
Every year I find a plethora of music that would fit perfectly on my year end music lists. Unfortunately, a large majority of the music I discover is from years before and therefore disqualified from my arbitrary year end list making rules. That's why I've decided to make a list of the favorite artists and songs I discovered last year whose music was actually released previous to 2012. There can only be so many Rodriguez's out there, so the majority of my list consists of bands from the past few years who forever reason [...]

Facebook / bbblouse.bandcamp.com/ We might be heading towards the run-in as far as 2011 releases go and soon, no doubt, we'll be faced with the usual annual barrage of 'best of lists' (this blog will be no different), but the year, which I think has been a fabulous one for new music, still holds a few aces up its sleeves, one of them is the self-titled debut LP by Portland's Blouse which is released November 1st (US) / 7th (UK). I've been following Blouse since they put the hypnotic "Into [...]

As has been mentioned previously , even culture takes a vacation in summer. For most of you, this is not a big deal: you happily clear your minds of entertainment detritus while enjoying a nice bike ride or a dip in the lake. But, for the list-maker, the media slow-down is kryptonite; how to make a decent top 5 when only 4 things of value were released? Luckily, the covers market never slows down. With 87% of the world's bands actively touring and rehearsing, odd and surprising covers are certain to emerge. This month features re-imaginings of [...]
Widowspeak - Harsh realm I just realized i've been stuck focusing on mostly electronic music a bit too much lately. So I started digging around and listening to some of my faves like Wooden Shjips and and Woods. Then i see a name I havent seen before pop up in youtube. Widowspeak.. hmm. Ok lets

North Highlands Un été au milieu du soleil paresseux et des klaxons des camions à tacos dans un sous-sol de Brooklyn, Brenda Malvini, chanteuse et compositrice, s'abrite chez un ami musicien. Quelques autres comparses les rejoignent, c'est ainsi que naît North Highlands . Cette pop aérée mélange piano, violon et mandoline qui s'ajoutent aux traditionnelles guitare, basse et batterie. Le fil conducteur, la voix douce et candide de sa chanteuse qui, avec son vibrato, dicte le son du groupe, donne ainsi tout son charme à son phrasé et à sa mélodie. [...]

I saw Cat Power for the third time in Vegas, at the Matador at 21 festival. (The first and second: a pre-sobriety outing at Arthurfest in 2004 and a successful post-sobriety set at Coachella 2010.) It was oddly appropriate: in talent if not in body, Chan Marshall had become fat Elvis, singing other people's songs through a one-size-fits-all Memphis soul filter without a hint of the angst or urgency that characterized even '06 comeback The Greatest . She might as well have walked into the Mirage buffet and come back with four bowls of oatmeal. (For the record: outside [...]

The 1989 classic "Wicked Game" by the tall, dark, and handsome Chris Isaak is one of those songs that fits wonderfully on two polar spectrums - with and sans lover. And sure, having a such a brooding and sexy video to accompany it doesn't hurt the cause. After it's initial release, the song made a massive comeback after it's placement in the David Lynch classic Wild At Heart , and was re-released as a single. Since than it has been covered by bands from R.E.M. to Aaron Lewis of Staind. Now, with blogosphere's complete infatuation with all sorts of [...]
Ivan of The Boombox Hearts calls Widowspeak his “ soundtrack of the summer ”. And it’s really, really cool (and quite summerly) stuff I agree and once you’ve listened to the beautiful Gun Shy (twang guitar - yay) it’s hardly a surprise why the band decided to record a cover of Wicked Game ! Gun Shy [...]

Facebook / http://widowspeak.bandcamp.com / Brooklyn-based trio Widowspeak returned last week with their second 7" on Captured Tracks , entitled 'Gun Shy' it's released ahead of their debut self-titled LP which follows on August 9. "Gun Shy" continues where previous single "Harsh Realm" left off, nostalgic 60's psychedelia that's just lovely on the ears. Mellow, wistful guitar jangles meander around whilst the deliciously beautiful vocal of Molly Hamilton lulls you with effortless grace. Soft, dreamy, blissful. I said this on my last Widowspeak most but it still rings true [...]

We gave Widowspeak some love back in February for their woozy single "Harsh Realm." Now, the Brooklyn trio are preparing another 7-inch before releasing their debut full-length on Captured Tracks . Check out the single "Gun Shy" below, a jangly tune all wrapped around singer Molly Hamilton’s pensive vocals. Try not keeping this one on repeat. Gun Shy by widowspeakband