Colossal

There is something that has been going on in the present state of music, and more specifically music journalism, recently that is a VERY upsetting trend. There have been numerous articles that I have read that have been talking about the "emo revival" that is apparently happening right now in the world. They are hard for me to read. And this is coming from someone that, if you read my fave records of 2013 post for example, actually enjoys ALOT of what/who is being included in this supposed revival. There is seemingly a lax of knowledge of what happened musically in the past that led to where we are presently musically in a lot of these write ups. A big example would be a article i read the talked about the waves of emo. omfg. it essentially acted like after the shitty mallcore "emo" (My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, etc) there wasn't anything going on musically. Essentially completely neglecting the fact that this music was continuing and stilled existing while that garbage happened. A lot of people, myself included, don't really include that poppy neo alternative radio shit as a facet of the emo family tree at all. But it is seemingly one of those things that music writers/critics, labels, publicity people, etc. have hammered home that it was actually a thing. haha. So i guess that's how it stays. BUT I digress. So while all this talk is happening, and new albums are coming out, and new bands are coming out/blowing up, all i could think about was the bands from the last wave that would be fucking HUGE right now. Now I'm trying to be very respectful with this article. I don't want to name names or point out who wrote what. I just need to say that first. BUT, there are bands blowing up right now, that while good or even very good, are not as good as some of that last wave of bands. But the media/press attention on them would make you think they were the greatest ever.
One band I feel bad about is Colossal. They formed in Elgin, IL in the early 00's. They ran until 2006 when they went a hiatus, that I hope isn't indefinite. There were a lot of claims to fame when it came to who played with the band too. Members of Abilene, The Lawrence Arms and Smoking Popes all spent time in the band. Musically though, they don't really share anything with those bands. The first time Colossal was mentioned to me was something along the lines of this "You like American Football? Well you would love Colossal! They are like the same thing!" Lets get real, this is NOT true. Realistically, how often does someone suggest a band to you with that tag line, and the band genuinely sounds exactly like the aforementioned? Rarely. That being said, Colossal share some of the things that American Football had in their sound. Clean, pretty almost jazzy guitar parts are sort of the main binding factor between the 2 bands. But often times, lines that are played have far more in common with something Victor Villarreal would write. Usually lying somewhere in between his youthful chord based work in Cap'n Jazz and his more complex work in Owls. Between the two guitar lines that are going on, in most of their songs, usually one will be playing the more straight away, jaggley chords and the other will be doing the noodley guitar. Its like having your cake and eating it too! Also, Colossal are a lot more upbeat and energetic than American Football. Just another thing that really makes them stand out as their own band. And another thing that draws a more realistic comparison to Cap'n Jazz over American Football. I will say that one thing the band had in common with American Football was there use of a trumpet on some songs. The difference obviously being that American Football used the trumpet in studio, but live there was no trumpet to be found. Colossal's guitarist doubled as the trumpet player. So that must have been awesome to see live. There singer is another thing that set them apart from other emo/indie bands in this style. Where vocals tend to be in the higher registers with these types of bands, Colossal's singer is a cool baritone. And its a nice change because, as i said, you don't see that so often. Sometimes it honestly kind of reminds me of Stephen Malkmus a little bit. Its great. I promise. Their rhythm section (which at times on different releases AND live had multiple drummers playing simultaneously) is outstanding. Their bass player is able to move around while holding it down at the same time. The drums and bass actually do a lot of cool things together outside of what the guitars are doing. The drummer(s) are so tight that I'm at a loss for which songs they play on simultaneously. Call that seamless. Best I can tell from the limited information out there, Colossal went on hiatus due to their guitarist's band, Smoking Popes, reuniting. It's quite a shame. Not because of the popes or anything like that. This band was such a great band. Who knows what other excellent music they could've put out. So many good things have been written about them. They were always viewed as a super promising act. And all they ever put out was a EP and one full length. In today's modern revival whatever landscape, they would be destroying. Because truth is, they are better than probably 90% of what is happening right now in that scene. So please, this band is amazing. This is everything I have by them. Listen. Love. Let’s find every member of the band and bug the shit out of them to reunite so they can take over everything.

