Music Snitch

After their performances at SXSW, Minus The Bear will head out on a spring tour of the states that just so happens to conclude in their home state of Washington at The Sasquatch Music Festival.   The band is also giving away ‘Omni’s’ first single, “My Time”, for the small price of your email address, here.

Minus The Bear’s forthcoming album, ‘Omni’, will hit stores on May 4th via Dangerbird Records.

Take A Listen: My Time from Minus The Bear

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If you are unable to download the track through the band’s site, you can get it right here. Download: My Time (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

I’m not quite sure what to say about Titus Andronicus’ latest album, ‘The Monitor’, but I do know it deserves a nod.  I was introduced to Titus Andronicus by way of their album ‘The Airing of Grievances’ in 2008, and while I wasn’t crazy about it, I was intrigued enough to check them out live.  Seeing them live significantly increased my appreciation for their music, but the urge to revisit ‘Grievances’ after the show just wasn’t there.

My first impression of ‘The Monitor’: this is much more palatable than its predecessor, my second thought: man, some of these tracks are freakin long.  Without liner notes and the inability to make out 60% of the lyrics, I only recently found out ‘The Monitor’ was a Civil War concept album… perhaps the track “Four Score And Seven” should have tipped me off.  While I don’t have the attention span to listen to the album from start to finish, I’ve been enjoying it in small bits and pieces.

‘The Monitor’ hits stores tomorrow (March 9th) via XL.

Take A Listen: A More Perfect Union from Titus Andronicus

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Download: A More Perfect Union (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Video: Dumb Dadadum from Quail Lungs

Download: Dumb Dadadum (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

From what I’ve seen on the interwebs, it looks like Local Natives are prone to an introduction that includes, “They sound like/are reminiscent of (insert Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, etc.)”, and yes, there are definitely some obvious and immediate similarities, it’s true.  That being said, I still think Local Natives’ debut album, ‘Gorilla Manor’, is genuinely fresh with unique appeal; they’re doing their own thing, and it works!  Although, I’m sure they don’t mind references to the amazing bands mentioned above.

‘Gorilla Manor’ has its fair share of standout tracks but it also works marvelously as a compilation.  While the melodies and three-part harmonies had me at hello, I think it’s the multiple frontmen set up that keeps Local Natives sounding versatile and effervescent throughout the album.  The percussions, whether subtle or blatant, also play a vital role in the alluring nature of the bands’ ethereal sound, as do the sporadic chants and howls.

“Wide Eyes” is a perfect introduction to ‘Gorilla Manor’ because it displays Local Natives‘ ability to work together as a band. You can clearly hear the separate elements building up and seamlessly melding together into one melodious arrangement.  The track, “Sun Hands”, which was released as a single last year, is one of my favorite songs on the album, and according to Taylor Rice, the lyrics describe “that all too familiar feeling of wanting what you can’t have – especially when you once had it.”

Midway through ‘Gorilla Manor’ you’ll find the track, “Camera Talk”, which sounds a bit different than the rest of the album. During the initial moments I was fixated on the violin’s participation, then the chorus hit and the Local Natives drop into a ska-ish like rhythm, which was not expected but certainly welcomed.   A couple tracks later and you end up at the Talking Heads’ cover, “Warning Sign”.  “We’ve basically flipped the song on its head,” said Matt Frazier while explaining how they switched David Byrne’s original yelped vocals into a three-part harmony.

The album concludes on a strong note with the piano backed, hand clap invaded, “Stranger Things”.   After repeated listens, I can safely say that ‘Gorilla Manor’ is one of my favorite albums this year, and that Frenchkiss Records has one of the best rosters around.

Take A Listen: Sun Hands from Local Natives

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Download: Sun Hands (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Looks like the folkish delight, Phosphorescent, will be releasing a new album entitled, ‘Here’s to Taking it Easy’, on May 11th via Dead Oceans.

Here’s a little bit of album insight (Dead Oceans):
Featuring the current live incarnation of Phosphorescent (Scott Stapleton, piano; Jeff Bailey, bass; Chris Marine, drums; Jesse Anderson Ainslie, guitar; Ricky Ray Jackson, pedal steel), ‘Here’s to Taking It Easy’ is the new Cosmic American Music.  Recorded in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn with outside mixing assistance from Stuart Sikes (White Stripes, Cat Power, Loretta Lynn, the Walkmen), this album breathes with life like nothing Phosphorescent has ever done before.  “We’ll Be Here Soon” and “Hej, Me I’m Light” hint at the narcotic haze of Pride, while anthems like “The Mermaid Parade” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)” sound perfect pumped out of the car stereo with the windows rolled down. “Heaven, Sittin’ Down” recalls the country rock of To Willie, while the stark album closer, “Los Angeles” sounds as if it was lifted from the grooves of Neil Young’s On the Beach.

Take A Listen: It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama) from Phosphorescent

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Download: It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama) (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Tuesday, March 2nd:
The Ruby Suns: Fight Softly [Sub Pop]
These New Puritans: Hidden [Domino]
Rogue Wave: Permalight [Brushfire]
Portugal. The Man: American Ghetto [Equal Vision]
Groove Armada: Black Light [Om]
Shy Child: Liquid Love [Wall of Sound]

Take A Listen: Cranberry from The Ruby Suns

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Download: Cranberry (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Video: Scissor from Liars

Download: Scissor (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

It has certainly been awhile, but here’s a new track from Rah Digga produced by Nottz.  “Warning Shots” is a welcome change of pace from the hip-hop floating around radio waves these days.  Wonder Years anyone?

Take A Listen: Warning Shots

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Download: Warning Shots (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)