Brownout – Homenaje
Fire up the brass and prepare to get your groove on. It’s time to get funky with Brownout, another amazing band from Austin, Texas. Check out Brownout on myspace.
The Dutchess and The Duke – She's The Dutchess, He's The Duke
Two times through this disc and I’m quite certainly in love. The music is minimalist and gritty. The sound will take you back to another era, with comparisons to Dylan and and the Rolling Stones being completely fair. Check out The Dutchess and the Duke on myspace. Then, go buy She’s the Dutchess, He’s The Duke at Amazon.
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
It’s Saturday. I’m lazy. This is awesome. Oracular Spectacular on Amazon. MGMT myspace. Thanks to Rebecca J for bringing this album to my attention.
Slightly Stoopid – Slighty Not Stoned Enough to Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid
This one is fantastic! Reggae (which I can never spell correctly) beats and plenty of drug references, whats not to like? This is a great summer soundtrack. These guys are on a long tour which includes a visit to Tulsa’s own Cain’s Ballroom on September 2nd. Check out the Slightly Stoopid myspace page for tour dates and to check out some songs. Go buy Slightly Not Stoned Enough to Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid at Amazon.
Stereolab – Chemical Chords
With this release launching on August 19th, London based Stereolab has been pumping out lounge pop since 1990. As the Great Wiki describes them:
“…one of the most fiercely independent and original groups of the Nineties”, Stereolab were one of the first bands to be termed “post-rock”. Their primary musical influence is 1970s krautrock, which they combine with lounge, 1960s pop, and experimental music.
Go check out Stereolab on myspace Then, go get your pre-order on so that you’ll be the first on your block bumping Stereolab’s Chemical Chords. I’m of the opinion that this one’s a bit boring for frequent listening, but if you need something to chill out and fall asleep to, this will probably do the trick.
Hanggai – Introducing Hanggai
It’s about time you broaden your musical horizons, and I’ve got an excellent recommendation: Hanggai. This album is a beautiful break from your standard musical rotation. Here’s a snippet from their bio:
Downtown Beijing might seem a strange place for a Mongolian folk revival. Yet Hanggai are at the forefront of a musical movement in China that is finding inspiration in native folk traditions, drawing on a répertoire of magical songs that have ail but disappeared during China’s récent turbulent past… The need of these young musicians to rediscover and express their roots and native language is causing quite a stir in China and seems to indicate some kind of change within their generation. Their interpretations of traditional songs from the grasslands are attracting an ever-increasing following.
You can hear some complete Hanggai songs on myspace, or you can listen to short clips of all the songs on Introducing Hanggai at Amazon.com.
Mirah – The Old Days Feeling
This is an upcoming album with lots of potential. Mirah has a beautiful voice and really puts together some fun songs with lots of sonic variety, from gritty guitars and electronic strangeness to pleasantly simple songs. Check out some older tunes on Mirah’s myspace.
One Day as a Lion – One Day as a Lion
If you were/are a Rage Against the Machine fan then you’re probably going to eat this up. Zack De La Rocha is reappearing on the music scene after a long absence, and he has teamed up with Jon Theodore (former drummer of The Mars Volta). As one would expect, this is agressive stuff. Wickedly agressive. This self titled 5 track EP is hitting stores today (July 22nd), but with gas prices so high you should probably buy One Day as a Lion from Amazon. “If you fear dying then you’re … then you’re already dead!”
Fuck Buttons – Street Horrrsing
The Fuck Buttons are an awesome experimental electronic duo from the UK. While their music is probably a bit more “experimental” than many of you can handle, you should check out the Fuck Buttons on myspace. If you like what you hear there, you should buy Street Horrrsing by Fuck Buttons.
Elliot Brood – Mountain Meadows
Elliot Brood is a folk rocker from Toronto, Ontario. I especially like track three, Write It All Down for You. Check out the Elliott Brood myspace. If you like it a whole bunch, buy it.
