Maybe we were hypnotized by Nic Offer’s hot Rolling Stones-inspired short-shorts, or maybe it was his sexy dance moves…but either way we will be forever grateful that !!! graced our eyeballs with this glorious video. It doesn’t get much better than this people!
Queens of the Stone Age – “If I Had a Tail” + “Keep Your Eyes Peeled” {Alternative Rock/Grunge}
What’s this? Two new Queens of the Stone Age music videos in two days? Christmas certainly came early for us QOTSA fans this year…except I don’t know what my Homme boy is trying to tell me by releasing only animated music videos as of late. He clearly doesn’t care about me or my love for his sexy gingerness. (Selfish bastard).
She & Him – “I Could’ve Been You Girl” {Pop}
She & Him’s Zooey Deschanel is a woman of many talents: She can act, sing, marry a Death Cab For Cutie, divorce a Death Cab For Cutie, and now she’s directing her own band’s music videos too. Is there anything this girl can’t do?
Future Unlimited – “Haunted Love” {Synthpop}
Shia LaBeouf (or should I say Shia LaBeef) directed this bad boy of a video, which features many dark topics and visuals like death, violence, a baby on fire….yeah that sounds pretty Shia-ish. Apparently his inspiration for the video is derived from Lars Von Trier’s Antichrist and Melancholia.
Mikal Cronin – “Change” {Rock}
Have you ever been to a house party and felt like you were invisible? So much so that by the end of the night some drunk dude passes out on your shoulder? (Story of my life). Well Kurt Cobain’s Mikal Cronin’s latest video documents the trials and tribulations of some mysterious maroon hoodie-wearing sucker who felt invisible at a house party too….literally.
Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” {Rap/Hip Hop}
There’s just something so wrong about a music video with the word “Bitch” in its title being set in a church during a funeral. Anyway, this video got a ton of peeps’ panties in a bunch this past week because of the strange and possibly controversial message Kendrick throws out at the end of the video, so keep your eyes peeled for the “Molly” shout-out (and read more about it here).
Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to enjoy some fun in the sun, breathe in the fresh, summery air…and sweat it out in a mosh pit while watching one of your favourite bands perform live.
Luckily there are some big-named artists that are planning some mega international tours this summer. As a matter of fact, these tours are so big you’re bound to be in close proximity to a city and/or town they’re set to be playing in. And because any artist planning a massive tour which covers several (if not more) countries deserves some of your hard-earned cash, here is a list of some of the many bands that could be coming to a city or town near you this summer:
1. Black Sabbath
Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to see the Prince of Darkness stumbling around the stage and mumbling incoherent lyrics? I know I would! The majority of the band’s summer shows are in North America, but they will be heading to South America in October and will also be playing shows in UK and Europe this November and December. To check out the list of their upcoming shows click here, and to find some great deals on concert tickets visit http://www.bigticketshop.co.uk/
2. The National
Sometimes it seems like all these guys do is release new music and tour the world, so naturally they’re planning on covering a ton of different countries scattered all over the globe this summer; (not to mention that they’ll be touring with some other big-named artists like Frightened Rabbit, Dirty Projectors, Youth Lagoon, Local Natives, Johnny Marr and Daughter, just to name a few). You can view the list of their future concerts here.
3. FIDLAR
These surf punkers are one of the hottest up-and-coming bands of 2013, and if they’re playing a show in a city or town close to you we highly recommend that you see these badasses in the flesh. They are playing a ton (and we mean a TON) of American shows starting in June, followed by countless shows in the UK and Europe. They will also be performing in Australia in July and August before heading back to North America in the fall. To see a list of their upcoming shows check out their Facebook page.
4. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
These psych rockers are currently playing a string of shows Europe, and will soon be heading over to North America mid-June to hit just about every state and province in Canada and America; (yes, even the Canadian Prairies). In July they’ll be performing a few shows in their homeland (AKA New Zealand), as well as in Australia, followed by even more shows in America, Europe, the UK and Canada. To find out more information on their huge tour click here.
5. Toro Y Moi
To say that Toro Y Moi’s upcoming tour is massive would be the understatement of the year; (the dude has so many shows there aren’t even enough days in the summer to cover all of them). He’s playing a ton of concerts in North America (even in Hawaii), as well as in Japan, and will also be playing countless shows all over Europe including Lithuania and Finland. To view the list of his upcoming shows click here.
