youknowthisaboutme

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2012-02-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

NO - Stay With Me
Chairlift - I Belong In Your Arms
KNESSET - Steady Hands
Daniel Rossen - Saint Nothing
Father John Misty and Phosphorescent - I Would Love You

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2012-01-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

Etta James - Tell Mama
Mazzy Star - Common Burn
Yuna - Live Your Life
Lower Dens - Brains

Shut Up And Play The Hits

2012-01-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

I will be watching this trailer repeatedly until I can see the film...

Sunday Morning Soundtrack - New Year Edition

2012-01-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012, folks! Hope this year brings you the best.

The Walkmen - In The New Year
Yeasayer - 2080
The National - Slow Show
St. Vincent - Year Of The Tiger
Wolf Parade - The Grey Estates

Winter Solstlist 2011

2011-12-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tunes to warm your soul.

The Horrors - Still Life
James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream
The National - Think You Can Wait
The War On Drugs - Come To The City
Other Lives - For 12
Kurt Vile - On Tour
Wilco - Black Moon
Real Estate - Green Aisles
Beirut - Goshen
Bon Iver - Wash.
Radiohead - Codex

Best of 2011

2011-12-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

When starting the process to write my annual year-end essay, my initial thoughts were drawn to the extreme highs and lows that came my way during the past 12 months. But really, when you get down to it, that's what this life is all about...a personal reaction to how you handle success and adversity. At least I'd like to think so. The idea of happiness and enjoyment cannot truly be realized until an order of balance provides one with perspective. To that end - it seems only natural that years are defined by their highlights and lowlights. Luckily for us, we have the ability to recall many of these moments by the greatest of communal experience: music.

The great inventor, Thomas Edison said, "Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." That's a beautiful thought, right? Essentially that success is often determined by a willingness to persevere through times of discomfort in order to see what greatness awaits you. Challengers of predetermined thought and habit have potential for personal gain and rewards...but I believe the greatest reward lies within an individual's methods of support - it's typically these that allow one to soldier on during times of adversity. For purposes here, I'll whittle those support methods down to a mixture of: friends, family, faith and music (generally speaking, entertainment).

This past October, the world lost a great architect of innovation. An individual who by all accounts, chose not to let practicalities or bumps in the road stand in his way of accomplishing goals. For me personally, his determination has proven to be life changing - allowing instant access to the world at the swipe of a finger. His ideas made it possible to activate and heighten any given experience while allowing instant sharing of those same experiences with others. Imagine how different your life would be today...if he simply, gave up.

Musicians/bands/artists are creating and progressing their craft at a level not experienced by many generations; a technological renaissance, if you will. Innovations make it possible to listen to (and share) music at a rate never before imagined. Through whatever music medium you most enjoy, it's become easier than ever to access and tap into personal soundtracks. This in turn, enables us to: smile upon, learn from and/or grieve in any given experience we wish to recall.

The past 12 months have also brought about an obvious and forward undertone of restlessness. Whether it be political, economical or personal - there is an undefinable variable at play. We know things need to get better but we're having a tough time determining how we get there. Like similar circumstances before us, music continues to play a major role in expressing frustrations and representing one's ideas and agendas; capturing relatable emotions for others to understand and as a result, allowing some sort of clarity and comfort.

The makeup of a year differs from person to person and really, tastes and methods of dealing with adversity and success differ as well. The through line for us all, is that this life at times is both very difficult and enjoyable. Two polar opposite emotions in which we are all connected. Sharing and reflecting upon life's highlights and lowlights is only human in nature; it's one thing that we can all agree upon.

Next year will undoubtedly be challenging and with that, rewarding, too.

Below are my favorite tracks that accompanied the many memories that made up my 2011. I encourage you to share yours as well.

Thanks for reading and cheers to a successful year ahead,

T-Hale

Top 10 Songs of 2011

10) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
9) White Denim - Street Joy
8) Radiohead - Lotus Flower
7) Other Lives - Tamer Animals
6) Girls - My Ma
5) Bon Iver - Calgary
4) Destroyer - Song For America
3) Cass McCombs - County Line
2) M83 - Midnight City
1) Cut Copy - Take Me Over

Best Albums of 2011

10) White Denim - D

9) Radiohead - The King of Limbs

8) M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

7) Beirut - The Rip Tide

6) Other Lives - Tamer Animals

5) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

4) Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

3) Cut Copy - Zonoscope

2) Bon Iver - Bon Iver

1) Destroyer - Kaputt

Honorable Mentions

Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo
James Blake - James Blake
Real Estate - Days
Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest
The War On Drugs - Slave Ambient
Atlas Sound - Parallax
Wilco - The Whole Love
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde
Cass McCombs - Wit's End
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-12-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

A few tunes to keep ya warm.

On another note - Best of 2011 should be wrapped up and posted in the next couple days.

Cheers.

Alabama Shakes - Hold On
Miike Snow - Devil's Work
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross Feat Karen O - Immigrant Song

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-12-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

White Denim - Anvil Everything
The Black Keys - Run Right Back
Future Islands - Before The Bridge
Michael Kiwanuka - Tell Me A Tale
Birdy - 1901

Fleet Foxes - The Shrine/An Argument

2011-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Sean Pecknold directs another vid for Fleet Foxes. Take a peek at the animated piece below...

The Shrine / An Argument from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-11-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Alex Turner - Stuck On The Puzzle
Atlas Sound - Mona Lisa
Destroyer - Suicide Demo for Kara Walker
M83 - Intro (w/ Zola Jesus)

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-11-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

In honor of turning back the clocks...

Buffalo Springfield - Sit Down, I Think I Love You
Gene Clark - No Other
The Kinks - Lola
George Harrison - My Sweet Lord
Harry Nilsson- Me and My Arrow

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-10-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Real Estate - Wonder Years
Youth Lagoon - Montana
Beirut - The Rip Tide
The War On Drugs - Brothers
Feist - The Circle Married The Line

Sunday Morning Soundtrack (Monday Edition)

2011-10-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a few... many apologies. Some tasty ones below. Thanks gang - enjoy.

Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
A.A. Bondy - Surfer King
Blind Pilot - Keep You Right
Future Islands - Balance

Thanks - Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

2011-10-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

RIP Steve Jobs. Through your vision, design and innovation our life has improved. From this humble little blog - thanks for changing the way music and information is consumed. Limitless exploration with the world at our fingertips... that is a beautiful thing.

