Top new tracks: The-Dream, two new Vampire Weekend songs + Dinosaur Jr. covers Phoenix’s “Entertainment”

March 19, 2013 in Alternative, Electronic, Free downloads, Garage Pop, Indie, Pop, Rap, Rock, Top 2013, Uncategorized

Sweet Baboo – “If I Died” {Alternative Pop}

This tune is weird as fuck but it will eventually grow on you if you give it a couple of listens. (Plus the dude likes to dress up as a kitty-cat, what’s not to love?) The track is off his new album Ships which is being released on April 22nd.

Dinosaur Jr. – “Entertainment” (Phoenix cover) {Rock} + Free download

Phoenix’s “Entertainment” has been one of the most talked about songs of 2013 thus far, so it was only a matter of time before someone gave it some cover love. And although not everyone seems to be a fan of the cover we’re actually starting to like it more than its original….(please don’t hurt us now).

The-Dream – “TRON” {Electronic/Rap}

Everyone’s been buzzing about this new track (because you know, the word “TRON” and electronic beats go so well together). The track is off his new album IV Play which is out May 7th via Def Jam.

The Leisure Society – “Fight For Everyone” {Pop/Rock}

If you’re still suffering from the pre-spring sads then you can certainly count on this summery track to help raise your spirits. This song is off the Londoners’ third album Alone Aboard The Ark, which is being released on April 1st.

Die Eternias – “King Youngstar” {Alternative Rock} + Free download

We wrote about Die Eternias’ awesome alt-countryish single “Ice Princess” last November, so we were pretty stoked to see that another new track from the Viennese was drifting around the interwebs. This song will be featured on their forthcoming vinyl split 7″ record which is being released next month.

Vampire Weekend – “Diane Young” + “Step” {Indie Rock}

It’s been a great week for us Vampire Weekenders as the group revealed not one, but two new singles off their new and highly anticipated album Modern Vampires Of The City. While “Step” sounds oddly similar to 2008′s “Campus,” “Diane Young” is slightly more rockish but the baroque piano chords help give it some primo Vampire Weekend edge.

Casual Sex – “Soft School” {Garage Pop}

Glasgow’s Casual Sex have just revealed a brand new poppy tune which is actually a B-side to their debut single “Stroh 80” (released earlier this month). Their limited edition 7″ vinyl/download will be released via the Moshi Moshi Singles Club on April 1st.

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Tags: Atlanta, Austria, Brighton, England, free mp3 downloads, Georgia, Glasgow, London, New York, North Carolina, Scotland, The South, UK, Vienna, Wales
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Rex Manning Day’s Top Tracks of 2012 {Part 5}

December 28, 2012 in Alternative, Dream Pop, Electronic, Folk, Funk, Industrial, Instrumental, Pop, Psychedelic Rock, Rock, Top 2012, World Music

{PART 1} {PART 2} {PART 3} {PART 4}

Eugene McGuinness – “Harlequinade” {Alternative Pop/Funk}

Eugene’s been a huge thing in the UK for quite some time now, but this past year fans watched him transform right before their very eyes as he debuted a more slicked back and mature look. The song was hands-down our “numero uno” favourite of the year because it’s a perfect representation of the London music scene at the moment; down to the style, the wit, and even the retro vibes. Oh Eugene, where have you been all my life?

IO Echo – “When the Lillies Die” {Alternative Rock/Industrial}

If you’re an art fart and/or into the gothic/new wave movement then be prepared to get your mind blown. IO Echo’s sound has been described as everything from grunge-goth to “New Oriental,” which isn’t surprising given that they’re known for using Japanese koto harps/Chinese violins and wearing kimonos during their performances.

The Presets – “Youth in Trouble” {Electronic}

Sure 2012 was a great year for many mega-electronic acts like Grimes and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, but let’s not let them overshadow the talented rave-rock group that is The Presets. They’ve been making tunes for almost a decade now, and “Youth in Trouble” proves that they still got what it takes. Plus the song is intense and the video is equally overwhelming. You’ve been forewarned.

The Whigs – “Waiting” {Rock}

Right when we were starting to believe the rumours that rock was dead, The Whigs go and release one of the best true-blue rock & roll songs we’ve heard in a long, long time. They’ve toured with everyone from The Black Keys, Kings of Leon and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and have even shared the stage with The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. Oh, and their album cover has a hot dog on it too.

Chris Baio – “Sunburn Modern” {World Music}

We were just as surprised as the next person when we heard that Vampire Weekend’s Chris Baio was going solo, so we were a little skeptical before we even gave this track a chance. But being the Vampire Weekender that he is, Baio has proven himself as a talented musician and songwriter, and his solo album is a must-listen regardless of whether you’re a Vampire Weekend fan or not.

Melody’s Echo Chamber – “Endless Shore” {Psych Rock}

We were caught off guard as soon as we heard this tune by the one-woman band known as Melody’s Echo Chamber (led by Parisian Melody Prochet), but we were even more shocked to find out that her latest album was produced by none other than Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. And just when we thought the song couldn’t get more awesome, Unknown Mortal Orchestra goes and covers it; (you can listen to their version here).