6. Kendrick Lamar
Mr. Lamar is not only playing an insane amount of shows in major cities all over America, he’s also set to perform in a crapton of smaller American cities/towns that we’ve never even heard of before. At the beginning of July the rapper will head over to Europe to play at a few select festivals, followed by some concerts in the UK, Japan and Canada. For more information on his future shows click here.
7. My Bloody Valentine
Unfortunately for North Americans these Irish shoegazers won’t be playing too many shows on the continent this summer, but they are starting their massive European tour tomorrow in Switzerland and will be playing a ton of different shows in Europe including Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria and many, many more. They’re even playing a couple of shows in Asia this July, and will be performing at the FYF Festival in Los Angeles on August 25th. For more info on their tour click here.
8. Foals
Foals will be all over the place this summer, with future shows being pegged in Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Japan and even Russia. They will be touring nonstop from May 25th to November 12th, and will be hitting countless major cities in the UK, America, Canada and Europe. To check out their massive list of upcoming shows click here.
Just when we thought things couldn’t get more awesome than the mega Norwegian producer remixing UMO, the psych rock giants went and returned the favour by covering one of Lindstrøm’s tracks (which is off his 2012 album Smalhans). The cover is pretty epic, which isn’t surprising given that everything UMO touches turns to psych rock gold.
Joy Orbison – “Donell” {Dance/R&B} + Free download
Fans will be wringing out their panties once they find out that not only has the popular UK producer released a brand new single, he’s also making it available as a free download (so get on that shit). The track doesn’t sound a whole lot different than his previous work, but given that a new Joy Orbison track is a rare commodity these days I’ll quit my bitching.
The xx – “Together” {Alternative Pop}
With all the big-wig names being pinned to the new Great Gatsby soundtrack, it’s easy to forget that London’s beloved xx gave their own little indie touch to the release. Other artists featured on the soundtrack include Beyoncé, Jack White, Gotye, Florence + The Machine and Jay-Z (who served as the soundtrack’s executive producer).
Wild Nothing – “A Dancing Shell” {Electropop}
We only just found out about this new Wild Nothing EP a few days ago, so we were pretty stoked when we saw that the dream poppers had already released the EP’s first official single earlier this week. The release only has seven tracks on it, but if it’s as awesome as their 2012 album Nocturne or this, then it’s bound to be a killer.
Baths – “Ironworks” {Ambient/Experimental}
It’s been three long years since we’ve heard anything from Baths (AKA Will Wiesenfeld), so obviously fans have been buzzing about this new dreamy, ambient tune. The track is off Wiesenfeld’s second LP Obsidian, which is being released on May 28th via Anticon.
Sigur Rós – “Ísjaki” {Alternative Rock}
Sigur Rós’ new LP won’t be released for another couple of months, but they’ve already released not one, but two new tracks off the album. Even though “Brennisteinn” made its debut online last month, ”Ísjaki” is said to be the first official single off their new album, which is being released June 17th/18th via XL Recordings.
MGMT – “Alien Days” {Psych Pop}
Although this track was included on the duo’s limited-edition Record Store Day cassette of the same title, “Alien Days” is the first official single for their brand spankin’ new album which is due out this June. It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly three years since Congratulations was released, so all we can say is it’s about damn time, MGMT!
With all the fake Daft Punk tracks floating around the web, can you really blaming us for thinking that this is some sick, belated April Fool’s joke taking advantage of us Daft Punk/Transformers fans? Apparently this is the first single off the duo’s highly-anticipated new album Random Access Memories – big day in the music world, folks!
Walla – “Never Give Up” {Instrumental}
We didn’t realize that Death Cab for Cutie’s guitarist has been releasing solo material for years now (don’t judge), so we were pretty shocked when we first heard this new instrumental single of his. This is actually one of two new Walla singles; to listen to his surprisingly Death Cab-ish collaborative track with Sombear (“Incredibly Still”) click here.