You will be missed.

Drive

2011-10-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's not often that I throw up a post about a film... but I must implore you to experience the greatness of Drive. The film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn has a pulse and pace like no other picture I've experienced before. Refn's fresh take on cinematography, focus on timing and soundtrack all work seamlessly together in order to create a modern, yet throwback feel; that can only be best described as an assault on your senses.

The soundtrack was curated by Cliff Martinez (who has an impressive resume to his name). One of my favorite tunes from the soundtrack is below... give it a listen and then do your best to see this in the theatre. I still can't shake it.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-10-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

October is fresh and so is the 2011 edition of the Autumnal Equimix... but, here are a few more tunes that have me tapping my toe.

Wilco - Art Of Almost
St. Vincent - Year Of The Tiger
Real Estate - Green Aisles

Autumnal Equimix - 2011

2011-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Jamz for the beautiful season.

Enjoy,

T-Hale

St. Vincent - Cruel
Girls - Magic
The War On Drugs - Baby Missles
Other Lives - Dust Bowl III
Gillian Welch - The Way That It Goes
Bon Iver - Holocene
Kurt Vile - Baby's Arms
White Denim - Some Wild Going Outward
Beirut - The Rip Tide
Low - Try To Sleep
Elbow - Lippy Kids
Radiohead - Separator

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-09-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
St. Vincent - Cruel
Lana Del Rey - Video Games
The Stepkids - Shadows On Behalf
Blood Orange - Sutphin Boulevard

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-09-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Think about (and thank) your personal heroes today... I feel it's the best way to honor those that have gone before us.

Ryan Adams - New York, New York
The National - Fake Empire
Fleet Foxes - Your Protector
Arcade Fire - Intervention
Wilco - Ashes Of American Flags

Stream Wilco's New Album Tomorrow!

2011-09-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Wilco wants to reward everyone's hard work this Labor Day with a 24 hour stream of their upcoming album The Whole Love.

They sent out the below note (excerpt) to their email list and well, you've pretty much got the scoop.

You can also pre-order the new album via their interweb store and through ANTI- Records. Also, stream the first single below whilst your at it.

Your bbq playlist just got a whole lot easier, huh?

"... we're gonna do a special under-the-radar stream of the new record tomorrow for Wilcoworld only. Here's the deal -- as a reward for your labors, ours, and those of our forefathers/mothers -- starting at 12 Noon Central time tomorrow (Saturday) and for 24 hours straight we're gonna stream The Whole Love in its entirety, at wilcoworld.net. That's right. Your first chance to hear the whole thing is tomorrow. Trust us, you'll be glad you made time to check it out."

Wilco - I Might by hipstereo.blogspot.com

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-08-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we lost one of the greatest songwriters to ever come our way. RIP Jerry Leiber.

Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem (written by Leiber and Stoller)
Fool's Gold - The Dive
Serge Gainsbourg (w/ Jean Claude Vannier) - Danger
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Tigers
Atlas Sound - Terra Incognita

Fall Creek Boys Choir (Bon Iver + James Blake)

2011-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

A week ago James Blake tweeted an ambiguous bit about getting together with Bon Iver... ("24th August 2011 - James Blake & Bon Iver 'Fall Creek Boys Choir'").

Well, here we are on the 24th and we're left with a mellow jam that lends two falsetto/auto-tuney crooners with some backing from J Blake's dubby influenced, produced beats.

What do y'all think? I dig.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-08-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Cass McCombs - The Same Thing
The War On Drugs - Comin' Through
Little Dragon - Ritual Union
Beirut - Port of Call
Anna Calvi - Blackout

Sunday Morning Soundtrack - One Jam Edition

2011-08-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Busy day - so just one cut for ya. It's a good one, though.

How Come You Never Go There by Feist

Beirut - The Rip Tide

2011-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Journeyman (literally) Zach Condon and his band of Beiruts are readying their third full length album: The Rip Tide, via Condon's own Pompeii Records.

We've heard a couple singles (East Harlem and Santa Fe) and on first go 'round of the whole album... I find it to be focused, simplistic and in my opinion, the most assured work of their catalogue.

Thanks to NPR Music, you can hear for yourself; right this very moment.

Be sure to pick this one up (In stores August 30, digitally now) - it's the perfect soundtrack to welcome autumn as we close out summer.

Enjoy.

Beirut - The Rip Tide

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-08-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Jens Lekman - An Argument With Myself
Fruit Bats - Tangie & Ray
The War On Drugs - Come To The City
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - How Can U Love Me
Memory Tapes - Wait In The Dark

Stream Lollapalooza This Weekend

2011-08-05T11:54:00.001-07:00

They say everyone knows someone in Chicago. Well, if that's true, then all your Chicagoian mates are rippin' it up at Lollapalooza this weekend. Bummer, I know.

BUT thanks to the moderns of the interwebs - Youtube will be live-streaming the event all damn weekend long. So it ain't all that bad.

Check out the schedule below... There are two channels with which you can choose and an ample line-up of stellar tunes. YKTAM picks can be found in bold.

Enjoy.

-------

LOLLAPALOOZA STREAM SCHEDULE
Note: Set times are Central

FRIDAY CHANNEL 1
1:30 PM The Vaccines
2:15 PM Delta Spirit
3:00 PM Foster The People
4:00 PM White Lies
5:00 PM Two Door Cinema Club
6:00 PM The Naked and Famous
7:00 PM The Kills
8:15 PM Coldplay

FRIDAY CHANNEL 2
1:45 PM TAB the Band
2:30 PM Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
3:30 PM Smith Westerns
4:30 PM *Backstage Access*
5:30 PM Mountain Goats
6:30 PM Bright Eyes
7:30 PM *Backstage Access*
8:00 PM Encore: Foster the People
9:00 PM Encore: White Lies

SATURDAY CHANNEL 1
1:45 PM J. Roddy Walston & the Business
2:30 PM Fitz & The Tantrums
3:30 PM Mayer Hawthorne & The County
4:30 PM Big Audio Dynamite
5:30 PM Local Natives
6:30 PM TBA
7:30 PM *Backstage Access*
8:00 PM My Morning Jacket

SATURDAY CHANNEL 2
1:30 PM Grouplove
2:15 PM Walk the Moon
3:00 PM Black Lips
4:00 PM Death From Above 1979
5:00 PM *Backstage Access*
6:00 PM Ween
7:00 PM Beats Antique
8:00 PM *Backstage Access*

SUNDAY CHANNEL 1
1:30 PM Imelda May
2:15 PM Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses
3:00 PM The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
4:00 PM The Cars
5:00 PM Portugal. The Man
6:00 PM Arctic Monkeys
7:00 PM Explosions In The Sky
8:00 PM Foo Fighters

SUNDAY CHANNEL 2
1:45 PM The Joy Formidable
2:30 PM Noah and The Whale
3:15 PM *Backstage Access*
4:15 PM Flogging Molly
5:15 PM Cage The Elephant
6:15 PM Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
7:30 PM *Backstage Access*

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-07-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Stereogum put together a tribute album featuring various artists covering the seminal Is This It by The Strokes. Couple standouts are below... but I suggest you dip into the whole thing; here.

