12 Days of Christmas MP3′s for 2010: Day 2
Today we got some flurries here in Chicago and it feels like the Christmas season has begun. I actually listened to some Christmas music on the radio during my drive home from work. Speaking of Christmas music, Low’s “Just Like Christmas” is probably my favorite non-traditional Christmas song and while the original version is presented (Read more…)
The National – High Violet
You may have read about my daughter’s experience with The National’s Matt Berninger a few months ago at Lollapalooza last month, and that (obviously) did nothing but solidify what I think of the band. As crazy as it all was, my history with The National is as such; I didn’t really like their 2005 album (Read more…)
The Thermals – Personal Life
On Personal Life, the fifth full-length from Portland indie-pop-punkers The Thermals, it’s quickly evident that the band is giving it a little different twist this time around. Rather than come out of the gates with guns blazing, frontman Hutch Harris and bassist Kathy Foster have toned things down to the mid-tempo. Instead of angrily spitting (Read more…)
Frankel – Anonymity Is The New Fame
Note: This has been sitting in my draft posts folder since March so I figure I should post it now or forever hold my words, right? Frankel is pretty doggone good at what they do. The band’s classic melodies recall the pop of Simon & Garfunkel and the 1960’s filtered through something decidedly more modern. (Read more…)
Minus The Bear – OMNI
Another album that has sorta turned into the summer (slow) jam of the year is Minus The Bear’s latest, OMNI. This band never ceases to amaze me with the way they weave whatever it is they do. Some history should include that my wife and I both love the band’s 2005 album Menos el Oso, (Read more…)
Sounds You Should Hear: Have Gun, Will Travel
Who: Have Gun, Will Travel Sounds: Postcards From The Friendly City Where: Tampa, Florida How: Self-Released What: A combination of indie rock, folksy Americana, and bluegrass that just simply works. Heard about these guys last year from Nine Bullets. It was a great suggestion. RIYL: Good Old War, Avett Brothers, etc… MP3: Our self paced (Read more…)
Sounds You Should Hear: Stegosaur
Who: Stegosaur Sounds: Adventure 7″ Where: Texas How: Seafoam Recordings What: Just imagine a less tortured Tim Kasher playing songs from Black Sheep Boy and you’ll get the picture. I really really dig this. The cover art on this record is also really great (if you needed one more reason to check this out). RIYL: (Read more…)
An (almost) Summer Saturday mix
What a gorgeous day here in Chicago; it’s in the upper 80′s with clear blue skies and a cool breeze blowing. Can’t be it. Here are a few songs that totally fit the mood today. It’s also a good excuse to listen to (and post about) some stuff that’s been sitting in my folder of (Read more…)
Geronimo! – Fuzzy Dreams
The guys in Geronimo are originally from Rockford (as is my brother-in-law), so I was hoping for a little more Cheap Trick, but hey, this is pretty awesome all on its own. The band’s first full-length album, Fuzzy Dreams, is full of (well) fuzzy guitar riffs, swirling solos, psych-pop vocals, and everything I wouldn’t expect (Read more…)