Black Lips – “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” {Country}
We were just as shocked as the next Black Lips fan that the unpredictable psych rockers decided to cover Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings and release the track as a single, but that’s the Black Lips for you. The song is off their new joint release with Icky Blossoms (a 7″ titled Cowboy Knights) which is out April 20th, and you can listen to the track via Soundcloud here.
!!! – “One Girl/One Boy” {Electropop/Funk}
!!! has always been pretty funkalicious, but this new track of theirs is the most funked up !!! we’ve ever heard. This is the second single off their forthcoming album THR!!!LER (which is being released at the end of the month); to listen to the album’s first single “Slyd” click here.
Oberhofer – “Earplugs” {Pop/Rock}
Brooklyn’s Oberhofer are back with a brand new five-track EP NOTALGIA, and we’re counting down the days until its release on April 23rd. Apparently the group’s mainman (Brad Oberhofer) wrote this tune as a tribute to a friend he lost to drug addiction. Touching stuff.
We included Mesita’s awesome self-released album The Coyote in our Top Albums of 2012 list late last year, so we were pretty stoked to see that James Cooley has some new music in the works. There’s still no official release date for his upcoming album Future Proof, but you can stay up to date on any Mesita-related news by checking out his Tumblr.
CocoRosie – “After the Afterlife” {Electropop}
If you haven’t heard of CocoRosie before and/or you’re a fan of Metric then you should definitely be giving this tune a listen. The track is off the Parisian sisters’ new album Tales of a Grass Widow, which is being released May 27th (in Europe) and May 28th (North America).
Let’s try to ignore the layers of skin getting peeled off and focus on the more important things that are going on in this video…like the dude flexing and gyrating his muscular….uh….I mean…yeah, great video kids!
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Swim And Sleep (Like a Shark)” {Psych Rock}
And just when you think things couldn’t get any sexier than the above Conveyor video, Unknown Mortal Orchestra goes and releases a video featuring puppet nudity and masturbation. Now THAT’S hot.
CHVRCHES – “Recover” {Electropop}
Not really sure what the point of this video is, but I’m a sucker for the sci-fi so cut me some slack. Plus some of the shots reminded me of that epic scene in Independence Day when Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum escape from the alien mothership after injecting a computer virus into its system. OK you can stop judging me now.
Big Boi – “Apple of My Eye” {Rap/Hip Hop}
First off, if you’re not familiar with the Canadian YouTube cooking show Epic Meal Time (and their love for bacon, bacon and more bacon) then this video will be really confusing for you. Clearly Big Boi isn’t familiar with the show, because asking a member of Epic Meal Time for an apple is pretty much sacrilegious in Canada.
Parenthetical Girls – “A Note to Self” {Alternative Pop}
There’s just so much going on in this video I don’t even know where to start: The dude getting slapped by corn stalks, buckets magically appearing out of nowhere, a girl lighting candles on top of her head…WHAT IS GOING ON.
Atoms for Peace – “Ingenue” {Electronic/Experimental Rock}
If you’re still having flashbacks from Thom Yorke’s dancing in the “Lotus Flower” video then prepare yourself, because Thom Yorke’s got dem interpretive dancing shoes on again. It’s like you can’t take your eyes off of him….
The Darkness – “With a Woman” {Glam Rock}
Good to see that vocalist Justin Hawkins woke up from his cocaine-induced coma, but no amount of “Hot For Teacher” rip-offs in this video are going to distract me from the fact that the drug almost killed the band a few years back. Gotta love the 80s flashbacks though.
This is the first we’ve heard of the Portland-based Wampire, but as soon as we saw that glorious picture on the Soundcloud player it was love at first sight. This is the second single off the duo’s new album Curiosity which is out May 14th on Polyvinyl.
Dirty Projectors – “There’s a Fire” {Experimental Rock}
Nothing like a new Dirty Projectors track to end your week off right. The track was featured on the limited edition Offspring Are Blank white label 7″, which was pressed specifically for the band’s Carnegie Hall show back in January.
Low – “So Blue” {Pop/Rock} + Free download
In case all you Wilco fans out there didn’t already know, Jeff Tweedy (AKA Wilco’s frontman) has produced Low’s forthcoming album The Invisible Way, which is due out May 19th. The band is currently offering the track as a free download via Soundcloud, so grab that shit quick son.
