Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, because this two-piece Leicester-based group are coming to an eardrum near you in t-minus two seconds (so you best be preparing yourself). The duo’s new EP I Am An Animal is available as a name-your-price download at their Bandcamp page, but if you dig their sound make sure you check out their Twitter and Facebook accounts as well.
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard some awesome indie tunes out of Edinburgh; plus they’re huge fans of Thee Oh Sees, what’s not to like? This song is off their new four-track EP Distorted Doo Wop, which you can purchase as a name-your-price download here.
Chris Price – “M/F/D/S” {Electropop}
Apparently this is the first single Chris Price has released in several years (even though he’s been busy remixing everyone from Sleigh Bells and Gang of Four these past few months). If you dig the song then you can listen to its instrumental version here, and to stream his remixes check out his Soundcloud account.
Minor Mine – “Out Of Heaven” {Americana}
This Greeky group formed way back in 2007 in Thessaloniki, and they’ve already opened for Murder By Death, Peter Murphy and Savage Republic. This track is off their self-released album of the same title which was released last November, and you can purchase it for €11.99 here.
The Joy Of Painting – “Dontchu Wanna” {Folk/Rock} + Free downloads
This Nashville outfit is prepping for the release of their new album Tender Age, which is out May 21st via South Division Records. This is the leading single off the new album (which has already hit the #2 spot as the best-selling rock vinyl on Bandcamp), and you can download the track for free here.
Here’s a charity Christmas single from our favourite British alt-country superstars Cat Meat. The track costs £1 to download and all proceeds will be donated to the North London Cares foundation.
The Toronto-based JANITORS just debuted this brand new holiday track this past week, (which they appropriately describe as “Elfpunk”). Who knew that bad-ass punk and sleigh bells could mix so well?
The Shins – “Wonderful Christmastime” {Pop}
The Shins just released a cover of Sir Paul McCartney’s 1979 classic “Wonderful Christmastime” for the Holidays Rule compilation. The album was released in October via Starbucks’ label Hear Music and Concord, and other artists featured on the compilation include Andrew Bird, Rufus Wainwright, Sharon Van Etten and The Punch Brothers.
This new holiday track from Oklahoma’s JD McPherson (who was recently declared as Rolling Stone’s “Artist to Watch” this past November) is so retro it’s hard to believe that it was just released this past month. If you dig the track then you can purchase it via iTunes for as little as $1.29 here.
The Bohannons – “Xmas in Vietnam” {Rock} + Free download
Here’s a little ditty to help get you rockin’ for the holidays. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, The Bohannons just released a brand new album Unaka Rising (which you can stream in full here).
The Acorn – “Pigeon Toes” {Folk/Rock} + Free download
This holiday track from Ottawa’s The Acorn was recently featured on the Canadian holiday compilation Ho!Ho!Ho! (which you can download for free here). This is the 4th volume of the compilation, and other artists featured on the album include The Barr Brothers, The Wilderness of Manitoba and Doug Paisley.
Moka Only – “Snow Flake Homework” {Hip Hop/Rap}
Vancouverite Moka Only continues his annual Christmas series with his latest release (appropriately titled Martian XMAS 2012). The album features a ton of original holiday tracks like “Natural Humbug,” “Everybody Likes Cookies” and “Over Powered Southbound” and contributors include LMNO and Aro. You can purchase the album for $9 via Bandcamp here.
She & Him – “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” {Folk}
This brand new holiday video from She & Him was just debuted today, but the track is off the duo’s 2011 holiday album A Very She & Him Christmas. The album costs $14.98 (which you can purchase at She & Him’s official website), and all the proceeds will be donated to 826 National, a non-profit network of tutoring and writing centers.
D.veloped – “Holidays with D.veloped” {Electronic/Mash-up} + Free download
This brand new mash-up track from the North Carolinian electronic artist D.veloped features a crapload of holiday favourites like Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock,” Andy Williams’ “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and the “Nutcracker Theme.”
This track is one of the many Canadian holiday singles to be featured on the Vancouver-based Nettwerk Records’ holiday compilation Isn’t This World Enough?? A Nettwerk Christmas. The compilation was just released in November and you can purchase the entire 14-track album for $9.99 here.
