COLBERT RALLY TO KEEP FEAR ALIVE!

We. Are. Going. See you THERE. Dress as your greatest fear? We say, dress as your favorite enemy! Never give up. Never surrender.

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Violens Dominate CMJ - Release New Video

[mp3] Violens: "Violent Sensation Descends"

Violens were hands down one of the standout, must-see acts of this year's CMJ, so much so, that it was almost impossible to literally fit all the people into Pianos to see them during one of Forcefield PR's three stacked showcases. Today they drop their video for "Violent Sensation Descends" directed by Alejandro Cardenas, described in the PR as: "reminiscent of the 70's Italian horror films of Dario Argento... a nice macabre little treat for Halloween." Violens' highly anticipated debut full-length Amoral, comes out November 9 on Friendly Fire Recordings. Damn, we love those Friendly Fire kids! They have also signed The Concretes, whose new album (also 11/9) is excellent. More to come on that record soon.

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Soars Debut New Video

[mp3] Soars: "Figurehead"

The self-titled debut album by Soars, has been a consistent charmer since we've gotten it, and has even sparked the interest of the venerable David Fricke, which actually surprises us a good bit. Not because Mr. Fricke doesn't enjoy good music, but the atmospheric, hazy, veiled songwriting and structures of this album, don't seem to strike me as something that the long-haired, distinctly rock-loving Rolling Stone journalist would go for. Kudos! But, we digress. Here's their new video for standout track "Throw Yourself Apart." Man, we hope this post doesn't show up on David Fricke's google alerts. Go get the new Soars album - they "do beguiling things with sweetness, distortion and suspense." (Fricke).

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Shimmering Stars

[mp3] Shimmering Stars: "I'm Gonna Try"

We came across this video yesterday over at Altered Zones, and found the song oddly compelling. Shimmering Stars are able to craft memorable melodies, while employing a subtle reverb and tasteful production. Dude ends up chasing down his ex (?) on a bike, and we're left wondering "her?" To each his own I guess. Shimmering Stars have a 7"coming on Almost Musique.

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New Girls EP + MP3

[mp3] Girls: "Heartbreaker"

Yes. This snot-nosed-indie-duo is back at it again. Following the successes of their debut LP, Album the San Francisco troupe, Girls, are readying the release of their new EP, Broken Dreams Club due out on Nov. 22 via True Panther (pre-order here.) In anticipation, the band has released a track from the record titled, "Heartbreaker" available in the Topspin widget above. "Heartbreaker" is a glimpse into the more mature and straight-ahead songwriting of Girls; did we know they were capable of such song construction? Does this "new sound" bode well for EP success, or does it say "sophomore, sell-out slump"?

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Band To Watch: The Knocks

[mp3] The Knocks: "Dancing with The DJ"

Sometimes things don't work out. Set times, train schedules, work, commitments, general life stuff. For the most part, we don't regret missing many bands last week. As we wrote to Some Velvet Blog, our socks remained on almost the entire week, except for our (hopefully) new friends Kisses from LA, who were excellent, and well deserving of our band to watch status months and months ago. Then we encountered this track from The Knocks, of whom, we were already fans. This burning, disco-infused, dance gem just sent us into another world, and made us truly regret missing the Neon Gold/Chess Club/Plugged In party. As Neon wrote "it's your go-to party jam for the next six months, you can thank The Knocks later." For that reason, we're happy to name The Knocks our next band to watch. Thanks CMJ, you treated us well this year, now back to detox.

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New Lykke Li

[mp3] Lykke Li: "Get Some"

[mp3] Lykke Li: "Paris Blue"

It's been a long time Ms. Li. Welcome back. Get the new singles "Get Some" and B-side "Paris Blue" above. Happy 1,600th post us. Check her site here.
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CMJ Break - New Video: Glasser "Mirrorage"

[MP3] Glasser - "Mirrorage"

Love this amazing video from California's Glasser. "Mirrorage" is off her newest album, Ring.