Also, happy Shark Week.

Grouplove - Tongue Tied
The Morning Benders - Last Night
White Denim - Drug
Thurston Moore - Circulation
Owen Pallett - Hard To Explain

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-07-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Summer heat.

Portugal. The Man - So American
Beirut - Santa Fe
Smith Westerns - Smile
Kurt Vile - Puppet To The Man
Girls - Vomit

M83 - Midnight City

2011-07-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Our fav captain of epic jams, M83 (Anthony Gonzalez), is readying his forthcoming double album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (via Mute) for release October 18. We received a bit of a still life preview, entitled Echoes, a couple weeks ago; but now we can lend an ear to the first single Midnight City.

Head over to his website, enter in your email and you'll receive a download link. OR stream the single below. Either way, don't forget M83 be making a swing through Los Angeles November 9th at The Music Box. Tickets are still available.

M83 - Midnight City

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-07-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Traffic Jamz.

Real Estate - It's Real
The Horrors - Still Life
Yuck - The Wall
The War On Drugs - Baby Missiles
Washed Out - Amor Fati

Pitchfork Music Festival - Live Stream

2011-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

This year's edition of Chicago's Pitchfork Music Fest, kicks off today and the tastemaking website will be live streaming the whole, hot-damn thing.

Additionally, they'll be tweeting all weekend from the event via attendee/virtual attendees comments. They'll be digging through the following trend: #p4kfest and RT'ing their favs. Line-up and link for stream is below.

Enjoy (especially you LA kids - could be a mess out there this weekend!)

Live Stream Link

Friday, July 15 (all times are CST):

8:30 Animal Collective (GREEN)
7:30 James Blake (BLUE)
7:20 Neko Case (RED)
6:30 Das Racist (BLUE)
6:25 Guided By Voices (GREEN)
5:30 Curren$y (BLUE)
5:30 Thurston Moore (RED)
4:35 Battles (GREEN)
4:30 tUnE-yArDs (BLUE)
3:30 EMA (RED)
3:20 Gatekeeper (BLUE)

Saturday, July 16 (gates at 12 p.m.):

8:30 Fleet Foxes (GREEN)
7:40 Zola Jesus (BLUE)
7:25 DJ Shadow (RED)
6:45 Twin Shadow (BLUE)
6:15 The Dismemberment Plan (GREEN)
5:45 The Radio Dept. (BLUE)
5:15 Destroyer (RED)
4:45 OFF! (BLUE)
4:15 Gang Gang Dance (GREEN)
3:45 Wild Nothing (BLUE)
3:20 No Age (RED)
2:50 G-Side (BLUE)
2:30 Cold Cave (GREEN)
1:55 Sun Airway (BLUE)
1:45 Woods (RED)
1:00 Chrissy Murderbot ft. MC Zulu (BLUE)
1:00 Julianna Barwick (GREEN)

Sunday, July 17 (gates at 12 p.m.):

8:30 TV on the Radio (GREEN)
7:40 HEALTH (BLUE)
7:25 Cut Copy (RED)
6:45 Toro Y Moi (BLUE)
6:15 Deerhunter (GREEN)
5:45 Kylesa (BLUE)
5:15 Superchunk (RED)
4:45 Baths (BLUE)
4:15 Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (GREEN)
3:45 Shabazz Palaces (BLUE)
3:20 OFWGKTA (RED)
2:50 Twin Sister (BLUE)
2:30 Kurt Vile & the Violators (GREEN)
1:55 How to Dress Well (BLUE)
1:45 Yuck (RED)
1:00 Darkstar (BLUE)
1:00 The Fresh & Onlys (GREEN)

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-07-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Tap a foot and tip a hat.

Wilco - I Might
Gillian Welch - The Way That It Goes
The Rosebuds - Woods
Beirut - Goshen
Frank Fairfield - Poor Old Lance

Cut Copy - Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution

2011-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Aussie party starters, Cut Copy, are still riding high following the release of their album, Zonoscope. The group is readying another single, Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution, for digital release August 9th (with a 12" physical copy to follow soon thereafter).

Furthermore, Toro y Moi has lent his mellow hand to a remix of the jam, that will accompany the release. Good stuff.

Cut Copy has a number of tour dates through the remainder of 2011. They'll be performing at Pacific Festival in Orange County, 8/13... which is the closest stop to LA that has been announced.

Stream both cuts below.

Cut Copy - Blink And You'll Miss A Revolution by modularpeople

Blink And You'll Miss a Revolution (Toro Y Moi Remix) by cutcopymusic

M83 - New Album Tease

2011-06-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

I wish every morning started like this. No word on when M83 will drop the new album but watch the clip below if you want to feel epic.

Summer Solstlist - 2011

2011-06-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Summer jams to beat the heat and/or (preferably) bask in it.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean
Bon Iver - Calgary
Dirty Gold - California Sunrise
White Denim - Street Joy
Diego Garcia - Separate Lives
Beirut - East Harlem
Destroyer - Kaputt
Jamie xx - Far Nearer
Architecture in Helsinki - Contact High
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Cut Copy - Corner of the Sky

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-06-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday/father's day to my favorite readers!

Bon Iver - Towers
The Wooden Birds - Folly Club
Vetiver - Can't You Tell
Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs
The Civil Wars - I've Got This Friend

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-06-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Little bit o' this, little bit o' that.