Lindi Ortega – “Christmas Eve Without You” {Country} + Free download
This is the first we’ve heard of Toronto’s Lindi Ortega, but her recent album Cigarettes and Truckstops has been included on several different top album lists over the past couple of months. Her voice has been compared to everyone from Emmylou Harris and Jenny Lewis, and her sound has an eclectic mix of the country, folk and rockabilly genres.
Great Lake Swimmers – “Hang a String of Lights” {Pop/Rock}
Here’s another track from the Nettwerk Music Group’s recent holiday compilation Isn’t This World Enough?? A Nettwerk Christmas. The Toronto-based Great Lake Swimmers are one of the many bands featured on the compilation as well as Sixpence None the Richer, Joshua Hyslop, Family of the Year and many more.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy & Dawn McCarthy – “Christmas Eve Can Kill You” {Folk/Pop}
Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Dawn McCarthy (of the folk group Faun Fables) cover this classic 1972 Everly Brothers track, and the single will be featured on the upcoming Everly Brothers covers compilation What the Brothers Sang which is due out in February.
The Civil Wars – “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” {Alt-Country}
In the midst of all their possible break-up drama, the bickering duo somehow managed to get into the Christmas spirit by releasing this brand new holiday track. They also released another Christmasy track this year (“Tracks in the Snow”) which you can stream via Soundcloud here.
Jack White ventures off into solo territory for the first time with his divorce-driven debut album, and this time he’s recruited an all-female backing band to help with his solo efforts. And although it’s easy to compare some of the tracks to his past projects (The White Stripes, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs), it’s safe to say that Jacky boy is trying to take a new direction with Blunderbuss, which is refreshing for any long-time fan.
Thee Oh Sees - Putrifiers II {Psych Rock}
RIYL: Black Lips, The Velvet Underground
Putrifiers II has easily become one of our favourites this past year, and not only because their sound draws in influences from all the greats; (think: The Doors-meets-Pink Floyd-meets-Velvet Underground). The release takes listeners on a psychedelic listening journey, so if psych rock is your thing then you should give this album a considerable listen and sit back, hold tight and enjoy the ride.
Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do{Alternative/Baroque Pop}
RIYL: Tori Amos, Cat Power
Fiona Apple certainly didn’t need a ridiculously long album title and a crapton of hash drama to turn heads this past year, because her latest release (appropriately shortened to The Idler Wheel) has become one of the most talked about albums of 2012. The girl has been around since 1994, so the fact that she’s still being praised by critics deserves recognition.
Wintersleep - Hello Hum {Rock}
RIYL: Matthew Good, Tool
For all you non-Canadians out there who think we hit our peak with Rush and Neil Young, feast your ears on these bad boys. Not just limited to Hello Hum, their entire catalogue is packed full of some great rock tune-age, so if you like what you hear then we highly recommend you check out other tracks like “Jaws of Life,” or “Danse Macabre.”
Deerhoof - Breakup Song{Experimental/Noise Rock}
RIYL: Yoko Ono, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Death From Above 1979
Whether you like their sound or not, Deerhoof has achieved a cult-like following thanks to their talents of bending the laws of what we know as music. And although we were never really the Deerhoof type, the epic track otherwise known as “There’s That Grin” eventually won us over.
Full album stream:
Mesita - The Coyote{Indie Rock}
RIYL: The Shins, Tapes ‘n Tapes
We’ve come to the conclusion that there’s really no reason not to like this album, especially given that the group’s main man James Cooley released the album independently. Besides the hit single “Onward, Upward,” the release also features a ton of other great tracks like “You or the City” and “Into the Wind,” one of the many album tracks that shows off Cooley’s impressive musicianship.
Mark Lanegan Band - Blues Funeral {Alternative Rock}
RIYL: Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen
We’ll be the first to admit that we only got into Lanegan because of his involvement with Josh Homme in Queens of the Stone Age/Desert Sessions, but the former Screaming Trees frontman has proven that he’s more than just a contributor. A lot of the songs are a tad on the slower side, but haunting nonetheless thanks to his famous raspy vocals.
Lower Dens – Nootropics{Alternative/Psych Rock}
RIYL: Beach House, Lou Reed
We weren’t really a fan of Lower Dens’ sound when we first heard it, but after seeing the album pop up left and right on all these end-of-year lists we thought we’d give it another chance. And despite the fact that it’s dark, moody and dreary, it certainly deserves its place on anyone’s top albums list just for the sheer fact that it’s different than anything else being released at the moment.