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CMJ Band to Watch: Lord Huron

[MP3] Lord Huron -- "Mighty"

Sweeping soundscapes of jaunting guitar and poly-rhythmic, African-inspired beats -- this best describes the Northern Michigan quintet, Lord Huron. Think Dent May meets Fleet Foxes.  The band's current discography only includes an EP titled, The Sun, but soon, the band will be releasing a 7" and another EP, Mighty both on L.A.'s Hit City U.S.A. label. Now partnered with the indie-press behemoth, Force Field, Lord Huron will be given opportunities aplenty to make a name for themselves. This early in their career, the group already boasts a well-placed single look on Pitchfork for "Mighty". Upon first listen of this EP title track, it is clear that Lord Huron are creative songwriters capable of writing tropically inspired-pop gems worthy of repeate listens.

This makes them a CMJ 2010 Band to Watch.

Check out their shows below:

10/22 - New York, NY Pianos - Force Field PR Showcase - 8pm
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl - Pitchfork CMJ Party - 2pm
10/23 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom - 8pm

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CMJ Band to Watch: We Are Trees

[mp3] We Are Trees: "Sunrise Sunset"

It's a big few weeks for us Starkians, but we wanted to highlight a few standout acts from this years CMJ festival. The first of which is We Are Trees. The PR states: "this Virginia Beach band’s sound lies somewhere between the plains of Middle America and the cliffs of a Western Coast. The vocals, while drawing comparisons to Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear, are a mastery all their own, with sweeping “ohs” and cradling lyrics." All the songs we've heard stand up to some solid scrutiny, and the buzz around the critical watercooler has them pegged as "the next Local Natives." Well, that remains to be seen, but certainly a band to make sure you have on your list this week. CMJ shows after the jump! Their EP is $12 for both vinyl and digital versions, and $4 for digital alone. You can check it out here http://www.collectivecrowdrecords.com/store/we-are-trees-boyfriend-ep/

CMJ Shows

10/20 - Googie's Lounge - CMJ Official Showcase
10/22 - Cake Shop Pop Tarts Suck Party
10/22 - Bowery Electric Cantora Records Party

Vacation and Girl in a Coma Covers Pasty Cline

[mp3] Girl in a Coma: "Come On Let's Go"

Hey cool kids - we're on a mini-vacation until next week, but we loved this vid, and had to post it. Love all of the Blackheart folks and Girl in a Coma! GIC covering Patsy Cline's "Walkin After Midnight" (VIA)

John Lennon Album Giveaway!

Grab your free download of John Lennon's newly stripped down "(Just Like) Starting Over" HERE.

In celebration of John Lennon's 70th birthday, Stark, in conjunction with Cornerstone Promotion and Amazon will be giving away copies of Lennon's Greatest Hits and Double Fantasy Stripped Down. Be the first to retweet:

"John Lennon Giveaway! Two Albums for the price of none! http://amzn.to/9Uz0Eu"

when posted by either @Starkonline or @thestarkonline. Happy birthday John! We'll pour one out for you tonight.

John Lennon's "Gimmie Some Truth" catalog was just released in full and can be picked up at Amazon here.

Rock 'N Roll.

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If This Doesn't Make You Happy, Nothing Will

[mp3] Mavis Staples: "Creep Along Moses"

Had the pleasure of stumbling upon this live the other night -- Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy play their cover of Creedence's "Wrote a Song For Everyone" that's on Mavis' excellent new album You Are Not Alone, out now on Anti. Pick it up if you don't have it. Happy Friday ya bastards. See after the jump for a bonus Friday vid -- if THAT doesn't make you happy, you have no soul. "Beautiful..."

Stark's Guide to CMJ 2010: Top 10 Do's and Don'ts

What say you!? Oh. Sorry. No. You're welcome. We will gladly clog your Google Reader with more CMJ fodder. While others are here to present the facts about CMJ 2010, we are here to wax philosophic. We are here to tell you about the security of your shit. We at Stark, are mere good samaritans, looking out for you! (to be read with Uncle Sam accent.) So, we present to you, the Stark-supported, Top 10 Do's and Don'ts of CMJ 2010:

10. DO Check out the Syndicate's "Conflict of Interest" CMJ opening party @ Rebel. Swag + free booze + Monday night = smart Tuesday morning.

9. DON'T Leave home without a game plan. In most cases you will stumble into a situation you are uncomfortable with -- like an orgy, a Lez Zepplin show, or maybe even a Beets concert.