The Weeknd - The Morning
My Morning Jacket - You Wanna Freak Out
Junior Boys - EP
The Wooden Birds - Two Matchsticks
Jamie xx - Far Nearer

Bon Iver, Bon Iver

2011-06-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Justin Vernon needs little by way of introduction these days. The brains behind the Bon Iver project has been palling around with this guy, traveled around with Gayngs and released another album under the moniker of Volcano Choir. All good and great, but with all of that extracurricular activity, we the listener, have waited patiently (3+ years) for a proper full length follow up to his masterful, For Emma, Forever Ago.

First single, Calgary, came out swingin' and felt right for the season. Hushed melodies lead way to triumphant returns... you know the whole Bon Iver schtick; but man it sounds great in your backyard with a beer and a bbq going - doesn't it?

Simply put: I LOVE the new album and I think it's release is quite timely. YKTAM favs, NPR Music, have provided the full album for stream. Listen here.

Go get lost in it. It's summer after-all.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Get out and stretch your legs a bit today. It's a beauty.

Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Beirut - East Harlem
Alex Turner - Piledriver Waltz
GIVERS - Saw You First
Thurston Moore - Benediction

Back In A Week

2011-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I got hitched, now I'm on a little vaca. I'll be back at it soon. For tunes check out Aquarium Drunkard.

Bon Iver - Calgary

2011-05-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

Bon Iver has been slow to follow up his stellar For Emma, Forever Ago; but today we get the first listen from his upcoming S/T release, with a lovely little jam entitled: Calgary.

JAGJAGUWAR will be releasing the album, June 21st in the States. You can pre-order now.

They've announced a smattering of dates which you can check out at their website. However, nothing in LA yet.

Stream Calgary below or download your own copy with an email address.

Enjoy!

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-05-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for lack of non-SMS posts, things are a bit busy on my end. Here are a few jams that feel good.

Dirty Gold - California Sunrise
The Kills - DNA
Raphael Saadiq - Let's Take A Walk
Danger Mouse and Danielle Luppi - Two Against One (Ft. Jack White)
Wild Beasts - Lion's Share

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Other Lives - Tamer Animals
Big Star - Thirteen
We Are Augustines - Chapel Song
Black Lips - Modern Art
Bill Callahan - Baby's Breath

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-05-01T09:49:00.001-07:00

Eat, drink and be merry (but please do all of these things whilst listening to good music)!

Bibio - K Is For Kelson
Diego Garcia - You Were Never There
Fleet Foxes - Bedouin Dress
Hooray For Earth - Surrounded By Your Friends
Architecture in Helsinki - Escapee

Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

2011-04-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

I would say in the past year or two there have been some pretty fantastic ploys to promotionally raise the profile of your band; see: Radiohead, the advent of the free album stream a week prior to release, live webcasting of concerts etc. etc.

Okkervil River brings a new dog to the fight, with a live concert webcast of their upcoming album, I Am Very Far performed live, front to back. Pretty cool, huh?

Check it out today (April 27th) @ 7 pm ET thanks to NPR Music - here.

I Am Very Far drops May 10, via JAGJAGUWAR and you can pre-order a whole array of album formats at the bands website.

Enjoy!

Album Stream: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

2011-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Three years is a quite a bit of time to follow up a flawless debut, but Fleet Foxes wanted to make sure their second full length album hit all the marks. And, boy does it. After overcoming extended sickness, plenty of additional recording and mixing sessions - the Seattle band picks up right where they left off. Nothing new here, no off-beat sophomore direction. Just the tunes we want to hear, from a band that wears so well.

To that end - the always impressive NPR Music, currently has the album streaming in its entirety (prior to the album's release date, May 3rd, via Sub Pop).

Lend an ear and remember they are playing The Hollywood Palladium May 7th (w/ The Cave Singers).

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Enjoy.

My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Fleet Foxes - Montezuma
Radiohead - Supercollider
Deerhunter - Nosebleed
Seapony - Dreaming

Enjoy the Desert!

2011-04-13T15:36:00.001-07:00

Seeya out there folks! Be good to one another and have fun.

Cheers,

T-Hale

Elbow - Lippy Kids
The Kills - Satellite
Tame Impala - Expectation

TV On The Radio - Nine Type of Light

2011-04-05T16:48:00.001-07:00

We're exactly a week out until TVOTR release their 4th full length album, Nine Types of Light. BUT Rhapsody has it streaming right now, in full, here.

Upon first impression - I dig their new found mellowness. I highly recommend at least a listen to the track: Killer Crane.

What do you think?

ALSO, the band just announced they will be playing the Music Box Tuesday May 3rd (w/ Glasser). Relatively small venue for them. Get your tix Saturday, April 9th at 10am here.

A Fond Farewell - LCD Soundsystem

2011-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines the word denial as such: A psychological defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality.

To that point - it is with great denial, that I write about the end of an era for one of my favorite bands, LCD Soundsystem.

The NY pop, electro, disco, punk, (whatever genre you want to put them in) outfit - had a near flawless run, spanning three full length albums, (four, if you count the Nike deal) countless singles and the title of throwing the biggest party in your town when they came through. Yet, in some strange way, it feels almost right. This all too cool crew waves goodbye and James Murphy makes good on his promise that LCD was only temporary. Of course, the lot of us figured the engine would keep on running as long as we would keep on dancing... But, to the chagrin of many, the guy has kept his word and we'll be left to our discography and they go out on top.

Alright, let's get on with it, because I could truly sing the praises of James Murphy/LCD Soundsystem all night. But to wallow, piss and moan almost seems blasphemous to the spirit in which this band abides.

While it's definitely not easy to cope with loss, I do however suggest the following: 1) Read Pitchfork's wonderful career spanning article that includes a track by track analysis here. AND 2) If you aren't going to be at the final LCD show at MSG, April 2nd, you can stream it live on Pitchfork.

The man himself, said it perfectly: “I make dance music, or disco, ... And dance music isn't really about anything. I can tell if it's working: Are people dancing? Yes.' Then I've achieved my goal.”

So go ahead - (sure, it definitely downright sucks, when you really think about it) for this last time, enjoy yourself; tap your toe one last time with James Murphy and Co.

These guys deserve an applause and a dance or two for bowing out in style.

A few of my favorite tracks can be streamed below (I gotta tell ya, it was very difficult to somehow limit this to five tracks).

LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
LCD Soundsystem - Losing My Edge
LCD Soundsystem - Home
LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing At My House

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean

2011-03-30T09:14:00.001-07:00

Sean Pecknold (brother of Robin from the Fleet Foxes) shoots beautiful film and is quite the talented director. He's created music videos for many a band: Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others; Beach House - Used To Be; and of course he's kept it in the family with a couple Fleet Foxes jams - White Winter Hymnal and Mykonos.