Download their discography here

Codeine – The White Birch

When i was younger. I heard about slowcore and sadcore. Two genres of music that seemed fairly interchangeable. The music is exactly the same but the differentiation comes from the lyrics and what they are about. Either emotional and “sad” or more open ended. So really, interpretation of a band’s music plays alot into what you would consider them. Any how, the first band I started listening to that had been described as either of these genres was Red House Painters. I liked them so much that I looked into more bands. I got into Low and Idaho. And i think that was the end of my searching out slowcore/sadcore bands. So flash forward to years later. I start listening to Rodan and every band that is associated with them. Through my interest in Rodan, and later June of 44, i came upon Codeine. A slowcore/sadcore band i had heard of, but never heard. This is my shit. I mean, completely different from Red House Painters. More along the lines of Low. Like a Chicago style slowcore band, but from New York. The songs are slow. and they do tend to have a sad feel both musically and lyrically. But this band is really heavy at times. Leading the way with huge sounding distorted basslines. I mean, even beautiful with how it adds a ethereal quality. How i missed out on this album for so long is really beyond me. It sounds like something I would like. I think most people that listen to it could tell you that. “The White Birch” is actually revered as one of the defining albums in Slowcore and Sadcore. So definitely give it a listen. A good album to know.
Download The Album Here
Buy it if you like it!

Aloha – Sugar

This album takes me back to a time when I was first sort of thrust into all the indie underground stuff. Granted, in middle school i got into the hardcore that was going on in Syracuse and through that found about about other hardcore bands. High school brought more post hardcore DC type stuff into what i was listening to. I also got more into 90’s alternative rock stuff. But after high school was when I started to really get into indie rock and what had been and was going on to my oblivious mind. Aloha was one of the many bands I found in that time that opened me up to different ideas musically. Aloha set the standard for the sort of jazz/post rock influenced indie rock band. They weren't Tortoise. There is enough of a pop sensibility to their songs that there is the chance for a crossover to someone that is not hip to post rock or anything like that. The vocals play just as important of a role as the vibraphone does. Which is often not the case with post rock bands. Considering a large portion of them are instrumental. This record start to finish is set up to sort of just move all together. Seamless transitions between songs make it seem like it is one long song.  And to view it like that, would be a bit much. I mean, there is ALOT going on with this record. There are all sorts of ideas. Whether they be lyrical, musical or whatever else. Sometimes, I have to admit, that it can become a bit much if you don't know what you are getting into. Thick layers of all sorts of sounds. Keyboards, Percussion, Sounds, Vibraphone, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Etc. Sometimes it seems like the songs come to the brink of falling apart into some sort of noisy collapse. But they find their way back every time. I’m not trying to scare anyone away. This record is fucking great. It has some amazing moments. Some beautiful musical movements. Some outrageous drumming. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, a drummer really makes a band in a lot of ways.  At least for certain kinds of music. The album is always interesting. Mathy. Ambient. Technical. Music at its best in a lot of ways. I don't know if this is really Aloha’s best album. I just know its the one I’ve listened to the most over time and have grown most attached to. Songs like “They See Rocks”, “Let Your Head Hang Low”, “Balling Phase”, “Protest Song” and “We Get Down” seal it for me. Okay, I just named like, half the album. haha. I don't care. That just shows how awesome this record is. If you are into post rock influenced indie rock, or indie rock influenced post rock, listen. Experimental music? listen. I think even my hippie coworker could dig this record. haha.
Download The Album Here
Buy It If You Like It

Cap’n Jazz – Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped on and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over

The term emo has been thrown around so much. And it means different things to everyone. If I mention emo to my mallcore coworkers at P&C, I’m sure they would think of some MTV2 band i could give two fucks about. Its very sad. Me? Well, I’m informed. At least to the level that I know it can mean a bunch of different things. haha. Cap’n Jazz was the frontrunner in the Chicago emo (and later indie) sound. Musically taking cues from a lot of the emocore acts from DC like Embrace (maybe more so Fugazi. though I consider them post hardcore, not emo) and Rites of spring while adding their own ideas to make the music they put out completely original. Cap’n Jazz were all a bunch of young turks when they started the band. Barely teenagers. And while a lot of the present day emo is young whiney bands, they NEVER came off that way. Even with singer Tim Kinsella’s voice cracking as he sung and screamed, their lyrics were never typical of where the genre has gone. The band is really more likable to post hardcore, but that is what emo was originally. At this facet of it anyway. haha. Weird how something can change so much. This is the only full length Cap’ Jazz ever put out. They were on some different comps, 7’s and splits. But truly, these are the best songs they have. And they broke up pretty much right after this came out. All their songs, except for the song “Naive”, were later rereleased on the compilation CD “Analphabetapolothology.” That is where me and pretty everyone else that wasn't back around going to shows in 93-94 first heard the band. And these 12 songs were featured on the first CD. This album is otherwise known as “Schmap'n Schmazz.” Which realistically is a easier album title, but personally not as fun. haha. This recommendation comes sort of as a precursor to their show I’m going to see next month. Reuniting after like 15 years. Besides being there own beast of a band, the list of bands that the members of this band started afterword is unbelievable. Check the tag on this post to see all the bands that were formed by the ex members. All gold in my opinion. Just like this album. Seriously, start to finish. Great, youthful, passionate, energetic post hardcore. I cant imagine you haven't heard them. Or at least heard of them.
Download The Album Here
If you like it, buy “Analphabetapolothology” on CD or soon on Double LP.