Friends – Manifest! {Electropop}
RIYL: New Young Pony Club, Peaking Lights
This energetic and charismatic quintet are more than just a perfect filler in between New Young Pony Club albums. The fact that the album hasn’t received top-notch reviews while other mediocre ones have remains to be a mystery to us, especially with tracks like “Mind Control,” “I’m His Girl” and “Friend Crush.”
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Aufheben {Psych Rock}
RIYL: Dandy Warhols, The Rolling Stones
It seems hard to believe that BJM has been around for almost 13 years now. And given that we’re such hardcore fans, we were relieved to hear that time hasn’t hampered with Anton Newcombe’s under-appreciated songwriting talents. Living up to the group’s reputation, their 13th (!) album is packed full of all sorts of references any music nerd will appreciate (like “I Wanna Hold Your Other Hand,” “Blue Order New Monday” and “Stairway to the Best Party.”)
Chromatics – Kill For Love{New Wave/Electronic}
RIYL: Depeche Mode, The Cure
It’s been five long years since we’ve seen a Chromatics release, and this one certainly deserves its place on any end-of-year list. The album is a little raw around the edges, but with tracks like “Lady,” “Kill for Love” or “Back from the Grave” it’s easy to see why Chromatics have got everyone’s tongues wagging this past year.
Here We Go Magic -A Different Ship {Pop/Rock}
RIYL: The Shins, Grizzly Bear
Just because Here We Go Magic’s latest album is all over the place doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t great. And although we’re not huge fans of a lot of the songs, the two leading singles (“How Do I Know?” and “Hard to be Close”) deserve a good nod just for the songwriting and vocals alone. Plus it’s always nice to see Luke Temple return to the Here We Go Magic driver’s seat.
Crystal Castles – III {Experimental/Noise Pop}
RIYL: Sleigh Bells, HEALTH
Before everyone was ranting and raving about Sleigh Bells Crystal Castles were dominating the electronic/noise pop scene. And although their sound may not be for everyone (and the album is a mere 40 minutes in length), there’s no denying that III was one of the most talked about albums of the year.
DIIV - Oshin {Alternative Rock}
RIYL: Editors, Nirvana, Interpol
DIIV (pronounced “Dive”) was formed by the guitarist of Beach Fossils and named after one of the most epic Nirvana songs known to mankind, so forgive us for being biased. Nevertheless, Oshin is a good listen from start to finish, but tracks like “Druun,” “Doused” and “How Long Have You Known?” definitely stand out.
Taken by Trees - Other Worlds{Alternative Rock/Dream Pop}
RIYL: Best Coast, Sea Pinks, Vampire Weekend
This is the first we’ve heard of the former Concretes frontwoman Victoria Bergsman, but apparently she’s been turning heads in the industry for quite some time now. Other Worlds marks her debut solo release, and features influences from just about every musical genre possible.
Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan {Experimental Rock}
RIYL: Yeasayer, Toro Y Moi
2012 saw not one, but two releases from the Dirty Projectors (with the second being their About to Die EP). Their compositions are so complex and off-the-wall it’s almost impossible not to be intrigued by the band, and for that reason alone this album deserves all the recognition it can get.
Tennis - Young & Old {Surf Pop/Rock}
RIYL: The Walkmen, Beach Boys, Best Coast
Out of all the bands hopping on the surf rock gravy train, this husband-and-wife duo is the real deal (and not only because their music is influenced by a sailing trip around the Eastern Atlantic). And although they are probably best heard when suntanning on a tropical island, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that this album was definitely our “numero uno” only because it defined our summer of 2012. The album was produced by Patrick Carvey of The Black Keys (and you can definitely hear the influence in songs like “Origins”) and it’s a true travesty that it wasn’t included on every single year-end list.
Here’s Peaches in fine form (as always) as she continues to shockmeshockmeshockme with her deviant behaviour. Nevertheless, this video is a must-watch for all you Peaches fans out there given that it marks her triumphant return to the biz after a three-year break. The track is off her new EP which was produced by Boys Noize and XXXchange’s Alex Epton.
OFF! – “Wrong” ft. Jack Black {Punk}
Jack Black stars in his umpteenth music video cameo (how many is it now? Eight?) But this cameo is extra special because Black uses his killer Kung Fu skills to…well we don’t want to spoil it for you, but it’s a bloody mess, B-movie style.