Akron/Family – “Until the Morning” {Psych Folk/Rock}
Here’s yet another track off Akron/Family’s forthcoming release Sub Verses, which is being released April 30th via Dead Oceans. The first single off the new album (“No-Room”) was revealed back in January; to listen to it click here.
Iron & Wine – “Grace for Saints and Ramblers” {Alt-Folk}
Iron & Wine’s fifth and forthcoming album Ghost on Ghost isn’t due out until April, but it’s already generating a huge buzz in the music blogosphere. The album is being released April 16th in the U.S. via Nonesuch and April 15th abroad on 4AD, so mark those music nerd calendars.
Can’t say we’re the hugest fans of the track (only because nothing will ever top The Strokes’ version, and every Strokes fan knows that), but any good Strokes cover deserves a good listen. The track was first revealed on New Zealand’s George FM and was produced by Lindbergh Palace.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Sacrilege” {Alternative Rock}
Finally all us Yeah Yeah Yeahs fans can get our filthy little hands on some new Yeah Yeah Yeahs (it has been four years after all). The song first premiered on Zane Lowe’s BBC1 show, and is the lead single off the trio’s new album Mosquito.
Youth Lagoon AKA Trevor Powers just revealed this brand new dreamy tune which is off the group’s forthcoming album Wondrous Bughouse. The album is being released on March 5th via Fat Possum, so mark those music nerdy calendars.
Kurt Vile – “Walking on a Pretty Day” {Americana/Rock}
After a successful couple of years for his Philie brother/War on Drugs frontman Adam Granduciel, Kurt Vile is ready to step back into the spotlight again after two long years with the release of his fifth full-length. This is the first single off the new album (Walking on a Pretty Daze), which will be released on April 9th via Matador Records.
The electropop duo have already collaborated with Viceroy for “While We’re in Love,” so it shouldn’t come as much as a surprise that they decided to team up with none other than Noosa for this brand new track, (which is apparently going to be included on their forthcoming, yet-to-be-announced album). The single was produced by Nic Hard of The Bravery and Aberdeen City, and you can get the track for free here.
Born Ruffians – “Needle” {Pop/Rock}
With all the awesome releases expected this spring, we almost forgot that a new album from Born Ruffians is due out in April. This poppy tune is off their forthcoming LP Birthmarks which is being released on April 21st; (to stream another track off the album click here).
Phoenix – “Entertainment” {Rock/Pop}
This new Phoenix track doesn’t sound entirely different from their previous work, which means that if you’re a hardcore fan you’re more than likely going to dig it. The track first premiered on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show, and the track is off the group’s new album Bankrupt which is due out April 22nd (in Britain) and April 23rd (America).
Keep Shelly in Athens – “Madmen Love” {Electronic/Chillwave}
Even though Keep Shelly in Athens has been in the biz for what seems like forever, this track is actually off their debut LP which is being released later this year. The song sounds like a mix between Nine Inch Nails and Alison Mosshart (Dead Weather/The Kills), AKA it’s nothing short of amazing.
The Strokes – “All the Time” {Alternative Rock}
When we first covered the first single off The Strokes’ new album Comedown Machine, we thought it would be quite some time before we heard another track off the release. But The Strokes are full of surprises like that (as always) and just debuted this second single which sounds a little less synthy than “One Way Trigger,” so all you haters out there can quit your bitchin’ now.
Young Galaxy – “Fall For You” {World Music/Tropical Pop}
If you’re into tropical pop with a dash of worldly influence then be sure to check this track out. This is the second single off the Vancouver group’s new album Ultramarine (out April 23rd) and showcases some of the most unique and “out there” sounds we’ve heard from the band yet.
The Thermals – “Born to Kill” {Punk}
We were pretty stoked when this track first debuted last week, especially since we’ve been waiting patiently to hear some new tunes from our favourite Portlandia-based punkish trio. The track is off their forthcoming (titled Desperate Ground) which is out April 16th, and April 16th can’t come soon enough.
It’s not really our cup of tea, but whenever an artist as epic as Alt-J remixes a band as awesome as Stealing Sheep you can’t really go wrong. Plus it’s being offered as a free download, coolness all around.
