I know there’s over 1 billion of you out there who give one ounce of a fuck that Psy premiered yet another “viral” music video this past week, (which has already garnered over 98 million views and counting). Because nothing distracts us from what’s going on in North Korea like a little noodle sucking and gag-inducing crotch thrusts! Okay my conspiracy theory rant is done now…
The Besnard Lakes – “People of the Sticks” {Alternative Rock}
If this music video was released before Lance Armstrong started his cycling career, then maybe, just maybe he would have learned a thing or two about the negatives of performance-enhancing drugs. Pugs, not drugs folks!
Moby & Mark Lanegan – “The Lonely Night” {Electronic/Ambient}
Who would’ve thunk that the former Screaming Trees member would have ended up collaborating with a bald vegetarian hippie, but the track is pretty damn wicked if you ask me. The single is being released as a limited edition 7″ for Record Store Day, which is coming up on April 20th.
The National – “Demons” {Alternative Rock}
The National fans had a mighty fine week this week as they were treated to a brand new single (“Don’t Swallow The Cap“) as well as this new time-lapse video. The video stars an artist painting a perty portrait of a lady, and as the song/video progresses the portrait gets more and more elaborate. It’s simple but sweet, and definitely worth the watch if you’re a hardcore National fan.
James Blake – “Overgrown” {Electronic/R&B}
Not a whole lot goes on in the music video (just Blakey boy sitting in a cabin and watching the clouds pass by before he takes a random stroll to the ocean, for whatever reason), but it’s so beautifully shot it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the cinematography. Not sure what the Dementors are doing there though…
Frank Ocean – “Lost” {Pop/Hip Hop}
Francisco Soriano directs Frank Ocean’s brand new music video, which consists of shots of Ocean travelling to various cities around the globe (like Paris, Cairo, Dubai, etc. etc.) and scoping out some famous landmarks. The video was filmed during Ocean’s 2012 tour, and features some behind-the-scene shots of his concerts as well.
BADASSKATOON – “Stompin’ Tom Connors” {Country} + Free downloads
There are so many crude gems on BADASSKATOON’s latest release we don’t even know where to start; (“Beauty is Only a Light Switch Away”…need we say more?). You can download the duo’s new album (appropriately titled The Greatest Album Anywhere. Ever) for free here, but make sure you click on Johnny’s boner first.
Mumblr – “Monkey and the “Mu$hroom” {Rock/Grunge}
If you’re one of those true-blue Nirvana fans (you know, the Bleach type – not the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” type) then you’ll definitely appreciate this “fuzz punk” group. This track is off their debut EP WHITE JESUS which you can purchase as a name-your-price download at their Bandcamp page.
Crystal Coast – “Glitter” {Dream Pop/Electronic}
This dream-poppy duo (consisting of Tesha Blair and Reggie Whitehead) formed via the almighty Internet in 2012, and have been creating “music for dreams” ever since. The duo just released their brand new album Be Natural on March 20th, and you can purchase it as a name-your-price download here.
Beach Girls and the Monster – “I Go Surfing” {Surf Rock}
Just because Vienna is miles away from the ocean doesn’t mean that the Austrians can’t create some wicked surf music. This track is off their debut four-track EP I Go Surfing which was just released on February 27th, and you can purchase it for as little as €4 (or each track for €1) here.
Kartel Moe – “Icarus (God Flow)” {Rap/Hip Hop}
This 17-year-old rapper has been writing poetry since he was ten, and is now prepping for the release of his brand new mixtape Just Getting Started 2 (which he produced himself). The mixtape won’t be released until June, but in the mean time you can like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
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.
Mimicking the sound of their fellow Aussie psych rock giants Tame Impala (which isn’t surprising given that the group is Tame Impala’s “side project”), this track is off Pond’s forthcoming album Hobo Rocket which is due out this spring via Modular People. And in case you didn’t already know, each of the members will also be releasing their own solo albums/side projects on the same day; (read more about it here).
Mikal Cronin – “Shout it Out” {Pop/Rock}
Mikal Cronin is perhaps known best for his work with Ty Segall (as well as for wearing this pimp tie-dye t-shirt), but his forthcoming album MCII is bound to get a lot of people talking once it’s released. The album is out May 7th (in the US) and May 13th (in Europe) via Merge Records.
CHVRCHES – “Recover” {Electropop}
It’s not too often we hear a lot of awesome synth come out of Scotland, so we were pretty stoked when we first stumbled upon this Glasgow-based group a few months back. This is the third single off their debut Recover EP which is being released March 26th on Glassnote Records.