RZA ft. The Black Keys – “The Baddest Man Alive” {Rock/Rap}
The only thing more badass than Jack Black as a Kung Fu master in an OFF! music video (or the two members of The Black Keys and Wu Tang Clan’s RZA sitting at a table eating food together) is watching rock stars kill people with chopsticks at Asian restaurants. The track is off The Man with the Iron Fists soundtrack.
The Vaccines – “I Always Knew” {Alternative Rock}
Awkward moments can happen in the strangest of places, or in this case inside of a spinning teacup. The music video stars model Dree Hemingway (great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway), and the track is off the band’s brand new album Come of Age.
Youngblood Hawke – “We Come Running” {Pop/Rock}
Because playing a guitar underwater among sharks/wearing American flag pants deserves some kind of recognition, here’s Youngblood Hawke’s new video for a track off their recent self-titled EP (released via Universal Republic). The video was directed by Marc Klasfeld (who previously worked with Jay-Z) and filmed on the coast of the Bahamas.
Cat Power – “Cherokee” {Alternative Folk}
Just when we were starting to think that Cat Power couldn’t get any more awesome, she goes and stars in her own music video as a zombie killer. The video was also directed by Ms. Cat Power herself (AKA Chan Marshall), plus a french bulldog makes a cameo at 2:47.
A Place to Bury Strangers – “And I’m Up” {Psych Rock}
If images of exploding toys and random objects bursting into flames gets you up, then prepare to get blown away for the next three and a half minutes. The video was directed by the lead guitarist/vocalist Oliver Ackermann’s brother Karl, and the track is off the band’s 2012 album Worship.
Jack White – “I’m Shakin’” {Rock}
Ladies, he’s single and ready to mingle. Here’s Jacky boy with yet another music video from his recent solo album Blunderbuss, only this time the video stars members of The Peacocks and The Buzzards, two all-female backing bands who supported him during his recent tour.
Wilco – “Sunloathe” {Folk/Pop}
Wilco’s latest video is packed full of over 100 illustrations by Nathaniel Murphy and described by the director as ”[reflecting] the complicated emotions expressed in the song, where we feel hope and sorrow coexist.” The video was directed by Peter Glantz, who previously worked for the likes of OK Go and Andrew W.K.
Even though the release date of the band’s forthcoming album keeps on getting pushed back, Crystal Castles have decided to release a video for their first official single, as promised. The video consists of footage from the 1981 movie Possession, and was directed by Ivan Grbin, a hardcore Crystal Castles fan (as if there is any other kind of Crystal Castles fan).
Coldplay – “Hurts Like Heaven” {Pop/Rock}
Who ever thought that Coldplay and comic books could mix so well together was a fucking genius, because for once in your life listening to a Coldplay song doesn’t make you want to curl up into the fetal position and cry anymore. Apparently the video is a prequel to the band’s six-part comic series (which you can pre-order here), about the story of Mylo Xyloto, “a young silencer on the front lines of a war against sound and color in the world of Silencia.”
Thanks to the latest music video from the band’s “Mystery Film Experiment” series, you’ll never be able to watch Transformers the same way again. Even though the star of this video is actor Shia Labeouf, believe it or not the real star is actually the beautiful butterfly…oh who am I kidding, we all know it’s Shia’s hairy peen.
Chris Baio (AKA the bassist of Vampire Weekend) has just revealed the first single off his three-track solo EP Sunburn, and its video documents the trials and tribulations of an everyday mannequin as she struggles to find a place in the real world; (mannequins are real people too yo).
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – “Everybody’s On The Run” {Pop/Rock}
I don’t know what disgusted me more: The fact that actress Mischa Barton stars in this music video or the fact that I had to watch her “act” in leopard print bra. Nevertheless it’s great to see that Noel isn’t taking the back seat to Liam’s ego any more.
SSION – “Earthquake” {Electronic/Pop}
Shot in the band’s hometown of Kansas City, this music video is described as a coming-of-age love story between an “enigmatic instigator and an alien-brother-lover;” (okay then). The track is off the band’s forthcoming album Bent which is set for release on September 18th.
Emil Friis – “Sand in Your Eyes” {Folk/Americana}
He may be Danish but Emil Friis definitely knows how to channel a mean Americana vibe. The video was directed and edited by Niels Buchholzer, and the track is off Friis’ forthcoming album which is expected to be released sometime this fall.