Furthermore - it looks like Brother Sean hung out with Fleet Foxes during their road weary recording schedule over the last year. And for our enjoyment, he put together a little glimpse into the recording of the new album which accompanies the beautiful new track, Grown Ocean.

Give it a look/listen below and remember the new album Helplessness Blues comes out May 3rd. Also, Fleet Foxes are playing the Palladium May 7th and tickets are still available.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-03-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Radiohead - Give Up the Ghost
The National - Think You Can Wait
Kurt Vile - Baby's Arm
Alexander - Truth
John Legend - Rolling In the Deep (Adele Cover)

The Morning Benders - Japan Echo Charity EP

2011-03-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

Japan is in our thoughts and prayers right now. But in addition to the well wishes the collective world is sending them, donations and monetary resources are also needed in order to help.

To that end - The Morning Benders have released an EP with new originals and remixes (Star Slinger, Wild Nothing, Twin Sister and more) for download and 100% of the proceeds are going to Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund. They were scheduled to play their first ever show there last week and I didn't know this, but lead singer/songwriter Chris Chu was born there. His love for the country is paramount and I applaud them for trying to do something to support the efforts to bring relief to that country. The note that accompanies the EP is above.

The tracklist is below and you can download the EP at their website.

Japan Echo EP (日本・エコー):

1. Cold War (Star Slinger Remix)
2. Better In Blue
3. Hand Me Downs (Wild Nothing Remix)
4. Excuses (RAC Remix)
5. Mason Jar (Twin Sister Remix)
6. Wet Cement (Aislyn Remix)
7. Little Riot
8. Promises (Star Slinger Remix)

Spring Equimix 2011

2011-03-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring, Folks!

Despite the longer, sunny days - there's a lot of gloominess out there right now; be nice to people.

Lord Huron - The Stranger
Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever
Tennis - Take Me Somewhere
Toro y Moi - Still Sound
Radiohead - Separator
Chapel Club - All the Eastern Girls
Smith Westerns - Weekend
The Head and the Heart - Lost In My Mind
Cass McCombs - County Line
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Nothing But Our Love
Robin Pecknold - I'm Losing Myself (ft Ed Droste)
Destroyer - Kaputt

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-03-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Final installment of the SXSW preview. The madness begins Wednesday!

The Kills - Satellite
Smith Westerns - Imagine, Pt 3
Royal Bangs - My Car is Haunted
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Heart In Your Heartbreak
James Blake - Lindesfarne II
Lord Huron - The Stranger
Toro y Moi - Still Sound

7 Days til SXSW!

2011-03-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

We are officially one week out from the music lovers springbreak known as, SXSW. YKTAM has been highlighting some of the up and comers that will be there this year via Sunday Morning Soundtracks the past couple weeks (you can listen here, here and here). But, other publications have done a bit more thorough combing of the lineup to get you ready for what's sure to be blazin' hot outta Austin. (NOTE: Final SX edition of the Sunday Morning Soundtrack coming 3/12)

The always impressive NPR Music has their All Songs Considered SXSW preview; which is great. And, if you can't make it out to ATX - they will be live streaming their shows. Sweet deal!

Artist site Bandcamp has also put together a nearly endless playlist with hundreds and hundreds of artists to dive into. Check it.

What would a YKTAM post be without a little KCRW love?? Jason Bentley and Rachel Reynolds put together a little SXSW podcast. It's great stuff - can't wait to see all the fun things our hometown station has going on in ATX. You can get the lowdown on the same site.

Get on it - you've got your work cut out for you.

This time of year rules - giddy up!

Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes) Posts New Songs

2011-03-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today Robin Pecknold via his Fleet Foxes Twitter account, updated followers with a link to download three new songs he recorded whilst in LA a couple weeks ago. Now, if you already happen to follow him on the interwebs, you probably knew that he had been recording (he is pretty good about keeping the world up to date with his happenings). However, he didn't lead on as to what the sessions were or when these jamz would be released. And, thanks to the moderns of technology, we are able to lend an ear a mere number of days after he announced his sessions. Very Radiohead of him, huh?

One thing he did not mention was that Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear fame would be dropping by for one of the cuts. The second track he takes on solo and the third is a cover by this guy from New Zealand (whom you most likely haven't heard of).

The three mellow (and very Fleet Foxy) tracks should certainly keep your appetite whet for the May 3rd release of Helpnessless Blues. Get your folk on.

Stream the songs below or download via the link he provided here.

Robin Pecknold - I'm Losing Myself (w/ Ed Droste)
Robin Pecknold - Derwentwater Stones
Robin Pecknold - Where Is My Wild Rose

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-03-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

SXSW = less than two weeks away!

Twin Shadow - At My Heels
Maps & Atlases - Living Decorations
Papercuts - Do What You Will
Times New Viking - No Room to Live
Kurt Vile - Freeway

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-02-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Still diggin' through them buzzy SX bands...

Lia Ices - Daphne
Other Lives - For 12
Young Buffalo - Catapilah
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr - Nothing But Our Love
Lower Dens - Hospice Gates

TV On The Radio - Will Do

2011-02-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Big time Brooklyn band, TV On The Radio, released a new jam today. Will Do is the first we've heard from upcoming album Nine Types of Light; that will be released via Interscope, April 12th.

Looks like Seattle radio station 107.7 The End is the only place to stream the track right now. Head over to their Soundcloud site, to give the mellow and restrained track a listen. I dig.

TVOTR has a smattering of dates (all on the east coast). Keep you posted when they exodus westward.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Radiohead - Morning Mr Magpie
Architecture in Helsinki - Contact High
Panda Bear - Alsatian Darn
James Blake - I Never Learnt to Share
Cut Copy - Need You Now

Lotus Flower

2011-02-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

Those Radiohead guys just love to surprise people, don't they? The King of Limbs is out a day early - check your order tracking information for download link (or head to the album site).

They also released a video for the first single, Lotus Flower ... What's better than a minimalist looking clip of Thom dancing? (Not a whole lot is the answer)

Enjoy your Friday!