TEEN – “Ambient” {Instrumental/Experimental} + Free download
Apparently this track missed the cut on TEEN’s 2012 album, so the band decided to surprise fans by releasing it as individual single last week. Plus they’ve posted the song as a free download as well, so make sure you snag that shit.
Unravel – “Am I a Love Addict?” {R&B/Hip Hop} + Free download
The “mysterious” Budapest-based producer known as Unravel debuted this track a few days ago simply describing the track as “belt lights and lost melodies from Budapest.” To check out more of Unravel’s tracks on Soundcloud click here.
Shout Out Louds – “Illusions” {Pop/Rock}
Even though their new album (Optica) isn’t out until February 26th, the group have already released not one, but three singles off their new album. You can listen to the other two singles (“Walking in Your Footsteps” and “Blue Ice”) by clicking here and here.
James Blake – “Retrograde” {Electronic/R&B}
Right on the heels of the announcement that James Blake will be releasing his sophomore album this April, Zane Lowe’s BBC 1 show surprised everyone yesterday by premiering the first official single off his new album. Outgrown will be released on April 8th; listen to the preview of its first single below:
The Black Angels – “Don’t Play with Guns” {Tribal Rock}
The almighty Black Angels have finally revealed the first single (written about the 2012 Aurora theatre shooting) off their forthcoming album Indigo Meadow which is due out April 1st; to purchase the song for $0.99 via iTunes here.
Soda Bomb – “Nobody Likes My Band” {Punk/Rock} + Free downloads
This song title proves that the members of Soda Bomb are dirty rotten liars, because the group has been stirring up a massive following since releasing their self-recorded EPs late last year. If you dig their sound then take advantage of the ton of free downloads at their Bandcamp page.
Bang Bangz – “Black and White” {Pop/Rock}
If the tracks off Bang Bangz’s forthcoming album sound anything like this one, then 2013 is bound to be a good year for this Houston-based band. This song is off the trio’s self-titled 2012 EP which you can buy for $7 here, and they also released a cover/remix of Radiohead’s “Give up the Ghost” which you can download for free here. Their debut LP is set to be released on March 23rd, so mark those music nerd calendars.
Black Science – “Easy Prey” {Psych Rock}
Here’s another awesome Black-named band to put in your music collection (which is fitting giving that they claim to be influenced by the Black Lips, The Black Angels, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Keys, Black Flag, and most importantly….Black Coffee). You can purchase this track for as little as $1 or their entire album for $7 here.
Wild Smiles – “Get Off My Back” {Surf Rock}
Wild Smiles is a one-man band led by Chris Peden who self-released his debut EP last October after recording it in his garden shed. The EP is so awesome that it actually sold out (you snooze you lose suckaz!), but in the mean time you can stream some more of his tracks here.
The Horror Vacui – “Futile Arrangements” {Rock}
Even though these Nashvillians have been around since 2006, they only recently started getting the attention they deserve after winning the Ditto Music Live Battle of the Bands in 2011. Since then they have released a highly-acclaimed EP titled Scissor Crystal Eyes, and the five-track EP is available as a digital download for $3 at their Bandcamp page.
Aficionado – “Empty” {Pop/Rock}
Aficionado has been in the biz since 2004 and have previously supported acts like Tim Kasher (Cursive), TS & The Past Haunts, Thursday, MewithoutYou, Electric Six and Fair to Midland. They just released a brand new EP on September 18th, and you can purchase it as a digital download for as little as $1.50 here.
Hearing Colors – “The Sky; My Alibi” {Alternative Rock} + Free download
We first covered this track back in August and it’s been stuck in our head ever since. The track is off the group’s new EP Sri Yantra which was recorded, mixed and produced by Bill Moriarty (who has previously worked with Dr. Dog, Toy Soldiers, and many more). If you dig the tune then make sure you get its free download here.
Let’s Kill Janice – “Holiday” {Garage Rock}
This Bristol-based band initially started off as a side-project when they started recording music in a garage with a 4-track. You can purchase their debut EP for £4 here, but if you have some time check out the wicked music video for another track off the album (“Parker!”) here.
Peer Support – “Augustine” {Alternative Rock}
If you’re a fan of Death Cab for Cutie then you should definitely check this Calgary-based band out. This track is off their brand new EP which they recorded a few months back, and they are currently working on new material for 2013. You can download the three-track EP for as little as $3 here.