Brendan Benson – “Pretty Baby” {Alternative Rock}
Get ready to nurse those nasty Raconteurs withdrawals, because Brendan Benson has just revealed the first single off his solo album What Kind of World which was released under his own label Readymade Records. The video was directed by Young Hines (who is also on Readymade’s roster) and both acts are currently touring together as well; (more info here).
Twin Shadow – “Five Seconds” {New Wave}
This mini B-movie of a music video actually made its debut on the LED billboard at Manhattan’s Time Square (thanks a new initiative called Art Takes Time Square). Apparently scenes of the video were based off of a novel called Night of the Silver Sun, which was written by the band’s frontman (George Lewis Jr.) and Eric Green.
FM Belfast – “DeLorean”{Electropop}
Directed by Magnús Leifsson, the latest music video from Iceland’s FM Belfast tells the story of a sad man with a sad hobby for sad little trinkets; (and I thought my life was depressing). The single is off the band’s 2011 album Don’t Want to Sleep.
Todd Terje – “Inspector Norse” {Electro/Disco}
The latest music video from the Norwegian producer Todd Terje is actually an excerpt from the short film Whateverest (which was directed by Kristoffer Borgli). Watch actor Marius Solem Johansen trip out and pull some non-stop, cracked-out dance moves while he looks out at the ocean, rides a bicycle, cooks some meth…you know, the usual stuff.
Family Band – “Night Song” {Experimental}
This slideshow of “stupid, crude images” is said to be based off of the cover art of Family Band’s forthcoming LP Grace & Lies, and was created thanks to cameraman Joshua Allen shooting footage of Kim Kran’s face, and then lapping a series of drawings over her image.
Yellow Ostrich – “The Shakedown” {Rock}
This track is off the band’s forthcoming LP Strange Land, and apparently this video was self-directed by the band in one of their basements; (props to the band for spending the majority of their filming budget on glow-in-the-dark supplies).
El Perro Del Mar – “Innocence is Sense” {Electronic/Experimental}
This Swedish songstress (whose real name is Sarah Assbring) brings on the creep in full force with her latest music video, which is said to be inspired by the 70s indie horror/noir film movement. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a Swede pull off some awesome interpretive dance moves…but what’s with the eggs?
After winning the Ditto Music Live Battle of the Bands in 2011, The Horror Vacui are now getting ready to introduce their brand new EP Scissor Crystal Eyes to the masses.
The “four-piece endearing nightmare” (consisting of Ted Fox, Kyle Kelly, Rico Whitfield and Jonathan Parrish) wrote and recorded their debut album back in 2010, but first got the attention of Nashvillians after beating 42 other acts at the Ditto Music Live Battle of the Bands in Nashville. As a result, they went on to record their debut single (“Melete Thanatou”) at OMNI Sound Studios with Derek Garten, who has previously worked on projects with Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts and produced for Jewel, Lovedrug and Parachute Musical.
Since then, the band has been performing at various venues in Nashville like Mercy Lounge, The Building, Red Rooster Music Hall and The Hard Rock Cafe, as well as at the Clothing XChange’s Save WRVU Benefit.
Their brand new EP Scissor Crystal Eyes was just released on June 8th, and was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Lloyd Aur Norman (who previously worked with Kid Dead from Last of the Horsemen).
You can purchase the EP as a name-your-price download via the group’s Bandcamp page.
Wintersleep is one of the many reasons why everyone should give credit to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia (with the first being the Trailer Park Boys and the second being Mr. Lahey, of course). After gaining a massive fan base over the past decade, Canada’s hottest rock band is back with another highly-anticipated album Hello Hum, which was just released yesterday by Capitol/EMI. For more info on Wintersleep click here.
THEESatisfaction – “QueenS” {R&B}
Even though this Seattle-based duo has been self-releasing their own music on Bandcamp for years, their debut/Sub Pop-supported album awE naturalE has become one of the most talked about releases of the year thanks to this anthem-worthy track. Watch the official music video for “QueenS” here.
Lotus Plaza – “Monoliths” {Alternative Rock}
Just when we were starting to think that no one would be able to top Deerhunter, the band’s guitarist/vocalist Lockett Pundt goes off and forms an equally awesome side project.
The general rule of thumb is that if a man named Orlando Higginbottom starts a band called “Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs,” that should be a good enough reason for you to give his music a listen. “Tapes & Money” is the band’s recent album Trouble, which was just released on June 11th. Watch the official music video for “Tapes & Money” here.