8. DO Rely heavily upon street meat because drinking on an empty stomach means too much fun, with too little reward and too few sexual indiscretions. CMJ is like VE day!

7. DON"T Go anywhere if it is raining. See CMJ 2009. #Fail.

6. DO Check out the Pop Tarts Suck Toasted day parties @ Cake Shop on 10/22 and 10/23  + i Rock i Roll's day party @ The Delancey on 10/23 / Matt from A Heart is a Spade DJing!

Check out the TOP 5 after the jump plus the full CMJ 2010 line up!

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TOP 5!

5. DON'T Take off work too much because when you come in the next day and say, "All I saw yesterday was a ton of BBQ, side boob, jorts and PBR" you look like a dick.

4. DO check out the FIXED Party @ Public Assembly on 10/23 + the American Myth Showcase @ Piano's on 10/20

3. DON'T Flop your credentials around like a big swinging wang -- act like you've been there before.

2. DO check out the ASCAP Showcase @ the Canal Room on 10/20 + the BMI Showcase @ Bar Matchless on 10/20 + Deli Mag Showcases on 10/19, 10/20, 10/21 and 10/23.

1. DON'T forget your scarves and pipes you bastards. Lookin' at you, you well-quaffed Dutchmen. See you on the streets! Bring it.

FULL CMJ 2010 ARTIST LIST:
A Classic Education • A Life Once Lost • A Million Years • Acid Washed • Acid Westerns • Adam Haworth Stephens • Adult Themes • Afternoon • Agent Ribbons • AIDS Wolf • The Aikiu • Air Waves • Alcoholic Faith Mission • Alessi’s Ark • Alfonso Velez • All Out • Aloud • Ambassadors • Andrew Belle • Andrew Cedermark • Andrew Vladeck • Andy Davis • Angus & Julia Stone • Anita Maj • Anni Rossi • Anthony Jeselnik • Apollo Run • Appomattox • The Armchairs • Arms & Legs • The Arms Akimbo • Arpline • Art Of Fresh • The Art of Shooting • Asa Ransom • Asobi Seksu • At Sea • Atomic Tom • Atypicals • Audacity • Autodrone • Auto-Matic Vaudeville • Autumn Owls • Ava Luna • Avey Tare (DJ set) • The Aviation Orange • Azealia Black

Baby Copperhead • Bad Books (feat. Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra) • Bad Cop • Balance and Composure • Battle Circus • The Bamboo Kids • Baptized In Blood • Baths • Bayside • Beach Fossils • Bear Hands • Bears of Blue River • Beau Jennings • The Beauties • Beauty Feast • The Beauvilles • Bebe Fang • Ben Allison • Ben Talmi • Bewitched Hands on Top of Our Heads • The Big Big Bucks • Big Freedia • The Bigger Lights • Bikini • Billy Nayer Show • Binary Marketing Show • The Black Atlantic • Black Cherry • Black Feelings • Black Label Society • Black Sheep • Black Taxi • Blackbells • Blackbird Blackbird • Blair • Blip Blip Bleep • Blood Red Shoes • Bloodgroup • The Bloodsugars • The Blow • Bo Burnham • Body Language • The Bogmen • Bonfires • Boom Boom Satellites • Boot Camp Clik • Bottle Up & Go • Boy Crisis • BRAHMS • Braids • Brass Bed • Brent Arnold • Br’er • Bridges and Powerlines • The Broadfield Marchers • Brodinski • Bronze • Brothers Frank • Built By Animals

Calibro 35 • Canasta • The Canon Logic • The Capstan Shafts • Car Bomb • Care Bears on Fire • Carl Palmer Band • Carusella • Cast of Cheers • Casxio • Caveman • The Chain Gang of 1974 • Chainsmokers (DJ set) • Chamberlin • Champagne Champagne • The Chapel Club • The Chapin Sisters • Chappo • Charlotte Sometimes • Children of Bodom • Chip Fu • Chris Bathgate • Chris Cubeta and Liars Club • Christian Rich • Christina LaRocca and Heavy Weather • The Cinnamon Band • Circle Pit • City Riots • The Class Machine • Click Clack Boom • Cloud Nothings • Clutch • Cobra Skulls • Cojoba • The Colonels • Comanche • Communist Daughter • Conversion Party • Coolrunnings • Corin Tucker Band • Coyote Eyes • Craig Wedren • Crayon Fields • The Cringe • Cubic Zirconia • Cults • Cute Is What We Aim For • Cyndi Harvell