Foam Lake – “Too Late” {Alternative Rock}
We’ve always had a soft spot for bands from the Canadian Prairies, so we were pretty stoked when we got an e-mail from this Saskatchewan-based band. This track is off their debut album Force and Matter, which was just released on October 23rd. To purchase the album via iTunes click here.
The Delta Routine – “Don’t Wanna Let You Down” {Blues/Rock} + Free download
The Delta Routine have been getting a lot of praise these past couple of years thanks to winning both the “Best Band” and “Best Alternative Artist” awards at the 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and WAMI Awards in 2011. This track is off the group’s new full-length Cigarettes & Caffeine Nightmares, and you can purchase any of their tracks for as little as $0.99 via iTunes.
Fuss – “Donee” {Garage Rock/Pop}
We only just found out about this Toronto-based band a few weeks ago, and after listening to their music it’s safe to say this won’t be the last we hear of them. The band released their most recent EP (Speakeasy) last September, and you can purchase it for $5 at their Bandcamp page.
Moonlight Bride – “And the Death Ship Had a New Captain” {Psych Rock}
These Chattanoogans released not one, but two EPs this past year (Dead Language and a Twin Lakes remix EP), both of which can be purchased as a name-your-price downloads at their Bandcamp page. They are also currently working on a full-length LP which will be released later this year, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for these bad boys.
Hinterland Band – “Intelligent Design” {Pop/Rock}
With a Sam Roberts strum and a connection to Blinker the Star, Hinterland Band is one of the many underground Canadian groups that stood out for us this past year. The band is led by Colin Wylie, and this song is off his recent release Bon Echo which you can purchase for $15.39 at CD Universe.
Apparently the band members (consisting of both English and Canadians) met at a hostel in Guatemala, and have worked up a word-of-mouth buzz after performing a string of shows in Bristol this past year. This song is off their latest album Gymnophoria which was released on November 19th, and you can purchase the seven-track album for as little as ₤4 here.
All you new wave nostalgics out there will appreciate this track. Palmbomen (translated as “Palm Trees” in Dutch), describe themselves as being somewhere between “80s Italo disco and 60s psychedelia” and their live performances have been praised for making attendees feel as if they are “lost in a neon Amazon forest.” (SOLD!) To purchase the trio’s LP for €13.50 click here.
Spell Hound – “Circling” + Free downloads
It’s only a matter of time before someone in a fancy record label office takes notice to this band, because out of all the awesome electronic submissions we’ve received this past year, this track has been our favourite hands-down. They are offering their EP as a free download here, but if you dig their tunes be sure to give them some “like” love, follow them on Tumblr, and check out some of their many other creepy, strange and downright weird videos here.
Fennec & Wolf – “Losmachen” + Free downloads
Based out of Cologne, this dynamic duo consists of two German producers/disc jockeys (Mourad Kehailia and Friedrich Kasten) who first started turning heads after performing at the closing party of the VIVA/Microsoft Social Media Live Stunt event in Berlin last year. You can buy this track for $1.99 on Beatport, and the duo is offering a ton of free downloads on their Soundcloud account too.
Nerd Revolt – “Breaking Free” + Free download
This San Francisco-based duo (whose real names are m.0 and iLL.F.O – true story), decided to start making music together after bonding over their “love of synthesizers,” which is evident when listening to this synth-covered tune. To purchase their 10-track album for as little as $7 click here.
UMA ft. Silver Apples – “Drop Your Soul” + Free download
We fell in love with this duo after they sent us this track (which also has a music video that is as weird as fuck, but that’s how we like it here at RMD). Plus they recently covered the “Ghostbusters” theme song, it doesn’t get much cooler than that. You can download this track for free here, or purchase their five-track EP for as little as €3.50 here.
The Name ft. Christine & The Queens – “Distance”
If you’re a hardcore MSTRKRFT fan (as all electronic nerds should be), then you should check this builder-of-a-tune out. With a combination of electro, disco and rock and an influences like LCD Soundsystem and Boys Noize, this is definitely one band to keep your eye out for in the future. You can buy the individual track for €0.99 or the full album for €14 here.
White Blush – “True Luv” + Free download
White Blush is a brand spankin’ new group (led by Carol Rhyu) who is originally from Chicago but now based out of Los Angeles. Her debut album has been praised all over the interwebs for its unique mix of the dream pop, dark ambient, lo-fi and shoegaze sounds, and you can purchase it as a name-your-price download here or download the track for free below.