Mock Orange – Nines & Sixes

Recently the love of my life broke up with me. It was sudden, unexpected and uncalled for. I’ve been having one of the hardest times in my life since. I’ve been looking for escape in any form that I can find it. And since I don't do drugs or drink, that pretty much equals: friends, music, and artistic expression. My friends are few and far between. Usually very busy with their own lives. For whatever reason, my own artistic expression is severely limited. The last time a girl I loved broke my heart, I wrote a whole album about it. Now, I cant even seem to finish a song. So that leaves me with the music I love. Some things I listen to, no matter how much I love them, aren’t able to cut through my state of depression. But I have found that there are two albums that have been able to put me in a good state of mind. Along with Suis La Lune’s EP “Heir”, “Nines & Sixes” by Mock Orange works. And it works quite well. This is a band that I sadly cant stand now. I think this album, and its follow up “The Record Play”, is the reason behind that. Mock Orange was such an amazing band. There is pretty much NO basis for direct comparison to ANY other bands that existed. In a lot of reviews they get compared to Sunny Day Real Estate. But I’m sorry I just don't hear it. I’ve read reviews that mention them like they were just another mid 90’s emo rip off band that didn't do anything new for the genre. THATS FUCKING BULLSHIT! Not a single review of this album, or its follow up, talk anything about the beauty or the technical proficiency Mock Orange used to exert. “Nines & Sixes” is the bands first full length album. And I know that for me and a lot of people, its a milestone. The band used to play a form of emo that, while influenced by bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, was completely original. The term math rock gets thrown around a lot. But i really feel like Mock Orange was sort of a godfather of where parts of that genre have gone. Off kilter time changes, weird time accents, absolutely awesome drum lines. And all the while having a great understanding that you can do all of that, and still write a catchy song. The thing that i think i am mostly drawn to about this record right now in my life, is the lyrics. I used to always listen to this album because of the awe inspiring song structures. But now, I’m finding songs that have meaning and say things that I feel. I like that. And i think that me finding it in something I already have a great connection to really makes me happy. I can listen to this album start to finish numerous times, and it never gets old for me. I’ve been listening to it a lot lately. Cause like I said, there are few things that make me happy in the world now. This album is one of them. I will cherish it forever. Even though I don't like the band anymore. haha. If you haven't listened to this album before, and like mid 90’s emo bands, do yourself a favor and check it out. Its energetic. Its different. Its important to me.

Download The Album Here

Buy it if you like it

Here's video of the boys playing "Window Shopping" off of Nines & Sixes live.