Dada Trash Collage • Daily Bread • Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr • Dan Black • Dangermaker • Daniel Pujol • Daniel Wayne • Danny Ross • Darien Brockington • Dark Dark Dark • Darren Hanlon • Das Racist • Dash Rip Rock • David Dallas • David Dondero • David Vandervelde • DaVinci • De Staat • Dead Heart Bloom • Dead Leaf Echo • Dead Man’s Clothes • Dead To Me • Deakin • Dean & Britta • The Dean’s List • Dear Comrade • Death on Two Wheels • Debutaunts • Delicate Steve • Deluka • Denison Witmer • Dennis Padula • Dent May • Derik Foreal • DeScribe • Devin Therriault • DeVotchKa • Dharma Bums • Diamond District • Diamond Doves • Diamond Rings • Diehard • Dinosaur Feathers • Dinowalrus • Dirty Penny • Disembodied • Diwon • Dom • Dominant Legs • Dominique Young Unique • Down With Webster • Drazy Hoops • Dream Diary • Dred Scott Trio • Drink Up Buttercup • Drop the Lime (DJ set) • The Drums • Drunken Barn Dance • Dujeous • Dylan LeBlanc

Earatick Statik • Earthless • Eisley • Eklin • Electric Tickle Machine • Elizabeth and the Catapult • Elk City • Ellis Ashbrook • Emergency Service • Emergency Service • Emil & Friends • Emilie Simon • Emily Long • Eprhyme • Erin Barra • Eternal Summers • Everything Everything • Everything Is Terrible • Excepter • Extra Lens

Fabulous DIamonds • Fake Problems • Family Cactus • Fan-Tan • The Feens • The Feiros • Fenech-Soler • Feral Children • Ferraby Lionheart • Fifth Nation • Filligar • First Aid Kit • The Flatliners • The Fleshtones • The Flower Machine • Foam Castles • The Foot • Forro in the Dark • Fort Wilson Riot • Four Tet • Francis and the Lights • Frank Dukes • Frankie and the Heartstrings • Franz Nicolay • Freddie Gibbs • French Horn Rebellion • Freshkills • From A Fountain • The Front Bottoms • Frontier Brothes • Futurebirds

Gamble & Burke • Game Rebellion • Gary Lucas • Gary Wilson and the Blind Dates • Generationals • Gentleman Jesse and His Men • Ghost Ghost • Ghostface Killah • Giant Cloud • Goes Cube • Gold Streets • Golden Animals • Golden Bloom • The Golden Filter • Good Kids Sprouting Horns • The Good Natured • Good Old War • Grand Hallway • The Great Collide • Greg Barris • Greg Dulli • Grillade • The Grip Weeds • Grooms • Grouplove • Guards • Guitars • Guy Blackman • GZA

Hacienda • Hall of Justus with Big Pooh, Chaundon, Joe Scudda, Jozeemo, & Roc C • Hammer No More the Fingers • Hank & Cupcakes • Harper Blynn • Hazard Adams • Heavy Birds • Heavy Cream • Hedgehog • Heidi Spencer • Helmet • Heypenny • His Mischief • Hollis Brown • Holy Boys Danger Club • Holy Ghost • The Honeymoon Thrillers • The Honors • Hoodie Allen • Hopewell • Hot Lava • Hot Press • HotChaCha • Houses • How To Dress Well • Howlies • Huasipungo • The Hush Now • Hussle Club • Hypernova

I Am Oak • I Led 3 Lives • I Love Monsters • Ian McLagan • The Idle Hands • I’m Turning Into • In Cadeo • Incan Abraham • Incognito • In-Flight Safety • Iron Age • Ivan Julian • Ivri Lider • Izabo

Jack Skuller • Jackson Wetherbee • Jaill • James V McMorrow • Janka Nabay • Jared Evan • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit • Jason Simon (Dead Meadow) • JD Souther • Jean Grae • Jesse Sykes and Phil Wandscher • Jessica Mayfield • JessUbline • The Jezabels • Joel Plaskett • Joey Ryan • John Grant • John Shannon • John Vanderslice • Johnny Flynn • Johnny Marnell • Johnny Whitney • Jonny Hirsch • Jradio • Jukebox the Ghost • Julia Easterlin • Julius C • Justin Townes Earle