CSLSX – “Aeromancer” ft. Mountain Man {Dream Pop}

The angelic vocals of Amelia Meath, Alex Sauser-Monnig and Molly Sarle from the folk trio group Mountain Man take center stage in this mesmerizing track, which features tinges of electro, new wave, psych rock and even a little bit of Enya. Plus the spacey music video does the track justice, so if you have a spare moment we highly recommend that you give this one a watch.

Shintaro Sakamoto - ”You Just Decided” {Pop/Folk}

As soon as this song debuted this past summer it was stuck in our head for weeks. Who cares if you can’t understand any of the lyrics and/or you don’t like poppy folk, because let’s face it: This music video is the fucking bomb; (and was also directed and animated by Sakamoto himself).

Divine Fits – “Would That Not Be Nice” {Pop/Rock}

With Dandy Warhol beats and poppy melodies, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that this catchy tune eventually caught the attention of the famed rap producer RJD2, who ended up remixed the track into a surprising synthpop extravaganza; (you can listen to his version of the song here).

Bat for Lashes – “All Your Gold” {Alternative Pop}

From beachy Brighton, Bat for Lashes (AKA Natasha Khan) has been talked about a lot this past year, and after listening to this track we now understand why. The single is off her highly-acclaimed album The Haunted Man, (you know, the one where she’s dressed up in her birthday suit and holding a naked man over her shoulders?)

{PART 1} {PART 2} {PART 3} {PART 4}

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Tags: Athens, Australia, Brighton, California, England, France, Georgia, Japan, London, Los Angeles, New York, Oxford, Paris, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, The South, UK
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Top new tracks: Atoms for Peace, Band of Horses, Crystal Fighters + Todd Terje remixes Hot Chip

September 13, 2012 in Alternative, Disco, Dream Pop, Electronic, Electropop, Experimental, Folk, Free downloads, Funk, Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Pop, Punk, R&B, Rap, Soul, Surf Pop, Surf Rock, Uncategorized

Teen Daze – “Union” ft. Frankie Rose {Electronic/Dream Pop}

British Columbia’s Teen Daze has joined forces with none other than Frankie Rose (of Vivian Girls/Dum Dum Girls) for this track, which is the second single off The Inner Mansions. The LP is set to be released November 6th via Lefse.

FIDLAR – “Cheap Beer” {Rock/Punk}

This brand new track from L.A.’s hottest punk band is off their forthcoming debut LP which is expected to be released in 2013 via Mom + Pop. The band is currently touring with The Hives, so if you’re lucky enough to live in the California area you best be checking out their upcoming shows here.
For more info on FIDLAR click here.

Atoms for Peace – “Default” {Electronic/Experimental}

Atoms for Peace (otherwise known as the supergroup consisting of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, RHCP’s Flea, and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich), have just revealed a brand new tune which was released as a single on iTunes on September 10th. The other day Yorke announced on Radiohead’s website that an Atoms for Peace album is currently in the works, but it won’t be released until sometime next year.

Fear of Men – “Mosaic” {Surf Rock}

London/Brighton’s Fear of Men have become one of the most talked about bands of the year, and their debut EP Early Fragments isn’t even out until 2013. If you dig the track keep an eye out for the limited-edition blue vinyl 7″ of the single, which is out October 15th.

Band of Horses – “Slow Cruel Hands of Time” {Folk/Rock}

This is the second single off Band of Horses’ new album Mirage Rock, which will finally be released this month; (along with a slew of other awesome releases). In case you haven’t already seen the video for the first single off the album (“Knock Knock”) click here.

Taken by Trees – “Large” {Indie Pop}

Sweden’s Taken by Trees AKA the former Concretes vocalist Victoria Bergsman just debuted the second single off her forthcoming album Other Worlds, which is set to be released October 2nd via Secretly Canadian. The album was produced by Henning Fürst from the Tough Alliance, and was inspired by Bergsman’s recent trip to Hawaii.

The Joy Formidable – “Cholla” {Rock}

Here’s yet another single off the Welsh trio’s upcoming second album Wolf’s Law, which is expected to be released in January of next year. The group just debuted the official music video for the track yesterday; to check it out click here.

How to Dress Well – “& It Was U” {R&B/Soul} + Free download

Total Loss, the new album from Brooklyn’s How to Dress Well is out September 17th, so frontman Tom Krell wasted no time in debuting its first single. If you dig the track make sure you snag its free download.

Feed Me & Crystal Fighters – “Love is All I Got” {Electronic/Rap}

This collaborative track between the UK-based folk/pop band Crystal Fighters and Feed Me first premiered on BBC 1′s Radio with Zane Lowe; although there’s still no word as to whether it will be included on an upcoming release from either group.