Tailings - Self Titled

I wrote about Tailings when they first came out (Well, at least when their demo recordings first made their way onto the interwebs) so I find it in special interest to cover their first, and what will be, their only album. I enjoyed Tailings. I consider all of the members of the band to be my friends and I've actually been in musical projects with 2/3 of them. I'll get right into it. I think what Tailings did musically for the scene of Syracuse, NY was very important. But sadly, i think it went unnoticed for the most part. Syracuse is a very big hardcore/metal town. fast beat. breakdown. chug chug. sXe. militant animal rights. "EARTH CRISIS!!!" etc. This is what our underground scene is based off of. And no matter how many bands come out of our scene that DO NOT conform to that standard, and try their hardest to do something else musically that ISN'T hardcore or any sort of core, it doesn't seem to change anything. Tailings were the one of the only indie bands in recent times in Syracuse, and i think historically they are the ONLY indie band to come out of Syracuse to play music in that style. Their music, for me, is reminiscent of bands like June Of 44 (and other ex-Hoover & Rodan "post rock" bands) while the guitar also has a lot of influence from more "pretty" guitar oriented indie bands like American Football and Sharks Keep Moving. Overall, the band's style screams a Chicago/DC bone session. In any given Tailings song, here is what you will find. The guitar playing some sort of pretty, reserved chord arpeggios with lots of reverb, the drums playing something interesting and different while still holding it down, and the bass acting as a anchor with heavy hitting straight away basslines that only so often deviate into lines. I liken the vocals to Sinaloa and that sort of shouty real "screamo" style of singing. Safe to say I LOVE this band and was very sad that they were calling it quits. Even though I think the members were skeptical when I told them. Oh well, they can believe whatever they want. I know how I felt watching them this last time and i know how I felt when I came home that night from their show and listened to this album. The recording quality of the album is okay. The whole thing was recorded pretty quickly a few days before their final show. I'm glad they recorded but am sort of disappointed that the recording isn't of higher quality. Just because with music like this, i enjoy hearing everything crystal clear. I was also bummed that they didn't rerecord all of the tracks from their demo. But these are just minor complaints of a fan. I'm definitely glad they recorded this stuff overall. There are 8 songs all together and only 3 recorded tracks that appeared on their demo. A few of the songs on the album even I was unfamiliar with. And I think I can say I've seen them live more than most (this is a band who's past shows can all be counted on one hand). So safe to say, definite pleasant surprises. And simultaneously, very heartbreaking. Hearing what a band created and where they were going musically is hard when you realize its suddenly over. I'm just glad I got to experience them while they were around and that they existed in the first place.

Download The Album Here

Slingshot Dakota - Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost!

I first heard of Slingshot Dakota years ago. My old band, Ladies & Everyone, played a show with them and the now Alternative Press approved, Polar Bear Club. It was a show that to this day has made me hate kids in the scene. It was very unattended. But if this same show was to happen today, it would be shit packed full. But i digress. At that point in time, slingshot was a 3 piece indie group on the lighter side. Except off course for their drummer Tom who seemed to try to hit his drums as hard a humanly possible. Stewart Copeland what? I enjoyed the band and ended up traveling to Oswego, NY to go see a free show they were playing with Damiera a few weeks later. The surprise came for me when i went up to say hi, and there guitarist was no where to be found. It turned out, and i still don't know all of the info behind the situation, he had suddenly quit the band. That show was interesting to say the least. Watching a band perform that was abruptly forced from a 3 to 2 piece without warning can be nothing but interesting. But they made their way through their set despite a lot of the songs feeling like they were missing something. I left the show feeling uncertain about the band and their future. And i was really bummed. I even told Carly I'd move to NYC and play guitar for them. I think she thought i was joking. haha. NOPE! Anyway, Slingshot Dakota did not break up. And they didn't get a new guitar player or any other musicians for the band. They decided to keep it just the two of them. I don't know when it was that I first saw them as a two piece, but i know i was blown away. They were fucking TIGHT! Jazz players would say they were "in the pocket." I was so glad they stuck it out because it seemed like they were able to get to a new level of comfort ability together musically that was/is awesome to see. “Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost!" is the first album the band released as a two piece. And I love it. For those not in the know, Slingshot Dakota is a duo consisting of a drummer and keyboard player. Both of the members sing though Carly sings the majority. They play a brand of indie rock that is very heartfelt and passionate, while being very energetic and almost hardcore influenced at times with the crowd's participation. This is another time where my lack a knowledge leaves me scratching my head to who I would recommend this band for. Its so nice to have a "For fans of.." section. I am very bad at that if you havent noticed from past entries on here. I think another problem for me is, i don’t listen to any other duo's consisting drums and keyboards. I saw Mates Of State live and thought they were a fucking joke. So like i said, no comparisons. Personally, this album could be called "Soundtrack to a ongoing love affair" because my girlfriend and I tend to listen to it a lot when we are driving around going place to place. I took her to go see one of their concerts back in May and ever since, she’s been hooked. We are going to see them this upcoming Tuesday. Which is why I chose to write about this album. I’ve become quite found of the album since that May show because it’s one of the first things my girlfriend and I shared shortly after getting together. So yeah, fuck me because I write blogs with my heart. Haha. Just listen to the album. Its good, I swear.

Go and listen to some of their songs on their myspace

Download This Album Here

You can buy the album directly from them on their myspace page as well.