Kaiser Cartel • Kate Rogers • Kate Tucker • KAV • Keepaway • Keepaway • Kelley McRae • Kelsey • Kendra Morris • Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band • K-Flay • Kids of 88 • Kiko Klaus • Kill Krinkle Club • Kinch • Kinetix • Kiss Kiss • Kisses • Kittens Ablaze • The Knocks • Koli Calhoun • Kopecky Family Band • Kosha Dillz • The Krays • Kris Gruen • Kudu • Kurt Braunhouler • Kyle Rapps

La Big Vic • La Sera • La Strada • Langhorne Slim • Last Chance to Reason • Lavish • Lawrence and Leigh • Lawrence Arabia • Le VICE • Leeroy Stagger • The Left (Apollo Brown, DJ Soko, Journalist103 • Leo Blais • Lesands • Lia Ices • Lido Lido • Life and Times of • Life Size Maps • Light Pollution • Lights Resolve • Like Trains and Taxis • Lily & the Parlour Tricks • Linfinity • Liptease • Lisa Bianco • The Lisps • Lissie • Little Racer • Little Teeth • The Lives of Famous Men • Living Days • Long Division • Loomis & the Lust • Lord Huron • Los Doggies • Love Trio (Bill Han, Jesse Murphy, Kenny Wolleson) • Lower Dens • The Lucid • Lucius • Lugriphonic • Luluc • The Luyas

Ma Mentor • Madison Ave Boys • MAE • Magestic Legend • Magic Bullets • The Main Street Gospel • Majorleans • Mama Bear • Man Benu • Manic Bloom • Marco Polo with Torae & Ruste Juxx • Marie Stella • Marit Larsen • Mark Kelly • Mark Mulholland • Marz Lovejoy • Math the Band • Matt Duke • Matt Mays • Mayday • McAlister Drive • Me and My Arrow • Me First and the Gimme Gimmes • The Megaphonic Thrift • MegaRex • MEN • Michael Daves • Midnight Spin • Mikix the Cat • Milagres • Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson • Million Young • Mimicking Birds • Miniature Tigers • Miniboone • Miracles of Modern Science • Mirror Queen • Miz Metro • Modern Rivals • Moe Green • Mon Khmer • Monogold • Morning Teleportation • Moss • Motel Motel • Moto Boy • Murder Mystery • Mussels • Muy Cansado • My Dear Disco • My Jerusalem • My Other Friend • The Mynabirds

Naam • Nada Surf • The Narrative • Nathan Halpern • Neek The Exotic feat. Large Professor • Neon Hitch • Neon Indian • Netherfriends • Neutral Uke Hotel • Nevermore • New Collisions • New Look • New Morning • Nicky Egan • Nicos Gun • Nightmare & The Cat • Nikki Lane • Nit Club • No Abuse • No Joy • No Surrender • Non-Commissioned Officers • None More Black • Not Blood, Paint • Nottz (w/ special guests)

Oberhofer • Oceanographer • Octant • O’Death • Oh Land • Old Canes • Old Wives • One Be Lo • Onili • Onra • The Orbans • O’Spada

The Pack AD • The Pains of Being Pure at Heart • Parallels • The Parties • The Pass • Patent Pending • Paul and the Patients • Pearl and the Beard • Penguin Prison • Penrose • Pepper Rabbit • Pete Rock • Peter Hadar • The Phantom Band • Pharoahe Monch • Philadelphia Grand Jury • Phoenix • The Photo Atlas • Pictures of Then • Pillow Theory • Planet Ubiquity • Plates of Cake • Plushgun • Pocketknife • Poingly • The Poison Control Center • Pomegranates • Ponderosa • Poofy and the Bus Boys • Posso the DJ • The Postelles • Powell • The Press • Pretty & Nice • Priestess • The Prigs • Prince Rama • The Protomen • Prudence Teacup • PS I Love You • Psalm One