Rare Monk – ‘Drumhead” {Rock}
All of you awesome folks out there feeling nostalgic for 90s alternative rock should check this track out. This single is off the Portland group’s forthcoming album Sleep/Attack which isn’t being released until February 26th, but in the mean time you can check out some of their previously released singles and EPs by visiting their Bandcamp page here.
Wavves – “Demon to Lean On” {Alternative Rock}
The Wavves’ new album Afraid of Heights has become one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and if the rest of the album sounds anything like this track it’s bound to be fucking epic. And in case you didn’t already know, the group is touring with one of our numero uno favourite bands FIDLAR starting in March; (more info here).
Alessi’s Ark – “The Rain” {Pop/Folk}
This is the first we’ve heard of Alessi’s Ark (led by the 22-year-old Londoner Alessi Laurent-Mark) but apparently she’s been releasing music for around six years now, (she even self-released her debut EP when she was a teenager). This track is off her third release The Still Life which is out April 15th via Bella Union.
Detroit Rebellion – “Fork in the Road” {Americana/Garage Blues}
Oozing with tinges of tribal rock and Americana, this track is off the Providence-based group’s brand new EP (Fork in the Road) which is being released on February 5th. Apparently the group’s guitarist/vocalist Jeff Toste recorded the new tracks with a distortion pedal he scored from Kurt Cobain over 20 years ago; (you can read more about it here).
Benoit Pioulard – “Margin” {Folk} + Free download
Everyone’s been talking about this new track from Benoit Pioulard (whose real name is Thomas Meluch), as he’s earned a massive following over the course of his career thanks to his ambient, lo-fi compositions. The track is off his new album Hymnal which will be released in March via Kranky.
The Flaming Lips – “Sun Blows Up Today” {Pop/Rock}
With all the crap commercial artists who have been used as Super Bowl bait over the past few years, it’s nice to see a band with actual talent being included on the Super Bowl ad roster. Apparently this track will be featured in an Hyundai commercial during the Super Bowl on February 3rd, so keep your ears and eyes out for this bad boy.
Iceage – “Ecstasy” {Punk/Rock}
The badass Danish punkers are back with a brand new album, so why not celebrate its release with an equally badass music video of an Iceage concert gone wild? This is the second single off the new album (You’re Nothing) which is due out February 19th via Matador.
Spectral Park – “Ornaments” {Experimental Rock} + Free download
It was love at first listen as soon as we heard this track, but reading that the group (AKA Luke Donavan) will be playing some shows with Unknown Mortal Orchestra next month made Spectral Park even more special. “Ornaments” is off their brand new, self-titled debut album which was just released yesterday, and you can purchase it here.
Surfer Blood – “Weird Shapes” {Alternative Rock}
Finally we can get a taste of what to expect from Surfer Blood’s forthcoming third album Pythons, which was produced by the famed Pixies producer Gil Norton. The track sounds surprisingly Strokes-ish, which I’m sure a lot of folks will appreciate since “One Way Trigger” has been getting a lot of lukewarm reviews these past few days.
It’s hard to believe it’s been six long years since we’ve heard new material from QOTSA, but in between forming new bands, talking about food with Anthony Bourdain, and procreating with Brody Dalle (Tim Armstrong’s ex-wife), it’s safe to say that Josh Homme has been a pretty busy guy. The forthcoming album (due out in the first half of 2013) is rumoured to feature Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Trent Reznor, Songs for the Deaf drummer Dave Grohl, and possibly former bassist Nick Oliveri (guess Homme forgave him for beating up his girlfriend?) Given the disappointment that is Era Vulgaris, we don’t really have high expectations, but we’re still curious nonetheless.
9. Daft Punk – TBA
Last summer some daft punk (heh) thought it would be really funny to spread a rumour that this was the first single off Daft Punk’s forthcoming album (turns out it was all just a sick joke), but if anything it just created an even bigger buzz for the Frenchies. The album is supposedly due out on March 13th, and apparently Panda Bear, Chilly Gonzales, Paul Williams and Nile Rodgers will also be featured on the release. It is also being said that the duo has been working on it for three years now, so it’s bound to be good.
8. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II
UMO have been a breath of fresh air for the psych rock genre ever since they released their highly-acclaimed self-titled album back in 2011. And although they’ve been flying under the radar these past couple of years we have high hopes for the group in 2013. They’ve already debuted the album’s lead single “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark),” and the album is set to be released on February 5th via Jagjaguwar. And in classic UMO style, the album cover is slightly NSFW (check it out here).
7. The Knife - Shaking the Habitual
We were shocked to hear that the Swedish brother-and-sister duo would be releasing another album this year considering that Karin Dreijer Andersson released a solo album (Fever Ray) back in 2009. But the duo’s first album in nearly seven years is bound to get a lot of attention this year, regardless of whether it’s good or not. It’s expected for an April 8th/9th release and is said to feature Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum, and they also released a teaser for the album which you can check out here.
6. Arcade Fire – TBA
Not only is our beloved Arcade Fire releasing their fourth album this year, they’re also collaborating with none other than James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem; (and if that is fucking awesome then I don’t know what is). The Montrealers have been keeping busy performing “low-key” concerts in Haiti (where band member Régine Chassagne is originally from), and they were also performing as Les Indetiks in around Montreal last year, so we were half expecting their new album to be released under their alias. The album isn’t due out until “late” 2013, so we still have a long time to wait yet.
5. Vampire Weekend – TBA
Despite the solo efforts the boys are back and prepping for a (hopeful) spring release of their third album, and luckily for us frontman Ezra Koenig has been spilling a ton of beans about its release (he describes it as being “darker” and “grittier” than Contra, and also influenced by jazz, Bob Dylan and The Clash). We may not know the album title yet, but apparently some of the song titles include “Hudson,” “Don’t Lie” and “Unbeliever;” (which the group played on Jimmy Kimmel’s show last year).
4. Black Lips – TBA
It may not even come until early 2014, but we can only hope and pray that the Texas psych rockers can somehow pull it together by the end of 2013. Word on the street is that they may possibly be working with famed Brit producer Mark Ronson (who previously worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lil’Wayne, Kaiser Chiefs and countless others), which isn’t too far-fetched considering he produced their 2011 release Arabia Mountain. The group also release a live album this year via Jack White’s Third Man Records label (not that we needed Jack White’s stamp approval to like them in the first place), so at least we have a little somethin’-somethin’ to keep us entertained until its release.
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – TBA
All I can say about the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album is that “it’s about goddamn time Karen O.” The group recently announced on their Instagram (yes, their Instagram), that the album will be due out this spring, which happens to be the 10-year anniversary of Fever To Tell, and they’ve also lined up some concerts in Australia for January as well; (you lucky bastards). There are some rumours that James Murphy will also be producing this album, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
2. FIDLAR – FIDLAR
If you’ve been reading this blog regularly you’ve probably experienced us shoving FIDLAR down your throat at some point or another. But we wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t peer pressuring you to listen to their tunes, so if you haven’t already done so check out this, this and this. The group has been creating such a huge buzz that it almost seems hard to believe that this album will be their first official full-length, and they’ve already debuted the first single “Cheap Beer;” (watch its video below).
1. Death From Above 1979 – TBA
OK so technically DFA 1979 isn’t really releasing another album (they will be debuting new material during their upcoming Canadian tour in October), but we have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t take long for them to include the new tunes on a release. They only have one album to their name (2004′s You’re a Woman I’m a Machine), because soon after its release the duo started bickering and announced that they were breaking up, and even though Jesse F. Keeler and his moustache formed MSTRKRFT and Sebastien Grainger did his own thing with Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains, the two have apparently kissed and made up. It’s a good thing that the world didn’t end on December 28th, because if I didn’t live to hear their new material I would have been PISSED.
Heritage Centre – “The Pros and Cons of Cowardice” {Pop/Rock}
Don’t judge us for being “swooned” by the vocalist’s hypnotic, sexy stare, because this song became an instant favourite of ours as soon as it popped up in our Inbox a few months back. The group has been causing a stir in their Irish homeland since forming in 2008, but hopefully the popularity of their latest album (Alright, Check It Out) will spread overseas as well.