ORAX – “Rockers” + Free downloads
Hailing from Milan, this group first started getting international attention after opening for the likes of Cassius, VNV Nation, Wolfgang Flur (Kraftwerk), Darren Price (Underworld) and many, many more. Their debut album Betray was just released on December 18th, and is available as a free download here.
Iglomat – “Live Fast Die Whenever”
This is the first single off the group’s new album Super Complication, which is packed full of tunes described as “striking a balance between the ambient soul of Boards of Canada, the Octopus Project’s sophisticated playfulness, and the cresting tension of Mogwai.” You can purchase this track for $0.75 or the entire album for $7 here.
Blocktreat – “Cornice” + Free download
Vancouver’s Blocktreat has been churning one good tune after another this past year thanks to two new releases (the Foxglove and Traditionals), and he also just released a brand new music video for one of his singles “The Game of Poverty” (which you can check out here). To purchase either Foxglove and Traditionals (or both!) as name-your-price downloads click here and here.
Hazin – “Oh No” + Free downloads
Jeff Hazin is a Toronto-based musician and filmmaker who just released his debut concept album Poetry Bleeding this past fall. All the songs off of the album are based around famous poems which he “intertwined” and sampled with his own original sounds, and you can download the entire album for free here
Let’s try to ignore the fact that Lindsay Lohan’s puffy meth face makes an appearance in this video and appreciate it for what it really is: A constant reminder that R.E.M. is no more. Even though the group recently decided to call it quits, they just released a brand new music video from their 2011 album Collapse Into Now, and the video was directed by actor James Franco (AKA the dude in drag).
Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra – “Do It With a Rock Star” {Rock}
The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne lives up to his reputation of being the coolest person on the planet (besides James Murphy of course) by sitting back in the director’s chair for this one. Apparently Wayne helped write the video script as well (along with Amanda Palmer, George Salisbury and Michael McQuilken). Coolness all around.
Phantogram – “Don’t Move” {Pop/Rock}
Our favourite New York duo is back with a brand new single off their recent EP Nightlife. The members of Phantogram have always been the masters of jerky movements in their music videos, but what’s up with the “mysterious cube”?
What Made Milwaukee Famous – “Gone and Done Now” {Rock}
Once you get over trying to figure out the band’s name and move on to listening to their tunes, you”ll come to realize that What Made Milwaukee Famous are certainly a force to be reckoned with; (and not just because of the molestache).
Purity Ring – “Loftcries” {Experimental Pop}
The latest music video from Montreal’s Purity Ring provides viewers with a bird’s-eye view of a bunch of random folk as they encounter various “surreal moments.” Yeah we don’t get it either.
Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” {Psych Rock}
Tame Impala must have been taking tips from of Montreal on how to make a trip-tastic music video, because this one is about as psychedelia as you can get. The video was directed by Joe Pelling and Becky Sloan, and the track is off the group’s recent album Lonerism.
Jessie Ware ft. BenZel – “If You Love Me” {R&B/Soul}
Given that Adele got herself knocked up right at the peak of her 15 minutes of fame, it’s time to turn your attention to better, more talented vocalists from across the pond. This track is actually a cover of the 90s Brownstone hit ”If You Love Me,” and was crafted with the help of the New York production duo BenZel.
Best Coast – “Do You Love Me Like You Used To” {Surf Pop}
Get ready for some heavy pro-love hippie vibes packed full of sunshine and sandy beaches, because the only thing missing from Best Coast’s latest music video is a basket full of adorably, fluffy puppies. Mariana Blanco directs.
TOPS – “Turn Your Love Around” {Indie Rock}
Speaking of the warm fuzzies, here’s a warm-hearted video from Montreal’s TOPS, which was filmed at Northern Secondary School’s dance class for deaf students. The track is off their recent album Tender Opposites, which was released via Arbutus.
WHY? – “Paper Hearts” {Experimental Rap}
Check out WHY? frontman Yoni Wolf as he transforms into all sorts of different interesting characters in the band’s latest music video. The track is off the group’s recent album Mumps, etc.
Bjӧrk - “Mutual Core” {Experimental}
You know when the words “Bjӧrk” and “video” are in the same sentence, you’re bound to be entertained; (plus if lava explosions and weird mutant-like creatures licking each other with rainbow-coloured tongues isn’t entertaining, then I don’t know what is).