Alabama Shakes – “Hang Loose” {Blues/Rock}
Now that everyone and their dog is a fan of The Black Keys, it’s time for the indie kids to find another new bluesy-rock band to obsess over. Luckily for them the Alabama Shake’s recent album (Boys & Girls) came out just in time, and can easily win any classic rock/blues fan over thanks to some mean CCR-style riffs and Brittany Howard’s Janis Joplin-like vocals.
Breton – “Interference” {Electronic/Rock}
We didn’t really dig this track at first because its music video was depressing as hell, but the song eventually won us over because we’re a sucker for the synth.This track is off the band’s debut album Other People’s Problems which was released via FatCat Records on March 26th.
Father John Misty – “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” {Folk/Rock}
Turns out there is life after the Fleet Foxes, because Father John Misty’s recent LP Fear Fun has already become one of the most talked about releases of the year. The band’s main-man J. Tillman has been recording music for nearly ten years now, and he also drummed for the Fleet Foxes from 2008 to 2011. Watch the official music video for “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” here.
Sleigh Bells – “Demons” {Noise Pop}
Their sound may not be for everyone, but Sleigh Bells have been breaking down musical barriers since 2008 thanks to a combo of explosive synthpop sounds mixed in with heavy, metal-influenced guitar chords. This track is off their sophomore album Reign of Terror, which has been praised by the likes of Spin, TIME, Pitchfork, Metacritic, NPR and The New York Times (just to name a few).
Friends – “Mind Control” {Electropop}
This wasn’t the first Friends song we got addicted to, and it probably won’t be our last…who needs friends when bands like Friends exist? The band is based in Brooklyn, and just released their debut LP Manifest! on June 5th. Watch the official music video for “Mind Control” here.
Jack White – “Love Interruption” {Folk/Rock}
It’s hard to believe that in between starting up his own record label and working with artists like Wanda Jackson, Tom Jones, Insane Clown Posse and Beck, Jack White somehow managed to fit in a solo debut, (because he’s a true-blue music nerd like that). Jack is obviously still suffering from the post-divorce blues, but at least his heartbreak was put to good music.
The Screaming Females are clearly a reincarnation of No Doubt (pre-Gavin Rossdale). Their latest single is off the band’s fifth album Ugly which was released via Don Giovanni Records.
Parlovr – “Holding on to Something” {Pop/Rock}
In the continuing saga of our obsession with Quebecois music groups, (as seen here and here), we couldn’t help but fall in love with Montreal’s hottest new indie rock group Parlovr (pronounced “Parlour”). The track is off the band’s recent album Kook Soul, which was released by the mega-Canadian record label Arts & Crafts this past May. For more info on Parlovr click here.
Vitamin Pets – “Christmas Song” {Indie Rock}
If you like free and independent music that actually sounds good, then chances are you’re going to dig this New Jersey-based band. (And while you’re at it check out the band’s latest track “Peanut Butter Jesus” via Soundcloud). For more info on the Vitamin Pets click here.
Miike Snow – “Paddling Out’ {Pop/Disco}
Word of Miike Snow’s latest release first starting buzzing around the music blogosphere last fall, but because we were drowning in Christmas Spirit (AKA rum and egg nog) we didn’t truly pay attention to the Swedish duo until the release of this song in early January. “Paddling Out” is the first single off Happy to You, followed by “The Wave” and ”Bavarian #1 (Say You Will).”
Don’t let our friendly inhabitants fool you, because Canadians can be creepy and mysterious too….or at least they are in Austra’s latest music video which is packed full of red-hooded cults, sister witches and random epileptic shaking. For more info on Austra click here.
Said the Whale – “O Alexandra” {Pop/Rock}
Count on a band from Vancouver to film a music video on a boat; (plus you have to give props to vocalist Ben Worcester for jumping into the freezing cold Pacific Ocean mid-song like a champ/true Vancouverite).
of Montreal – “Spiteful Intervention” {Alternative Pop}
The members of of Montreal are clearly on the good shit, and are taking the whole Brian Wilson-inspiration-thing to a whole new level with their latest music video.
Dr. Dog – “Lonesome” {Alt-Country}
Don’t you just love it when bassists go cray-cray? In this video, Dr. Dog’s bassist/vocalist Toby Leaman kidnaps his bandmates and holds them hostage whilst starting an epic food/confetti fight.