Matt and Kim – “Now” {Electropop} + Free download

This is the second single off Matt and Kim’s upcoming full length album Lightning (which is out October 2nd), and you can download the track for free if you give the duo some “Like” love on Facebook. To check out the dribble-tastic video for the album’s first single “Let’s Go” click here.

The Zolas – “Knot in My Heart” {Alternative Rock}

This track is off the Vancouver-based band’s forthcoming second album Ancient Mars which is set to be released on October 2nd via Light Organ Records. The album was produced by Chuck Brody, who has previously worked with the likes of Phantogram and Wu-Tang.

Sea Pinks – “A Pattern Recognition” {Garage/Surf Pop}

Our favourite Belfast band is back with a brand new album Freak Waves, which was released on September 3rd via Belfast’s own CF/Recs. This is the third album from the group, which consists of the members of another popular Belfast-based band Girls Names.
For more info on Sea Pinks click here.

Hot Chip – “How Do You Do” (Todd Terje Remix) {Electronic/Disco}

We don’t usually dig remixes, but with Todd Terje remixing Hot Chip, you can’t really go wrong. The original track is off Hot Chip’s latest album In Our Heads which was released this past June; to check out the video for one of the album’s singles (“Night & Day”) click here.

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Tags: Belfast, Brighton, British Columbia, Brooklyn, California, Canada, England, free mp3 downloads, Ireland, London, Los Angeles, Norway, Oslo, Scandinavia, Seattle, Sweden, The South, UK, Wales
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Howe – “Lost Generation” {Blues/Rock}

June 14, 2012 in Blues, independent bands, Rock

Bolt From the Blue (2012)

With a sound comparable to The Beatles and The Who, and musical influences ranging from Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this brand spankin’ new Brighton-based band is definitely one to keep an eye out for in the near future.

The quartet consists of Eric Brunjes on guitar, Ralph Brunjes on vocals, Ben Hayes on bass and Niall Lavelle on drums. Lavelle is also the drummer the Gentleman’s Dub Club, a nine-piece ska, dub and roots/reggae band who performed at festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude and also supported many big-name acts like Roots Manuva and The Streets.

Howe just released their debut, three-track EP Bolt from the Blue one month ago, and while some songs sound like a straight up George Harrison riff (“It’s Not Such a Surprise”), others (like “Bolt from the Blue”) sound more like Guns ‘n Roses thanks to Ralph’s distinct, Axl-like vocals.

When asked to pinpoint the band’s musical influences, Eric also mentioned several other UK giants such as Radiohead, David Bowie, Blur and Radiohead, but surprisingly drop-named one American jazz/classical pianist: ”My own idol is Keith Jarrett,” writes Eric, “which might come as a surprise but I try to replicate his emotion in the music that I write.”

You can stream the entire three-track EP at Howe’s Soundcloud page, and you can also get updates on any upcoming gigs or songs by signing up for their mailing list.

The band also plans on releasing another EP later this year, and are currently playing a string of shows around the UK; (more info here).

{Official website} {Soundcloud} {Photo credit: Howe}

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Tags: Brighton, UK
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Introducing: The Mojo Fins {Indie Pop} + Canadian Music Fest details

March 16, 2012 in Pop

In case you didn’t already know, Canadian Music Fest will be kicking off next week in Toronto, and the Brighton-based Mojo Fins are one of the many bands to be showcased at the musical event.

The band will be performing tracks from their second album Shake the Darkness, and will also be previewing tracks from their forthcoming The Spirit EP, which is slated for a May release via Amazon Records. Both the albums were recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).

Canadian Music Fest 2012 will be taking place from March 21st to 25th, and over 900 artists from 40 countries are expected to perform. Some of the many other acts include Passion Pit, Slash, Vancouver musician Dan Mangan, The Temper Trap, Jeff Beck, Train, The Cat Empire and The Trews; (you can find more info on tickets here, and the many other performing artists here).

The Mojo Fins will be performing on March 22nd at the Gladstone Hotel (North Ballroom).

{Official website} {Myspace} {Shop} {Canadian Music Fest 2012 official website} {Photo credit: Rupert Sansom}

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Tags: Brighton, England, Mojo Fins, UK
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The Cribs – “Come On, Be a No-One” {Rock}

March 9, 2012 in Rock

The Cribs have just released the second track from their forthcoming album In the Belly of the Brazen Bull, which is set for release on May 7th.

This is the first album the band has released since the former Smiths/Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr left the band in 2011.

The album was produced by David Fridmann (former producer of the Flaming Lips and MGMT), and Steve Albini (Nirvana and the Pixies), and was recorded at Fridmann’s Tarbox Road Studios as well as at Abbey Road Studios in London.

You can pre-order the band’s “Super Deluxe Bundle” of the album which includes a digital download, a vinyl LP, a t-shirt, a DVD documentary, and even a chance to win free entry into any future Cribs concert. Other Cribs bundles available for purchase include the “Deluxe Bundle” the “CD Bundle” and the “Digital Bundle.”