Quest For Fire • Quiet Loudly

Rabia • Radical Dads • Radio Radio • Rah Digga • Raj and the Mash • Ramirez Brothers • Random Recipe • The Rassle • Ravens and Chimes • Reckless Sons • Red Mass • Red Wire Black Wire • Reggie Watts • REGO • Reign of Kindo • Reni Lane • Reptar • Restless People • Re-Tros • Revolver • Rich Aucoin • Richard Barone • Ringo Deathstarr • Rival Sons • River City Extension • Robbers On High Street • Robbie Gil • Robert Lester Folsom • Rocky Business • Rope • Ruby Frost

S. Carey • Saadi • Sagol 59 • Salem • Santah • Sarah Jaffe • Sarah Lee and Johnny Iron • Savoir Adore • Scott Kempner • Scott Lucas and the Married Men • Screaming Females • Screens • The Seedy Seeds • Senor Tadpole • Senses Fail • Setting Sun • Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned • The Shake • The Shake • Shapes • Shark? • Shayfer James • Shayna Zaid & The Catch • Sheek Louch • Sheridan Fox • Sherlock’s Daughter • Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers • Shinobi Ninja • Shortwave Society • Shrag • Sin Orden • Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds • Sisters • Sky Larkin • Skyzoo & !llmind • Slow Animal • Slow Motion Centerfold • Small Black • Smile Smile • Smoke Fairies • Smoke Or Fire • Smoosh • Snak Rattle Rattlesnake • Snake Rattle Rattlesnake • So So Glos • Social Studies • Soft Black • Soft Reeds • Soko • Soldiers of Fortune • Southpaw Jones • Sparky Quano • Spectre Folk • Spirits of the Red City • Squim • Stand • The Star Department • Starcode • Static Jacks • Stef Lang • Stevans • Steve Gunn • Street Chant • Strife • Strong Arm Steady • Sun Airway • Sunglasses • Super Mirage • Superfortress • Superhumanoids • Surfer Blood • Susanne Sundfør • Suuns • Swethook • Swingset Committee • Syvia

Tabi Bonney • Taken By Trees (DJ set) • Tall Tall Trees • Tamar Eisenman • Tamar Haviv • Tamar Kali • Tamaryn • Tanya Morgan • Tape Deck Mountain • Taysha Busay • Team Facelift • Teenage Bottlerocket • Teletextile • The Tellers • Ten Feet Deep • Tennis System • Tens of Thousands • Thieving Irons • Third Wave Bandits • This Condition • This or the Apocalypse • Thrushes • Title Fight • Title Tracks • TJ Di Hitmaker • TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb • Tôg • Tony Joe White • Tooth Ache • Tournament • Toy Soldiers • Trademark • Travelling Band • Tristen • Turbo Fruits • Turkuaz • Two Door Cinema Club • Two Tears • Ty Segall

Uncle Bad Touch • Unicycle Loves You • Univox • UNKLE • US Royalty

Vagina Panther • Vanaprasta • Vandana • Vandaveer • The Vanguard • Vanity Theft • Viernes • Viernes • Villa • Violens • Viva City • Viva L’American Death Ray Music • The Volebeats • Voltaire Twins • Von Pea • Vonnegutt

Waking Lights • The Wandas • We Are Country Mice • We Are Trees • Weird Owl • Western Civ • Whale Tooth • White Arrows • White Belt Yellow Tag • The Whitsundays • Wild Moccasins • Wild Nothing • Will Stratton • Willie Nile • Windings • The Winterlings • Wise Blood • Wise Girl • Witch Hunt • The Woes • Woodsy Pride • Woven Bones

YC and Sene • Year of the Tiger • The Yes Way • Y-Love • Young Adults • Young Mammals • Young Man • Young Nick Krill (of The Spinto Band) • Young Prisms • Young Rival • Young the Giant • Yuck • Yukon Blonde • Yuksek

Zach Hurd • Zachary Cale • Zambri • Zamza • Zo! • Zowie

After the jump.

More Sweet Lights

[mp3]Sweet Lights: "Are We Gonna Work It Out"

We recently posted the hypnotic video for Sweet Lights' uplifting jam "Are We Gonna Work it Out" from their excellent new self-titled album. Yesterday, Shai Halperin (aka Sweet Lights) sent over their new video for "You Won't Be There" a beautiful montage of footage of John Lennon and Yoko in Central Park. Get, Sweet Lights' album at their bandcamp.