Real Estate – “Easy” {Pop/Rock}
Not only did this music video make our cold Canadian heart warm with laughter, it even gave us a few tips on self-promotion (like abducting Jake Fogelnest at knifepoint, taking him to the middle of the woods and holding a gun to his head). Take note, indie bands!
Jared Dymbort – “Family Values” {Electronic/Instrumental}
Jared Dymbort’s debut music video has all the essentials: Lonely one-eyed monsters, photographers having nervous breakdowns and close-ups of awkward facial expression; (why can’t every music video be like this?) For more info on Jared Dymbort click here.
Jack White – “Sixteen Saltines” {Rock}
This Lord of the Flies-style music video stars a bunch of middle-class suburbia kids/teenagers who like to eat apples in coffins and set Jack White on fire. Why can’t they all just leave Jacky-boy alone?
Eight Bit Tiger – “Our World” {Electro/Pop}
There’s so much to love in Eight Bit Tiger’s latest music video, but in the end nothing tops the band’s video for “Bad Advice;” (click here to get your minds blown). If we weren’t robbed of our top 2011 list last year, then the video would have been “numero uno” on our list; but nevertheless “Our World” is a close second.
tUne-yArDs’ latest music video stars a bunch of chirr’en sporting face paint and interpretive dance moves, and the majority of the cast are from the San Francisco Rock Project, (a non-profit music school offering musical education to kids). Vocalist Merrill Garbus recently launched a Kickstarter fundraising project to help raise money for the students.
Modeselektor ft. Miss Platnum – “Berlin” {Electronic}
The story behind this video truly sells it; (if you build it, Modeselektor will come…and play at your wedding). No really, a fan actually e-mailed the band and asked them if they could perform at his wedding, and in return he would create a music video for them. Pretty cool stuff.
Chairlift – “Met Before” {Pop/Rock}
Have you ever watched a Queens of the Stone Age music video and felt the urge to reach inside the screen and manoeuvre Nick Oliveri out of the picture? Well Chairlift’s interactive music video lets you do just that (kind of) by letting the viewer control how the video storyline unfolds. Try it out here.
Last of the Horsemen is a hip hop group based out of Nashville, Tennessee consisting of two emcees (Kid Dead and Simian Says) and one DJ (Jix).
The group first started recording music in May of last year and have been “breaking the barrier of the societal and economic norms of hip hop” ever since. They’ve been playing shows at a variety of different venues in Nashville like The End, Exit In and Cafe Coco, and both DJ Jix and Kid Dead have also performed at Nashville’s new and alternative venue The Front, known for showcasing underground artists and musicians.
Kid Dead recently recorded a lo-fi hip hop album The Flatline with the help of Jeremiah Carter and Lloyd Aur Norman, and also hosts the Makin Moves show at The End; (not to mention that he is involved in just about every hip hop show in Nashville as well).
Over the past couple of months Last of the Horsemen have been recording a full-length album at Villain Place in Nashville and are in the midst of planning a future CD release party. The album isn’t expected to be released until sometime in June, but for now we invite you to listen to some of their previously released tracks via their Soundcloud account.
Nashville’s Wick-it the Instigator has become one of the most talked about DJs in the South thanks to his super impressive genre-mashing skills.
Wick-it’s The Brothers of Chico Dusty album was an instant hit among fans and critics, and featured mashed-up songs from The Black Keys album Brothers and Big Boi’s Sir Lucious Left Foot:The Son of Chico Dusty. The album contained tracks like “Everlasting Shine Blockaz” (“Everlasting Light” vs. “Shine Blockas”), ”Black Bug” (“Tighten up” vs. “Shutterbugg”) and ”You Ain’t the Next DJ” (“Next Girl” vs. “You Ain’t No DJ”).
But now the triumphant DJ has returned with a Quentin Tarantino-themed remix/mash-up album which samples memorable quotes from films like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds and Grindhouse. The album contains everything from hip-hop, electronica and dub-step, and some of the hottest mash-up tracks off the album include “Look at Mexico Now” (The Coasters vs. Busta Rhymes) and “Bang Bang” (Nancy Sinatra vs. The Notorious B.I.G. and KRS-One).
Wick-it the Instigator is currently playing a string of solo shows in the U.S. over the next couple of months, and is also set to perform at the Warped Tour this summer, (more info here).
If you want to download Inglorious Basterds for free click here.
FOLLOW RMD…OR ELSE