008 after a short tour. Then in February 2010 it was announced that they had reformed, minus 3 of the original members, and in July 2010 they issued the Sunshine Blues EP. Get ready to move:

"Suzanna" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"421" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Unfortunately there aren't many videos for the band but definitely check out the album Golden Daze and new EP Sunshine Blues. Something to get your toes tapping and butt shaking...

Whiter Shade Of Pale

Another band from Austin, TX that deserves your attention are The Black Angels. Deeply rooted in psychedelic rock they have established themselves as a band at the forefront of the new psychedelic movement. The band's name comes from The Velvet Underground song "The Black Angel's Death Song", which is not their only connection to the band as their logo contains an image of Velvet's vocalist, Nico. Black Angels have their own arts & music festival, Austin Psych Fest which has featured The Raveonettes, The Warlocks, Dead Meadow and A Place To Bury Strangers to name a few. They have 3 releases to date Passover, Directions To See A Ghost and their newest release Phosphene Dream. Their 3rd album harkens back to a 60's influenced sound that is more pop than psychedelic and is quite honestly a refreshing take that shows the band as more than one dimensional. Fly through the sonic wilderness:

"First Vietnamese War" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Black Grease" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Bloodhounds On My Trail" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Prodigal Son" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"You In Colour" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Vikings" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Telephone" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Strange And Beautiful

Super Furrry Animals are a group of musicians from Wales. They have an eclectic sound that's infectious and fun. From their beginnings to now they have continued to improve on an already amazing cannon of work. Going in every which direction with their sound it is something that evolves with each release. Lead singer Gruff Rhys has released a few solo albums Yr Atal Genhedlaeth & Candylion along the way while still maintaining a steady output with the band. They have 9 studio albums to date Fuzzy Logic, Radiator, Guerilla, Mwng, Rings Around The World, Phantom Power, Love Kraft, Hey Venus! and Dark Days/Light Years. Paul McCartney commissioned them to remix unreleased Beatles tracks as part of the Liverpool Sound Collage project. He then returned the favour on "Receptacle For The Respectable" by contributing a "carrot & celery rhythm track". The band's drummer Dafydd Ieuan has also joined with actor Rhys Ifans (original lead singer for SFA) to form The Peth. Along with all of that Gruff has formed Neon Neon with Boombip and released "Stainless Style" in 2007. A busy group with no shortage of music for the masses. Take a trip with them:

"Something 4 The Weekend" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"God! Show Me Magic" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Man Don't Give A Fuck" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Demons" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Northern Lites" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Ymaelodi Ar Ymylon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Juxtaposed With U" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"(Drawing) Rings Around The World"

"Golden Retriever" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Hello Sunshine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Lazer Beam" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Hometown Unicorn" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"The Very Best Of Neil Diamond" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Gruff Rhys - "Candylion" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

The Peth - "Shoot On Sight" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Neon Neon - "I Lust U" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Only In Dreams

Mercury Rev has been around for some time and flown under the radar but are still releasing albums as good as the day they started. Changing their sound throughout the years with Jonathon Donahue taking over lead vocal duties from David Baker who left after their second album. They have ties to The Flaming Lips as well in that Jonathon Donahue joined the band as a second guitarist and David Friddmann (bassist for Mercury Rev) has produced every Flaming Lips album except Transmissions From The Satellite Heart. They have 7 albums to date Yerself Is Steam, Boces, See You On The Other Side, Deserter's Songs, All Is Dream, The Secret Migration and Snowflake Midnight with 1 instrumental album Strange Attractor given away as a free download. Instantly recognizable for Jonathon Donahue's voice they have a way of capturing your attention with their music while Jonathon lulls your senses. In another world:

"Chasing A Bee" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Goddess On A Highway" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Opus 40" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"In A Funny Way" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Delve deeper into their catalogue to find some hidden gems. I recommend listening to All Is Dream in the fall or winter for the optimum listening experience. It will transport you, are you ready for the trip?

A Storm On The Horizon

Today I decided to group 2 bands together merely by name alone. They don't share a lot in common musically other than a dark tone to their music. First up is I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness from Austin, TX. Now don't let the name fool you into thinking this is emo or anything. They owe more to The Cure and other brooding 80's bands then to say My Chemical Romance. They have only released 1 album Fear Is On Our Side and 1 EP I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness. Slip on in the darkness is fine:

"The Owl" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"According To Plan" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Last Ride Together" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Next is Darker My Love from Los Angeles, CA. They were formed by Tim Presley (vocals/guitar) who does most of the bands imagery as he is a visual artist and Andy Granelli (drums) both formerly of the band The Nerve Agents. They have 3 albums to date including Darker My Love, 2 and their newest release Alive As You Are. Their first 2 albums definitely had a moodier vibe with their 2nd starting to come out of the shadows a bit more but their latest is a bit of a different sound for them. Very mellow and leaning more towards the acoustic than the sonic blasts. Get a feel:

"Helium Heels" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Summer Is Here" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Two Ways Out" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

"Talking Words" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

2 great bands that each deliver something new and exciting with each release. I Love You...are in the studio working on their follow up so I'm eager to see what their second album holds. Something for the dark side in all of us...

An Affair To Remember

Well where to start with The May Cause a band from Vancouver, BC via Calgary, AB. To talk about The May Cause one cannot forget their humble beginnings as Calgary based band bluechild. They had many incarnations as bluechild but the core members were Curt Van Woerkom (vocalist) and Ryan Rosso (guitar). Later to be joined by Eric Lowerison (drums) who added a bit more punch coming from a metal background. Bluechild's live shows were always a visual treat and those that remember the 421 Meredith Rd shows will know what they stood for.

They have lost members along the way but gained in Enrique Balana (bass, keys) an excellent musician who adds his own style to an already diverse sound. Thus they were completed and The May Cause came to be. Already as The May Cause they have done a lot in their short time together as a new band with an offering of videos and live shows becoming more frequent.

They self produced and released a self titled EP recently which is drawing attention to them in an over crowded music scene in Vancouver. The EP starts off with "Strange Little Man" a punchy number accentuated with some biting lyrics and driving bassline. Next up is "Fuck You" that starts off tender but then ups the ante into a catchy pop gem. "I Rode My Bike For This" sounds like early Disintegrations era-Cure with it's droning guitar and haunting vocals. The 4th track "Something Else" has a 50's era rock n' roll vibe to the music and is noticeably a different track than the rest of the EP. Following one great song with another is what I think may be the best track on the album (not discounting any of the other tracks) "Don't Irritate The Bees" due to it's otherworldly Radiohead-esque build up that will have you coming back for more every time. The vocals are sung with such feeling that you can't help but feel a stir of emotions when the song ends and you're left wanting. Final track is "Cancun Discoteque" which is a dancey number driven by the pulsing drums and guitar. The song is an excellent way to sum up an EP which screams at you to get off your ass and dance.

Overall one can't help but be curious as to what future holds for The May Cause. Here's hoping that they continue to push the envelope of their music by not accepting any less than the perfection that they have only began to hint at. So in closing this is a band that deserves and demands your attention. A band that offers you something rewarding for your devotion. A band that will continue to draw you in then spit you out in a warm, loving embrace of melodies and whispered lullabies. The May Cause for lack of a better term may cause euphoria, bliss, sing-a-longs, tears of joy and dance parties...Those don't seem like bad things now do they?

Check out their Myspace for music:
http://www.myspace.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Check out their Youtube Channel for videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c

Check out their website for merch and other assorted goodies:
http://www.themaycause.com/watch?v=a1nC-uyhg1c