Track list for The King of Limbs:

1 Bloom
2 Morning Mr Magpie
3 Little by Little
4 Feral
5 Lotus Flower
6 Codex
7 Give Up the Ghost
8 Separator

Cass McCombs - County Line

2011-02-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Mr. McCombs new album, entitled: WIT'S END, has a release date just around the corner. April 12th to be exact (via Domino). The first listen, County Line, is about as smooth as satin. Think back roads, rural cruisin' kinda smooth.

I can't stop listening to this cut. Give it a whirl (preferably in an easy chair or accompanying - said, back roads cruise).

Cass McCombs - County Line by DominoRecordCo

Congrats to Arcade Fire

2011-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I would be remiss if I didn't highlight the great accomplishment of one of the greatest bands my generation will have the pleasure of claiming. Arcade Fire took home the Grammy for Album of the Year, in recognition of their 2010 release, The Suburbs.

Watch their acceptance speech and impromptu performance of album standout Ready To Start below. Also, get a good laugh here.

Radiohead - The King of Limbs

2011-02-14T06:54:00.001-08:00

Radiohead has surprised the world again with another collective album listening party. The King of Limbs will be released via MP3 format Saturday February 19th and deluxe packaged distribution (what they are calling The Newspaper Album, filled with art etc.) will be shipped Monday May 9th.

Best place to go for detailed info and the all important pre-order is thekingoflimbs.com.

Happy Valentines Day.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-02-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Starting to pick through some artists that will be at SXSW.

Enjoy your day of rest.

The Cave Singers - Swim Club
La Sera - Never Come Around
DeVotchKa - 100 Other Lovers
Apex Manor - Under the Gun
Jenny O. - Well OK Honey

The Strokes Are Back BABY!

2011-02-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

Title says it all. Head on over to their website right now; because over the course of the next 48 hours, you can sign up for their mailing list and receive a free download of upcoming single Under Cover of Darkness.

The Strokes upcoming album, Angles, drops March 22nd via RCA. They have a couple of confirmed dates listed including: Las Vegas and Coachella. They are also rumored for a SXSW appearance.

Nice to have them back.

Download the cut here. Or stream above.

James Blake

2011-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

One of YKTAM's 2011 artists to watch is one step closer to conquering America. The wunderkind just signed to Universal Republic for US distro. His debut self-titled LP will actually be released Monday Feb 7 in the UK.

Get your hands on it; trust.

Also, watch this beautiful vid for single, The Wilhelm Scream.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

2011-01-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

I am beyond excited to report that Fleet Foxes have announced the release of the follow up to their practically flawless S/T debut. That picture down there is the album artwork!

Helplessnes Blues will be released via Sub Pop May 3rd and a national tour will follow in support of the release (including Friday, May 7th @ the Hollywood Palladium).

Listen to the first single below (also titled Helplessness Blues) and tell your friends that your Monday just got a lot better.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Live the life you imagined.
- Henry David Thoreau

Destroyer - Kaputt
Lord Huron - We Went Wild
Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
Smith Westerns - Weekend
GROUPLOVE - Naked Kids

For The Record: Destroyer - Kaputt

2011-01-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Dan Bejar is a journeyman of sorts. Wandering around with The New Pornographers, the occasional Swan Lake jam sesh and of course his solo venture as, Destroyer. The dude is pretty prolific.

Despite some very solid albums from this guy (Destroyer's Rubies is classic); I never knew he was so damn smooth.

You'd never think lilting little synth and sax lines would float over Destoryer's unique vocal delivery so well. But it does; and it's really good. I didn't live in the glory haze that was the late 70s... but from what I gather, this certainly fits right in and it's a commendable step in his long list of works.

Take a listen to the album in full, thanks to the wonderful Hype Machine.

Kaputt is out now via Merge Records. Check it.

Coachella 2011

2011-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Welp folks, the big lineup announcement dropped for the annual desert party we all know as Coachella.

What do you guys think? Who are you excited to see? Who's ready to get their dancetent on with The Chemical Brothers and Trentemøller?

A little playlist of acts I am excited to see under the desert sun and stars.

Robyn - Dancing On My Own
Tame Impala - Expectations
Cut Copy - Take Me Over
Arcade Fire - Modern Man
Cults - Go Outside
Broken Social Scene - Forced to Love
The Radio Dept. - Heaven's on Fire
The Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain
Delorean - Real Love
The National - Anyone's Ghost
The Strokes - Someday (Live Demo)
Twin Shadow - Castles in the Snow

Smith Westerns Album Preview

2011-01-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Chicago band Smith Westerns have a solid follow up their 2009s S/T buzzy release with, Dye It Blonde. The youngsters have matured a bit and with it comes a more realized, complete work that fits somewhere between 70s pop and fuzzy shoegaze.

The wonderful NPR Music has the album streaming in its entirety and I highly suggest a listen.

Dye It Blonde will be released via Fat Possum Records January 18th.

Check it out and for quicker satisfaction new single All Die Young is streaming on YKTAM's 1/9 edition of Sunday Morning Soundtrack.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2011-01-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Couple new tracks, couple old tracks.

Smith Westerns - All Die Young
Dominant Legs - Clawing Out At The Walls
Wilco - Impossible Germany
Delta Spirit - Bushwick Blues
The Head And The Heart - Down In The Valley

11 Bands To Look Out For In 2011

2011-01-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year folks.

Just a quick post to highlight a number of new bands/artists to keep an eye on as 2011 unravels. Some of these artists you may be familiar with, others not. Either way, I get the feeling you'll be hearing a lot more of them in the coming months.

I hope this year treats you well and thanks for reading.

Cheers,

T-Hale.

The Vaccines - Blow It Up
GROUPLOVE - Colours
Lord Huron - Mighty
Chapel Club - O Maybe I
Tennis - Marathon
La Sera- Never Come Around
Braids - Plath Heart
James Blake - Limit To Your Love
Yuck - Georgia
Porcelain Raft - Gone Blind
Guards - Resolution Of One

Winter Solstlist

2010-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Winter!

In addition to the tunes, stay warm with one of these suggestions from beer mate B. Albright.