Check Engine

very rarely do I write about a band that was previously mentioned in a blog post the day before. But i don't know. I hate making reference to bands that not alot of people know about and not having anything for them to hear. plus, I really like Check Engine and i wouldn't mind some other people possibly diggin' on them. I heard about the band through their bassist Paul Joyce. He was the bassist of the band Lynx. And as I think I've probably mentioned in past blogs, I've pretty much followed everything he has done musically post, and pre, Lynx. He is easily one of my favorite bass players. Though I first heard of the band because of Paul Joyce, I later found out that it also consisted of two of the ex members of Sweep The Leg Johnny. Awesome? Yes. In fact, when I would try to tell my friends about Check Engine, I would usually describe them as if the members of Sweep The Leg Johnny were more into Chicago indie rock and not post hardcore. I mean, Check Engine isn't unaggressive by any means. But there is a obvious difference. If anything, Check Engine is easier for the lay person to get into then Sweep The Leg Johnny. And there really isn't comparison to Lynx, except for some of the guitar interplay. Really, Check Engine are a math rock band in the vein of Chicago math rock. Not that wacky shit coming out of Cali nowadays. Though sometimes, the guitar lines are likable to Rumah Sakit, which is funny because as the informed know, Rumah Sakit did splits, played shows, and even shared a member with Sweep The Leg Johnny. Enough of my blabbering.

Some songs on here remind me of the 80's. Yep. I'm a weirdo.

Download their album here

Buy it if you like it

Engine Down - To Bury Within The Sound

I recently purchased this album. But what is weird, is that its been one of my favorite albums going on close to 5 years now. i know that i am one of the few people who feels this way. one thing I’ve found with engine down and their catalog is that its split into 3 groups. The first group is people who like the band’s first album, and that’s it. This is because their first album has more of a resemblance to peers from around the same area. Bands like 400 years and Sleepytime Trio. The second group likes more material overall from the band but likes the “hit” album Demure more than any other. Now I don’t want to take away anything from that album, because it is a great album. Its just that it’s the bands most accessible album. The third group, as it tends to be with any underground/indie band, favors some obscure album/7 inch/etc. These are the type of people who are into it more so just because its hard to come by or because most people don’t know of it. Shit pisses me off to no end. Why aren’t their more people into “To Bury Within A Sound”? I really don’t know. I know a lot of people whose first introduction to the band is the song “Intent To Pacify” and that song is on this album. So I have a hard time understanding it. The album starts off with what is easily one of my favorite album openers EVER. “Retread” starts off soft and slow but blows up into full force. Ah I love it. Its pace follows right into the drive of “Trail Error”. I love the overall feel of this album. If I remember correctly, “Depth Perception” was the first song I heard off of this album. And for me it really encompasses the overall feeling of the album, with all of its extremes. Its starts off really moody with depressing sounding guitar lines intertwined mixed with cello. Eventually building and building till it blows up into a driving feel. The song eventually gets a more optimistic feel with its vocals and music and ends with a more ambient feel. Like I said, its got it all. This album is like if “Under The Pretense of Present Tense” and “Demure” fucked and had a baby. Its my favorite because it has the heavy driving elements of the first album, and the more laid back introspective songwriting of Demure. They blend and make a great album.

Download The Album Here

Buy it if you like it

Piglet - Lava Land

I found Piglet because they were labelmates with one of my all time favorite instrumental bands, Volta Do Mar. As I honestly recall, Piglet were the only band on Arborvitae Records I did look into. Couldn't tell you why. I am glad I did. The Lava Land EP is immensely enjoyable. Chicago instrumental math rock all the way. At the time of me first hearing this, I hadn't heard a band that sounded like Piglet. Even now there really isn't a band that I can say "yep, they sound like Piglet." The only band that is at all similar is Dakota/Dakota. And as much as i enjoy that band, its just not the same. I've listened to this EP crazy amounts of times, and love it deary. I'm very sad that this is the bands only release. If you go on youtube, you can find videos of them playing later material, and that stuff just destroys. Hopefully someday they will either reunite, or at least get together to put that stuff out. sooooo good. i really doubt that if you are into instrumental mathy bands, you haven't heard this record. But if by some strange chance you haven't, well fuck, have at it!

