I always know that just about anything released on Secretly Canadian Records will be quality and A Certain Feeling, from Bodies Of Water, is no exception. The big-top indie-rock is moody and interesting like a cross between The Talking Heads, Cold War Kids, and (maybe) Bjork. It’s good but (really) I don’t even know how to describe this.
MP3 | Bodies Of Water – Under The Pines A Certain Feeling
Minneapolis’ Stook (by way of Indiana) delivers roots-rock songs that would be perfect for the jukebox at your neighborhood bar. When The Needle Hit The Wax is full of weary and romantic alt-country with a bit of an oddball streak… and I like it.
MP3 | Stook – 13th Shade Of Blue When The Needle Hit The Wax
Darla Rose (who we wrote about last year) finished up a mini-album earlier this year called The Beat Of My Heart. She continues to dish out overly cutesy indie pop with a voice as tiny and a who. It is sugary sweet and I think I got a cavity just listening to it.
MP3 | Darla Rose – Number One The Beat Of My Heart
Meandering, un-engaging, mostly-instrumental noodling that isn’t offensive but makes me wonder if Commuter is a band made of genius or if this is a joke. The album is Absence Is Golden and I’ve made the decision that either I’m just in a bad mood or this really is just noodling. Hear for yourself below.
MP3 | Commuter – 50% German Absence Is Golden
With The Family Afloat, Chicago’s Bound Stems have easily made one of the best indie rock records of 2008. It is engaging, off-kilter, and full of obtuse but catchy-as-hell melodies that will leave you clamoring for more.
MP3 | Bound Stems – Happens To Us All Otherwise The Family Afloat
I loved the Bound stems track. I haven’t heard this new album, and it sounds to me a lot better than there previous one.