Koko and the Sweetmeats, a four-piece from Seattle, recently announced the release of their new record Sacrifice. The band, who were recently named "Best Garage Band" for 2011 by Seattle Weekly, released Sacrifice as a concept "double EP". The six songs on side A are reinterpreted on side B. It's free for a limited time
This is mental music. It's not easy to define, and that's why it's so darn addictive. Laying down sprawled out somewhere between Tom Waits, The Beach Boys, Amen, and The Ramones, you will find Bad For Lazarus. Seen as the band is led by the mysterious former Nine Inch Nails (well, he was in the
UK alt-pop artist Foe seems to have perfected the art of amalgamating dark and delicious dream-pop with powerful electro-rock energy. Indeed, the passion and fight embedded deep within Foe's sound makes it truly unique and current; there's something about girls with clown-like make-up playing instruments that screams creativity, and this is creativity at its most
Cut Copy bassist Ben Browning will release his debut solo EP, Lover Motion, on March 19th via the band's Cutters label. Lead single "I Can't Say" is out now, and you can stream it below. Browning began work on the EP prior to the release of Cut Copy's Zonoscope (2011: #38). The style of "I Can't
Spencer Krug's Moonface project will release a new album, With Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery, on April 17th. Krug recorded the album in Finland with Helsinki-based kraut-rockers Siinai, whose previous incarnation Joensuu 1685 toured with Krug's Wolf Parade in
Louisville's hidden treasure Silver Tongues, and their debut album Black Kite, serve as a glorious throwback to classic rock bands. They hearken back to the days when a debut album could freely experiment by dabbling in multiple genres. Today's bands frequently have to hit the ball out of the park on the first at-bat, and
East Yorkshire's The Neat blend the bite of '80s post-punk (think The Fall meets Joy Division) with a modern infusion of alternative and indie-rock. Their quirky yet swift guitar strikes play perfectly when intertwined with the fast-paced, '70s punk-influenced percussion. Add their psych-infuenced vocal production - reverb without being excessive - and you have The
The winter months are apt for dark and seductive synth-pop, even from artists on the West Coast that don't have to endure the blistering chill. Nite Jewel (real name Ramona Gonzalez) doesn't release her new album One Second of Love until March, but we've already heard a few tracks - like "She's Always Watching You"
"Mrs. Sleepyhead" is the lead single off Swedish singer Marie Lalás debut EP, Search of Sound . Inspired by parts '60s girl groups and Jazz-infused cabaret pop, Lalás' music is accessible and radio-friendly; the only reason she hasn't taken over pop airwaves yet is because her musical forays are brand new
The supergroup comprising Blur/Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen revealed that their self-titled debut album will be out March 12th via Honest Jon's, a label Albarn co-runs that specializes in reggae, jazz, and soul. The trio, calling themselves Rocket Juice and the Moon, have tracked
St. Vincent released a music video for "Cheerleader", one of the highlights off last year's Strange Mercy, which placed #8 on our Top Albums of 2011. It features a gigantic Annie Clark laying on a pedestal in an art gallery. She slowly ascends from her fallen position as onlookers glance up, hypnotized at her singing
Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Rós announced their first live show as a group since 2008. They will headline Bestival on the Isle of Wight in the UK, which takes place from September 6th to 9th. Other big names appearing at the festival include The xx, Justice, and Spiritualized. And as their web site indicates, Sigur Rós
Deerhunter guitarist Lockett Pundt will release his second solo album, Spooky Action at a Distance, on April 2nd via Kranky. His first under the Lotus Plaza alias, The Floodlight Collective, was released in 2009. Pundt will also release a 103 split single for "Come Back" on February 14th, with the other track coming from Pundt's
Check out our exclusive premiere of Ross Fish's new song, "Puzzles", off his upcoming album Parables
Silver Swans are a duo from San Fran that excel in tightly constructed, electro-leaning pop gems. Despite the West Coast leanings, they sound like natives of the Swedish electro-pop scene, a highly versatile breeding ground for both brooding atmospheric builders (The Radio Dept.) and punchy pop magic (Lo-Fi-Fnk). Yet there are also those that tread
Lambchop announced a slew of new U.S. dates for their current tour, supporting their upcoming album Mr. M, out February 21st.The new dates go through April and into May, with a date in hometown Nashville on May 12th. Kurt Wagner's group released "Gone Tomorrow", a seven-minute effort off the album, a week ago. With the
It's no secret that Neon Indian love paying tribute to '80s pop, especially with Era Extraña (2011: #42) cut "Fallout". Mix a John Hughes film with Drive and this is what you get; the neon pink coloring and suave nonchalance is nostalgic enough. The busty driver of the pink convertible just missed the Drive casting call...
We Are the Works in Progress, Blonde Redhead's star-studded compilation to benefit Japan's recovery from the March 2011 tsunami and aftermath, has already brought the goods. Four Tet's contribution to the release, "Moma", debuted in December, and now Deerhunter have revealed their own addition
Bonnie "Prince" Billy will release the single for "Time to Be Clear" on February 28th via Drag City. The track is a highlight off last year's Wolfroy Goes to Town (2011: #25). The single includes two b-sides, "Whipped" and "Out-of-Mind". The press release describes these unheard tracks: "Both these non-LP B's are little monsters, rooted
Real Estate are carrying their busy 2011 into the new year. They released videos for "Easy" and "It's Real" last month, and had already confirmed several tour dates in January and March. Well, they added even more dates to March (for Aussies and Kiwis), in addition to a plethora of stateside dates in April. Also
Obscure Sound
![Marie Lalá - Mrs Sleepyhead [official video]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/youtube/gHy2KrkM-bA_130.jpg)
The Shins: “September” (b-side of “Simple Song” 7”)
Jay-Z & Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris (Explicit)
OK Go - Needing/Getting - Official Video
Ladyhawke - Black White & Blue
First Aid Kit – Emmylou
Childish Gambino - "Heartbeat" (Official Music Video)
James Blake – Live Album
Mux Mool