Sufjan Stevens - Sister Winter
Sister Winter by jenglo

Grizzly Bear - Ready, Able
02 Ready, Able - Grizzly Bear by lindsay.carroll

Kings of Convenience - Misread
02 misread by tomasceron

The National - Terrible Love (Alternate Version)
The National - Terrible Love (Alternate Version) by malangiereviews

The Radio Dept. - Never Follow Suit
The Radio Dept. Never Follow Suit by Limonadier

Chapel Club - Telluride
Chapel Club- Telluride by julienbritnic

Jónsi - Tornado
Jónsi - "Tornado" by ljbodysong

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes by lvsnez

Bon Iver & St. Vincent - Roslyn
08 Rosyln - Bon Iver & St. Vincent by cavaanani

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
Band Of Horses - Infinite Arms by joejune

Belle and Sebastian - The Boy With the Arab Strap
09 The Boy With The Arab Strap by Nathan Stern

Best of 2010

2010-12-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

WOW incredible year for music, huh? It certainly took me longer than ever to craft this year’s list, which is a testament to the true artistry that occurred in 2010. For me, 2010 will be memorable not only for the outstanding tunes that filled my ears, but personal benchmarks that came my way. I have had a very fortunate, blessed and downright lucky year and for that I am most grateful. Maybe that is why this year’s list was tricky. As I’m sure you can relate to – when compiling and listening to all of these songs and/or albums I was taken back to memories that will not soon be forgotten and the friends/loved ones I got to experience those moments with. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few standouts: SXSW w/ Lindsey, Cory and new friends Peter and Carmine, LCD Soundsystem/Hot Chip @ the Bowl with too many people to list, two nights of Arcade Fire @ the Shrine, thoughtful music discussions at Thursday night Pho with various musical laureates, the United States rallying behind the US Mens Soccer team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, my first year of blog writing, the whole month of “Rocktober” in general and of course, my engagement (which, if I had my druthers - would have been rolled into that wonderful SXSW trip in Austin).

What a powerful medium music is.

I feel as a whole, we experienced a very transitional year in these here United States. Things seem to be looking up but I sense an undercurrent of restlessness (rightfully so). Lucky for us (as with last year), I feel the arts (Music, Film, Television, Books, Food, Fashion etc.) are responding in a favorable manor; which truly benefits the audience. Pushing boundaries and reinventing models that are more effective, efficient and creative. And, one could only assume (or hope) that these transformative approaches to artistic expression will only become more revolutionary as we inch our way into this young decade.

I look forward to the New Year ahead; as we'll see releases from Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, the Strokes and countless others who hope to put their stamp on the new decade.

I hope you enjoy the below list of music as much as I do and I will have truly done my job if some memories are sparked (and/or formed) when taking a listen. A sincere thank you is in order for your friendship, humor, kind heart, support and love.

As always, please provide recommendations and lists all your own.

Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year to you and yours,

T-Hale.

Top 10 Songs of 2010

(There are some issues with blogger/mp3 stuff - trying to fix it so you can stream the tracks again)

10) The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire
9) Tame Impala – Alter Ego
8) The National - Lemonworld
7) Jónsi – Go Do
6) Deerhunter – Desire Lines
5) Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
4) Menomena - Killemall
3) Beach House – Norway
2) LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean
1) Broken Social Scene – All to All

Best Albums of 2010

10) The Morning Benders – Big Echo

9) The Radio Dept. – Clinging to a Scheme

8) The Black Keys – Brothers

7) LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening

6) Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record

5) Beach House – Teen Dream

4) Tame Impala – Innerspeaker

3) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

2) Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest

1) The National – High Violet

Honorable Mentions:

- Menomena - Mines
- Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
*Should be noted that this album was in heavy rotation in ’09 and would probably be a top 10 inclusion were it not for me overplaying the last couple years.
- Belle and Sebastian – Write About Love
- Wild Nothing - Gemini
- Spoon – Transference
- Jónsi – Go
- Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
- MGMT – Congratulations
- The Walkmen - Lisbon
- Delorean – Subiza
- Sufjan Steven – The Age of Adz
- Girls – Broken Dreams Club EP

Tron: Legacy - Soundtrack by Daft Punk

2010-12-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

December 7th marks the release of the MUCH anticipated soundtrack to accompany the MUCH anticipated film; Tron: Legacy. Visually, the film look stunning; audibly it sounds glorious. With that said, it's no surprise that the two elements were married as part of an organic process with none other than Daft Punk at the helm.

KCRW's Jason Bentley recently sat down with director Joseph Kosinski to get insight into the process of working with Daft Punk and unveil a few snippets of the soundtrack prior to the release. I HIGHLY recommend checking the interview/sound clips out here.

At the very least watch the preview for the film with Daft Punk's track Derezzed to get an idea how perfect this relationship is.

The soundtrack hits stores December 7th and the film debuts the 17th.

Cheers!

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-11-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Give thanks this week.

Girls - Heartbreaker
Tennis - Take Me Somewhere
Deerhunter - Don't Cry
Home Video - The Smoke
The Radio Dept - Follow Suit

Girls - Carolina

2010-11-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

San Francisco pop outfit Girls have put together an EP for a year end release...just in time to screw up your best of list for 2010. I really like what I've heard thus far from the short playing album; especially the psychy, steel pedal-tinged jam: Carolina.

The usual suspects are there; heartbreak, catchy hooks and a knack for subtle-yet thought provoking lyrics.

Take a listen below and get in your pre-order for the Broken Dreams Club via True Panther Sounds. The EP will be available in stores November 22nd.

GIRLS // Carolina by TheArtOf...

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-11-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Turn that clock back!

Kisses - Kisses
Lykke Li - Get Some
Cold War Kids - Louder Than Ever
Sharon Van Etten - One Day
Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T14:28:00.001-07:00

Broken Social Scene on KCRW

2010-10-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Broken Social Scene came through LA Tuesday and stopped by KCRW for a Morning Becomes Eclectic studio performance. The band kept things mellow for the morning crowd; but boy, was it a treat.

Below is a clip of their 2005 jam 7/4 (Shoreline) and you can also check out the full archived performance here. I love this band.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-10-17T16:23:00.001-07:00

Bit drab on the LA streets today, huh? Not a bad thing I suppose.

Cheers.

Menomena - Killemall
Jonsi - Tornado
Junip - Rope and Summit
Neutral Milk Hotel - Two Headed Boy
Broken Social Scene - All to All

Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love

2010-10-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

You know the drill by now... right? Head on over to NPR Music or KCRW to stream Write About Love from the lovely Scots, Belle and Sebastian.

What do you think?

Cheers!

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-10-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

Be Bold!