Wild Nothing – “Paradise” {New Wave/Rock}
In the continuation of their neo-indie rampage, Wild Nothing somehow managed to recruit the “indie actress” superstar Michelle Williams to star in this music video. Apparently Williams was asked to choose between three different tracks off the group’s new album, but in the end she choose this one; (because of it’s awesomeness, of course).
HAERTS – “Wings” {Electropop} + Free download
We’ve been patiently waiting to drop-name this song because it’s been a favourite of ours since we first heard it; plus we’ve been noticing it on a lot of other top track year-end lists as of late. If you dig the tune then make sure you like the band on Facebook so you can get its free download.
My Morning Jacket – “Outta My System” {Alternative Rock}
We’ve never really been a hardcore My Morning Jacket fan like the majority of their fanbase, but this song was definitely one of the highlight tracks of our year. Plus an animated Zach Galifianakis makes a wizardry cameo in the video.
FIDLAR – “No Ass” {Surf Punk}
As soon as we heard that FIDLAR would be releasing their debut LP sometime next year, we thought we’d have to wait for a long time before we heard any new material from our favourite LA-based punk band. But turns out FIDLAR is so awesome they decided to delight us with a few new tracks this past year, and the result is nothing short of amazing.
The Punch Brothers first got our attention back in 2010 when they performed with actor Steve Martin on David Letterman, (watch the performance here), but their recent EP just goes to show that they don’t need an A-list celebrity to get worldwide attention anymore. The EP (titled Ahoy!) is packed full of so much greatness it was almost impossible to choose one track, so if you dig the tune we highly recommend you check out the rest of the EP as well.
Múm – “Hvernig Á Að Særa Vini Sína” {Alternative Rock}
This Icelandic group has been around for quite some time now, but this past year they decided to treat their loyal followers to a 15-track compilation (Early Birds) which consists of some previous unreleased songs recorded between 1998 and 2000. Translated as “How to Hurt Your Friends,” this lead single showcases some of their finest work to date; (plus the video is a pretty strange watch too).
Clinic - ”Miss You” {Psych Rock}
Fact: Everything this Liverpool-based band touches turns to gold, and this track is no exception. “Miss You” is the lead single off the group’s new album Free Reign, and was apparently written about “someone’s wife being saved by LSD.” It’s just a shame that the song has been overshadowed by its Peaking Lights remix.
The Pictish Trail – “Michael Rocket” {Alt-Folk}
It was the music video that made us take notice to this bearded Scot, but its haunting melodies and psychedelic tendencies eventually won us over. The single is off his new EP The Summer is Empty of Idiots, which he wrote in a caravan on the remote Isle of Eigg in Scotland.
Lost Lander – “Cold Feet” {Pop/Rock}
This is the kind of song that sticks with you after you listen to it for the first time, and it continues to make the rounds in the music blogging world even though it was released back in January. The brain behind the song (AKA Matt Sheehy) is originally from Alaska but recently moved to Portland, and has previously worked with the likes of Ramona Falls, the Menders and Gravity & Henry.
Thieves Like Us – “Maria Marie” {Electropop}
It’s raw. It’s lo-fi. And it’s got a punchy enough bassline – what more could an indie fanatic want in a song? Although this is the first we’ve heard of the European group, they have been building up a solid fanbase over the past few years thanks to their indie pop, disco and post-punk vibes. There’s also a remix of the catchy tune which you can listen to here.
Julia Holter – “In the Same Room” {Experimental/Electronic}
Julia Holter has been listed on a ton of year-end lists in 2012, and even though her recent album Ekstasis has been praised by fans and critics, this track was definitely one of our favs off her highly-acclaimed album. With throbbing synths and light-hearted, layered sounds, the track is the perfect background music for any electronic nerd.
We wouldn’t be true-blue Empire Records fans without giving a shout-out to a band with a cool name; (yes, their name is actually “∆”), and even though their sound may not be for everyone, there’s no denying the impact the group has had on the indie music world this past year.
The Faint – “Evil Voices” {Synth Punk} + Free download
There’s a little bit of synth, a little bit of guitar, and a whole lotta awesome in this track. The tune is off the group’s brand new four-track EP (which is their first release since 2008), and was recorded with the help of Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes. If you dig the song make sure you snag its free download below.
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