Because nothing says Halloween like a little murder, here’s the latest music video from France’s Team Ghost (AKA the brainchild of the ex-M83 co-founder Nicolas Fromageau). The single is off their recent EP Dead Film Stars, which was just released on November 20th.
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – “Catatonic” {Punk/Rock}
Austin’s …Trail of Dead is back with a brand new album Lost Songs which was just released on October 23rd (you can stream the entire album here). The band posted the music video for this track earlier this month, so if you’re feeling exceptionally festive today be sure to check out the politically-fired up music video here; (because American politics can be scary too yo).
Battle Flags – “I Put A Spell On You” {Pop/Folk}
The vocalist ain’t no Bette Midler, but it’s always refreshing to hear yet another cover of this classic Screamin’ Jay Hawkins hit. The group also recently collaborated with Weekender to cover another version of the track which you can listen to here.
Holy Ghost! – “It Gets Dark” {Electropop}
Here’s a little cheesy synth to help brighten up the annual holiday of doom. This single is off Holy Ghost!’s new album of the same title which was released on October 16th via James Murphy’s DFA Records.
Cemeteries – “Summer Smoke” {Psych Rock}
Here’s one for all you Pink Floyd fans out there. Cemeteries is a Buffalo-based project founded by Kyle J. Reigle, and this track is off his recent debut album The Wilderness which was released on October 23rd.
Yeasayer’s most recent album Fragrant World has been receiving rave reviews in the press over the past few months, which isn’t too surprising given the band’s track record with music bloggers/lovers alike. Here’s the music video for the third single off the album; Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard direct.
Kyla La Grange – “Vampire Smile” {Pop/Folk}
Kyla La Grange is a 24-year-old University of Cambridge philosophy graduate who has been apparently stirring up a storm in London’s alternative music scene over the past few years. This new single (off her recent album Ashes), clearly proves that she’s a fan of the Twilight series; (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Big John Bates – “Taste the Barrel” {Alt-Country}
Since Vancouver’s Big John Bates has been our favourite Halloweenie artist for many eons now, no Halloweenie list would be complete without a mention of his most recent album Battered Bones. Luckily for us Johnny posted a new music video for one of the album’s singles a few weeks ago just in time for the Halloween season.
Robert Smith – “Witchcraft” {Experimental/Soul}
The Cure’s Robert Smith somehow managed to cover a classic Frank Sinatra hit without making us cringe, (well maybe just a little) for Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie Unleashed! soundtrack. This is actually the second time Smith has been featured on a Burton soundtrack, (with the first being 2010′s Alice in Wonderland soundtrack), and the other artists featured on the Frankenweenie compilation include Karen O, Passion Pit and Winona Ryder (yes, Winona Ryder). Click here to listen to “Witchcraft” via YouTube.
Despite a near-band break-up and a successful solo project by the group’s vocalist, the latest single from The Rocketboys is proof that the future of this Austin-based is still looking as bright as ever.
The Rocketboys have been gaining momentum over the past few years thanks to a string of highly acclaimed releases, but the group nearly disbanded last year after three members decided to focus on other musical projects; (current vocalist Brandon Kinder had apparently written the record as a way of “[coming] to terms with his disappointment and anger towards former bandmates”).
Although Kinder released a solo EP under the name The Wealthy West and even went on to write the theme song for The Discovery Channel’s Bering Sea Gold), he and the other two remaining band members (Justin Wiseman and Josh Campbell) decided to continue releasing music as a group, and started recording their recent album at their own home studio with the help of CJ Eiriksson (who previously worked with U2, Live and Phish).
“The Best” is the first single off The Rocketboys’ new album, which can be purchased for as little as $10 here.
The Rocketboys are currently in the midst of The Invisible Children Tour; for more info on any upcoming dates click here.
The Gorgeous Hands are a four-piece rock group based out of Austin, Texas who have just revealed the first single off their brand new 7″ Generator.
The band formed last year (although they were originally known as The Magnificent Snails), and released their debut EP Baby Acid Trips back in February of 2011. Since then, the group has not only performed at many festivals (including SXSW, MR. FEST and NarsFest) but also shared the stage with the likes of Sour Notes, Little Lo, Not in the Face!, Knifight, Les RAV and Sundress.
The group was also featured on Austin Town Hall’s Summer Sampler Mix 2011 as well as in Austin Music Weekly, and one of their tracks was featured as 90.5 KUT’s Song of the Day back in May.
You can purchase the Generator 7″ for as little as $2 (or each track for $1) via their Bandcamp page.
FOLLOW RMD…OR ELSE