Mark Ronson and the Business Intl - Somebody To Love Me (feat Boy George and Miike Snow)
The Walkmen - Angela Surf City
Sufjan Stevens - I Walked
Deerhunter - Desire Lines
Menomena - Queen Black Acid

The Morning Benders - Virgins

2010-09-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

It's always a treat to see a beautifully shot vid from the gang at La Blogoteque. It's extra sweet when it's a band debuting new material...as is this case with this new jam from the Morning Benders. Check it below.

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

2010-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a good idea...But with the upcoming release of The Age of Adz, it seems the historian has closed the chapter on his state album project.

Lucky for us, it's not necessarily a bad thing, because Sufjan still has the touch. The new album on Asthmatic Kitty being released October 12th, is quite a departure from what you might expect. Like this dude has been spending the past few years listening to more Jay-Z and less Bonnie "Prince" Billie, kind of expect. Not to worry, he still manages to come across as earnest and melodic as we've come to expect...but you know, with more hip-hop beats.

Take a listen and decide for yourself. The always impressive NPR Music is streaming the album in its entirety; listen here.

You can also check him out at the Wiltern October 23 and 24. Note that both dates are sold out.

Word.

Autumnal Equimix - 2010

2010-09-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Favorite season, favorite tunes.

Enjoy!

Arcade Fire - Suburban War
Tame Impala - Alter Ego
Glasser - Home
Blitzen Trapper - Heaven and Earth
Sufjan Stevens - Heirloom
Laura Veirs - I Can See Your Tracks
Jonsi - Go Do
Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt
Wild Nothing - Chinatown
Deerhunter - Revival
Real Estate - Out of Tune
Department of Eagles - While We're Young
Broken Social Scene - Sweetest Kill
The National - Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-09-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a quick one - Autumnal Equimix coming Wednesday.

Enjoy your day.

Eastern Conference Champions - Bloody Bells
Deerhunter - Helicopter
Warpaint - Undertow

The Walkmen - Lisbon

2010-08-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

I like the Walkmen but there are some people I know that do not. Love 'em or hate 'em they've definitely been a consistent source of sparse, jangly rock 'n roll.

Give the new album, Lisbon a listen over at this week's edition of NPR Music's album preview and you be the judge.

And, catch them live @ the Music Box September 15th.

Cheers!

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Somehow it's the last Sunday in August...maybe these will help soothe that case of end of summer blues.

Real Estate - Out of Tune
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr - Vocal Chords
Ducktails - Hamilton Road
Twin Shadow - Slow
School of Seven Bells - Windstorm

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-08-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hot day, hot jams.

El Guincho - Bombay
Wild Nothing - Golden Haze
Glasser - Home
!!! - AM/FM
Wavves - King of the Beach

Stream or Download new Sufjan Stevens ep

2010-08-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago I posted on the happenings of one, Sufjan Stevens. Well it turns out that guy has been up to something and that something comes in the form of a brand spankin' new 8 song ep. Stream All Delighted People below or purchase for 5 bucks at the bandcamp site dedicated for said short-playing album here.

According to the site, the ep is built around the epic title track and there is a 17-minute long guitar jam. I guess we can surmise that Sufjan has been listening to the Dead during his hiatus?

Well either way party people, enjoy!

And remember, you can see Sufjan @ the Wiltern October 23 and 24.

<a href="http://sufjanstevens.bandcamp.com/album/all-delighted-people-ep">All Delighted People (Original Version) by Sufjan Stevens</a>

Fitz and the Tantrums - KCRW Album Preview

2010-08-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's no secret around these here parts that I love both KCRW and Fitz and the Tantrums. That's why this particular album preview by "the big K" is even more special... But the connection runs a bit deeper than just local love.

Fitz had a breakout performance at KCRW's SXSW official showcase in Austin this past spring and it was that show that really vaulted the band into the spotlight. That was my first experience with the energetic sextet and I was completely blown away and it's certainly been fun to see them rise. An opening slot with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings on their cross country tour soon followed SXSW and now here we are.

Their debut full length album from Dangerbird Records (another local outfit) drops August 24th. See them this Sunday @ Sunset Junction and they also perform a free in store at Amoeba Hollywood the day of the album release.

Listen to "Pickin' Up The Pieces" here.

Sunday Morning Soundtrack

2010-08-15T09:31:00.001-07:00

Have a great day and don't forget to donate to the wonderful KCRW during the last couple days of their summer subscription drive.

Miniature Tigers - Bullfighter Jacket
Voxhaul Broadcast - Leaving On The 5th
Of Montreal - Coquete Coquette
Autolux - High Chair
No Age - Glitter

Sufjan Stevens @ The Wiltern Friday October 23rd

2010-08-10T16:26:00.001-07:00

Does anyone remember this guy? After crafting two glorious state themed albums (Michigan and Illinois) and being hailed as the one of the greatest in the last decade by some publications; little has been heard of the Brooklyn songwriting wunderkind.

This much we do know... he IS currently recording an album with the National dudes (sweet!) and in 2009 he DID record and produce an orchestral piece inspired by the Brooklyn Queens Expressway; aptly titled, The BQE.

Maybe we'll get new state tunes at the show? Maybe we'll hear some BQE? Maybe we'll just hear old stuff. Anyway you cut it - it should be good.

Tickets go on sale Friday August 13th @ 10am.

Sufjan Stevens - Chicago (Acoustic)

The Walkmen

2010-08-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

NYC's fav boozy crooners have a follow up to 2009's splendid You & Me dropping September 14th. The new album entitled Lisbon is influenced by a couple trips the band took to, well... Lisbon. From what I've heard thus far, there's not much of a crazy departure from what one would expect of these dudes; but that ain't a bad thing.

The band makes a stop at the Music Box with Japandroids, September 15th. Check 'em out and listen to a couple tracks below.

The Walkmen - Blue As Your Blood
The Walkmen - Stranded

Arcade Fire Madison Square Garden Webcast

2010-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

One thing I've learned this week... Two ears cannot enjoy The Suburbs nearly enough. So to that point, why not let your eyes get in on the action?!

Terry Gilliam, director of such fine films as Monty Python and the freaking Holy Grail, Brazil, Twelve Monkeys etc etc will be taking command of the directors chair tonight at Madison Square Garden for Arcade Fire's live performance. With a little techie magic, Youtube (as part of the American Express/Vevo Unstaged Series) will then in turn webcast the show straight to the masses.

Pretty sweet, huh?

So yeah, check it out here 7pm PST.