Download The Album Here

Buy it if you like it

Rainer Maria - A Better Version of Me

the other night i went to a show with my girlfriend. it was slingshot dakota. i hadn't fucking seen those guys since they played a free show with Damiera at Oswego college YEARS ago. it was good seeing them again. anywho, the first opening band Scudworth was really not doing it for me. it was the simple case of, if they played better, they would be a better band. Lots of potential from a songwriting perspective but maybe a song in, i was just waiting for it to be over so i could see Mistletoe play. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a bright light in a dimly lit set. A outrageously untight cover. BUT, one that even with all of its flaws still had me singing along.  It was "Artificial Light" by Rainer Maria. NOW as pissed as I was that such a great song was getting paid such shit service, AND that this band would forever be known in Syracuse for covering Rainer Maria, it did get me thinking about a band I hadn't thought of in a little while. I was introduced to Rainer Maria in 2003. It was around when Ladies & Everyone was in talks. We had already got Rachel on board, and were just waiting till all of our schedules worked so we could get together. We had started with no thought of being instrumental. Both Rachel and I were going to sing. Anthony in a attempt to show me what he imagined the band would sound like, from at least a singing perspective, showed me a Rainer Maria song. It was "Tinfoil" off of the Past Worn Searching album. Besides enjoying the vocals, i really dug the music. I got more into the band, and would even get to see them for free out at Colgate college. They played a few songs off of this record when i saw them, including Artificial Light. Which was fucking excellent. I don't honestly know if this is their best record. But I know that for me, its the one I've listened to the most, and the one that has the most sentimental attachment. beginning to end, its a fantastic record. 

Download the album here (this is Dan Caf's upload from L.T.T.O. I only have the album on my zune)

Buy it if you like it

Eisley - Room Noises

my ex Sara(h) was all kinds of surprised when I put a track off this album on a mix CD I made for her. She said she never would've guessed I liked this band and was actually embarrassed herself to admit she liked them. Oh well. I guess she had me pigeon hold as mr. math rock post hardcore guy. which is mostly true. There aren't that many bands with female singers that I like. Uzeda and Bellini are really the weird ones. All the others just have girls who's voices I really love. I think the first time I saw Eisley was on MTV late one night on the program Subterranean. I loved them. I couldn't explain it. I'll admit to this day that they are completely odd in relation to what i listen to. But idk. Their music is pretty. haha. I'm sometimes a sucker for that stuff. I think that most of the albums I've posted on here are pretty "well duh". No surprise that I like them. This is the first one that might shock some people. Like indie pop rock with great female vox? well, here ya go.

Download The Album Here

if you like it, please buy it.

Sharks Keep Moving - Desert Strings And Drifters

Sharks Keep Moving is one of my favorite bands. Alot of  people don't seem to know about them. And its sad. I will admit that I found out about them through Minus The Bear who, at the time, I really dug alot. But when it comes down to it, I would take Sharks Keep Moving ANY DAY EVER over Minus The Bear. I realize I'm in the minority, but I don't care. They are up there with American Football for me. As far as having some of the prettiest guitar work. I know right. Pretty? haha. That's just how i roll. They share a singer with Minus The Bear. So I guess if you like his voice, definitely listen to them. 

Back in December, my grandmother passed away. It was a very hard time for everyone in my family. It was another of many negative things that happened to me one after the other. That time went by so fast. Her estate became sort of a shit storm. That's what happens when you have so many kids. The 6 kids, adults now, all fighting over who wants what. I had never thought to ask for anything because of this. Alot of things were given to my sis because of Copeland. I did end up getting two things. A book from the 70's about the Unexplained and a record player. The record player is rad. The first record I bought for it was this Sharks Keep Moving album. Besides being a fucking cool looking record (see the pic) its a great album I can listen to over and over again. 

Download The Album Here

If you like it, buy it. 

Built To Spill - Keep It Like A Secret

I don't know if anyone else remembers, but HBO used to have a weekly show called "reverb". It showcased live music from alot of bands that were around at the time. One of my favorite episodes, that I can remember, was Pavement & Built To Spill (another great one was Björk & Sigur Rós). It successfully got me into two of my favorite bands. I guess this album has always had a special place in my heart because it was the first I heard by them. The reverb episode featured mostly songs from this album if I remember correctly. Overall, its a great indie rock album by one of the great indie bands. For fans of good 90's indie music. And though I HATE to say this, some people have made comparisons between them and Modest Mouse. So I guess if you like Modest Mouse (their old stuff preferably) check it out? But I have to say...