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Great Lakes: Ways of Escape

[mp3] Great Lakes: "Chosen Enemy"

Admittedly we've slept on this band in the past, but after a nice feature on Aquarium Drunkard, and a press release at the right time yesterday our interest in the country/folk/rock collective Great Lakes has been sufficiently piqued. Their fourth album, Ways of Escape comes out on October 12 with a CD release party at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn on the 24th. The pedal steel rides high in the tunes we've heard, and there are train grooves a-plenty. Singer Ben Crum's vocals are pleasant and understated, at times recalling the low, almost spoken tones of Bill Callahan. We haven't heard all of Ways of Escape yet, but perhaps we'll be back with more insight in a few days. Certainly a release to keep your eye out for.

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Video: Tame Impala - "Lucidity"

Tame Impala - Lucidity from Modular People on Vimeo.

[MP3] Tame Impala - "Lucidity"

We have been meaning to post this for some time now as "Lucidity" is easily one of our favorite tracks off Tame Impala's debut record, Innerspeaker; this video comes to us courtesy of our friends at Modular People and is not for the faint of stomach. Choosing to affix a camera to a weather balloon then launching it space-bound isn't going to get you on MTVU or VH1 (or maybe it will?) but it does make for some interesting viewing. Another Aussie band graces the pages of Stark -- we like this new trend. Keeping it international in here.

Check out Tame Impala's massive European and US tour schedule after the jump.

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Johnny Flynn: "Kentucky Pill"

[mp3] Johnny Flynn: "Kentucky Pill"

We've been big fans of Johnny Flynn since his excellent 2008 Mercury release A Larum. His resonant, smooth, and very-English, vocals are clearly the selling point for Mr. Flynn, but his compelling melodies and diverse instrumentation consistently deliver and remind us that people have been playing jangly, banjo-tinged, folk-rock before Mumford and Sons came along to dominate the world. Flynn's new record Been Listening has been driving our friends across the pond wild (shocker), and finally sees release stateside on October 26th via Transgressive/Thirty Tigers. US tour dates after the jump, including a 10/22 date during CMJ at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

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Johnny Flynn Fall Tour Dates
October 16 - Mayne Stage - Chicago, IL

October 17 - Kenyon College - Gambier, OH

October 18 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ONT

October 19 - II Motore - Montreal QC

October 20 - TT The Bears - Boston, MA

October 22 - CMJ/Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY

October 24 - M Room - Philadelphia, PA

October 25 - Sonar Club Stage - Baltimore, MA

October 27 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC

October 28 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

October 29 - 3rd & Lindsley - Nashville, TN

October 30 - Young Avenue Deli - Memphis, TN

November 1 - The Prophet Bar - Dallas, TX

November 2 - Emo's - Austin,. TX

November 6 - Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA

November 7 - The Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA

November 8 - High Dive - Seattle, WA

Janis: 'Enviously Unrestrained Art Student'

We've been on a huge Janis kick recently. When is the last time you really listened to her, or have heard a modern artist even come CLOSE to some of those classic vocal performances? We loved this photo when we saw it this morning and had to share. From Spinner:

Looking more like a folkie beatnik than the wildly dressed, sexually charged psychedelic blues rocker she'd become, Janis Joplin appears for a portrait during her short time as a University of Texas art student. A month after enrolling, the student paper ran a feature on her, headlined 'She Dares to Be Different,' which noted that she performed in a trio called the Waller Creek Boys while leading a life "that is enviously unrestrained." By 1966 she had moved to California, and a year later she was one of the stars born at the Monterey Pop Festival. On Oct. 4, 1970, Joplin overdosed at the Landmark Motor Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif. Like Jimi Hendrix, who died roughly two weeks earlier, she was 27.

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Site and Sound Does Mountain Man

Site & Sound: Mountain Man from VanLou Media on Vimeo.

[mp3] Mountain Man: "Soft Skin"

This one's a no brainer. We love Mountain Man, we love Site and Sound. The two got together recently to film a piece that perfectly captures the trio's delicate, yet immensly powerful vocal talents, and the character of three women perfectly at home in what they love to do. The video also debuted at another Stark fave, blog Microphone Memory Emotion.

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