Built to Spill > Modest Mouse

-matthew st.

Download The Album Here

Buy it from a independent record store if you like it

Dasha - Damned If We Do

I wasn’t too sure what I should write about today, being Valentines Day. But when I arrived home from work and looked in my mailbox, there starring back at me was the answer. 

I’ve loved this band from the first time I heard them. I had been waiting to hear this album as long as I knew it existed in some unfinished form. The female fronted Rochester quintet plays upbeat indie rock. Very pretty guitar work, powerful rhythm section, and heartfelt singing and lyrics. I could easily see this band on a label like Polyvinyl or Jade Tree. Their sound just sits so well with those bands. This album is great and I highly recommend you purchasing a copy for yourself A.S.A.P. 

On a personal note I would like to say that I wish Colleen Vasey was my Valentine. Listening to her sing today has made my day. Awww! She’ll never read this blog. Haha. Tomorrow I’ll post death metal to make up for that emo slip. Haha.

-matthew st.

Listen to a couple tracks from the record on Dasha's Myspace Page

You can buy the album from Whaleplane Records.

Castevet - I Know What A Lion Is EP

This is a band that is strange because I don't think they should work, but they do. Really well in fact. Chicago Indie rock in the vein of Cap'n Jazz, American Football, etc. BUT, with a singer that I've heard some people describe as a "beardo". What does that even mean? I have no clue. I should know. Should I know? Is this a new genre of music? haha. Honestly, and I don't want this to upset the band or people that like them, but the singer's singing sometimes reminds me of when Jimmy from Polar Bear Club screams. That's really all I have to relate it to with my limited musical knowledge. Just go from the bands they kind of sound like. If you like them, there's a good chance you will like Castevet. They've only been around for a few years. Expect, more great shit from them in the near future. They have a full length set to come out this summer. 

-matthew st.

Download The Album Here

If you like it, please support the band!

Castevet's Myspace Page

Know Think - Clean Closet EP

I randomly downloaded this EP, and was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I think anyone that digs anything the Kinsella boys have done would be down with this, and should def listen to it. Not to be that cut and dry, but there you go. Okay okay…fine. For fans of American Football, Cap’n Jazz, Braid, Aloha, Look Mexico, blah blah blah…are you fucking happy now?

-matthew st.

Download The Album Here

I don't honestly know if the band is still together, but please go to their myspace page and try to support them

This EP was self released

Jeff Buckley - Grace

One of the greatest song writers to live in my life time. One of the most amazing debut albums I can think of. One album you definitely need to hear at least once before you die. 

-matthew st.

Download the album here

If you like it, buy it.

American Football

I'm posting this because of the event that is today. 

pretty guitar parts, technical/polyrhythmic drum lines and heart felt lyrics.

indie gold.

-matthew st.

CD Single Series

Full Length

Live @ The Fireside Bowl

Joiya

I'm going to try to keep it short today as per Tisdale's request/expectations of us contributors. But believe me that I could go on and on about Joiya. They are great people and good friends of mine. They are also probably one of my all time favorite bands I've ever seen live.

This Michigan band blew my fucking mind when I first saw them 5 years ago. It was another case of “why does this awesome band, like my shitty band?” haha. The four piece consisted of a guitarist, drummer, cello player and a piano/violin player. Both male and female vocalists. They played an awesome blend of mellow and high energy indie rock. They also did some extremely mathy and technical stuff. These guys are real musicians and their music can easily be appreciated by other musicians. But I think fans of bands like Aloha and Rachel’s could easily get into them. They sadly don’t play anymore because the members are spread all over the country. Its truly sad because they created some really beautiful and original music together. One can only hope that Joiya will someday be able to reunite and produce more awesomeness.

-matthew st.

Here is their amazing full length Sometimes Is And Kinda

I've also uploaded their unfinished album. Just note that the unfinished album is just that, unfinished. Its unmixed and alot of the songs are just ideas. The few "finished" songs are quality though. Included with that is a track off a Xmas comp that they did and a demo song "Rogue", which would go on to be called "Rivers."

You can get all of that right here.

Sometimes Is And Kinda personal highlights (even though i love the entire album):

-We're Just Gonna...

-Kill Colours With Kindness

-June/July

Unfinished Album personal highlights:

-Suicide Is Painless

-Death and Departed

-The Funearl

Joiya @ Myspace