New Yelle Album And Tour Dates

French dancepop trio Yelle return this week with their new album Safari Disco Club. The record drops on V2/Cooperative USA/Downtown Records and follows their 2007 EMI release Pop Up. They'll be busy on the road this spring and summer starting things off with an appearance at Coachella on April 16.

Until then, peruse the tour dates and a new double video after the jump.

Safari Disco Club by YELLE

Just Because: "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs"

[mp3] Wayne Hancock: "Throwin Away My Money"

I've always loved this song, and there's a storm a comin' to NYC tonight. What's old Wayne up to these days anyway?

EMA: "California"

[mp3] EMA: "Grey Ship"

These days, there isn't a lot of emphasis on lyrical content. Artists usually pay attention to other artists' lyrics, but, it seems that as a whole we're a hook focused, beat driven industry; almost as if we've come full circle back to the 1950's pop/single model. As Vonnegut said, "so it goes."

It's surprising then, that the first thing that caught our attention from the very blogable artist EMA (aka Erika M. Anderson formally of the excellent Gowns) were her biting verbal critiques and wailed laments. She opens with "fuck California, you made me boring" an ear grabbing opening line if we've ever heard one. Much like Dylan, Anderson speaks in images and memorable one liners, not so much crafting a narrative as encouraging the listener to create their own ideas and story lines - a concept that seems all but lost these days in mass glut of synth-heavy, blog-ready singles.

EMA's Past Life Martyred Saints drops May 10 on Souterrain Transmissions.

Band to Watch: Dry The River

Dry The River play tonight at Pianos at 8:00 in NY.

East London based Dry The River were hands down one of the best bands we saw during our recent venture to SXSW. They were top of our list of bands to check out before the festival, and with their standout performance at the Neon Gold Records showcase they catapulted their way to Band to Watch status afterward. While the Mumford comparisons are sure to follow them, the foursome have a tattooed alt-edge to their playing, as if you know some of these kids played in Clash cover bands in high school. Frontman Pete Liddle oozes charisma, and defines what it means to posses that elusive "it" quality. Already signed to the excellent tastemaker label Transgressive in the UK and with a potential big time label deal on their horizon in the US, Dry The River are setting up to have a big 2011 and 2012, and it's well deserved. The talent is there, the songs are there and soon the fans and press will be there too. Buy low kids, this band could be huge.

New Ceremony by Dry the River

K.Flay Wraps NYC Run Tonight

Alright so you may have already caught one of K.Flay's three NYC shows but if not you can catch her tonight at Pianos (158 Ludlow St. NYC) at 8 p.m. She hit Music Hall of Williamsburg and and Union Hall last week and tonight she appears with Kids of 88 and Cassette Kids. We know it's Monday but you have no excuse to not go see a white female rapper kill it.

Grouplove Kick Off Debut Tour

Alt. folk buzz babies Grouplove kicked off their debut tour this week in support of their new self-title EP. They're hitting both coasts joined by Foster the People and build off a well received first crack at the SX scene. Having opened a handful of dates for Florence + The Machine, this L.A. troupe is already starting to pull down some heady press. We recommend you catch them now before you're lining up at Terminal 5.

Grouplove - Colours by Atlantic Records UK

Tour dates after the jump...

Marissa Nadler Announces S/T Release

[mp3] Marissa Nadler: "Baby I Will Leave You in The Morning"

We've been following the development of Marissa Nadler's new self titled release (due June 14th, on Box of Cedar records) for awhile now, and we're very excited to share the new cover and the final tracklisting with y'all. Her new track is posted above as well! Certainly looking forward to putting our ears on this full length. You can pre-order NOW.

Marissa Nadler Tracklisting:

1. In Your Lair, Bear
2. Alabaster Queen
3. The Sun Always Reminds Me Of You
4. Mr. John Lee Revisited
5. Baby, I Will Leave You In The Morning
6. Puppet Master
7. Wind Up Doll
8.Wedding
9. Little King
10. In A Magazine
11. Daisy, Where Did You Go?

The Weeknd: House of Balloons

[mp3] The Weeknd: "The Party & The After Party"
[mp3] The Weeknd: "High For This"
[Mixtape] The Weeknd: 'House of Balloons"

We admittedly know very little about Toronto's one man operation The Weeknd other than the fact that he's making some stellar new tunes that don't play on the tired music memes of 2010. These are noticeably fresh compositions and mixes that channel elements of R&B and dubstep (two genres we admittedly aren't massive fans of) and have a solid understanding of song structure and melody. Also, he samples Beach House and has a boob on the cover, so, that's cool too. No news (yet) on more tunes or an LP. Download the excellent mixtape above. Thx GVB!

New Video: "Bizness"

[mp3] TuneYards "Bizness"

New Metronomy "The Look"

[mp3] Metronomy: "The Look (Ghost Poet Remix)"

A few years back, an ex would bend my ear about Metronomy a lot, but to my own discredit, I never paid enough attention. That's not why we broke up though. Before we get too emo here, we'll just direct you to the above video for Metronomy's new single "The Look." Honestly, the jury is still out on this band, but they are getting some nice attention and we thought we'd share it with ya'll to allow you to form your own opinions.

New Music: YACHT - "Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)"

MP3 - YACHT - "Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)"

We are not saying this is the best way to preview a new track, but nonetheless, it is a creative idea from the DFA camp -- they call these vinyl listening sessions, White Out Sessions. Enjoy a sneak peak of what is to come on a much louder scale as YACHT's newest song, "Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)" comes crackling through above.

(VIA)

New Video" Lykke Li - "I Know Places"

Check it out. This ain't no SXSW post. This is the new video for Lykke Li's "I Know Places," off of Wounded Rhymes (which, if you remember, we said would get Pitchfork Best New Music, and it did.)Enjoy this "haunting ballad."

Artist to Watch: Alex Clare

[mp3] Alex Clare: "Up All Night"

While we don't know a ton about Alex Clare right now, information and buzz is beginning to trickle over from the UK on this rising new Diplo protege, who recently released a single for the above track, "Up All Night", that also features production touches from Switch and Foreign Born/Glasser collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid. Currently signed to Island in the UK, we're not sure what his US label or record plans are right now, but if this song is any indication, James Blake's 15 minutes may be up. Go HERE to get a second track "Relax My Beloved" free. Thanks Jeff!

Stream: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong

We were never one to jump on the The Pains of Being Pure at Heart bandwagon. No, we were active observers. Ultimately, "Belong," the title track off of Pains' true sophomore release (dropping 3/29 on Slumberland,) really turned our heads; it was a departure from the usual 90s-influenced, straight-ahead punk-pop we were use to from this group. Yet, at the same time, it wasn't. It was the pure enigmatic nature of the song that ultimately brought us full circle, back to paying attention to Pains. The song is strangely addicting and begs to be played loud. It is almost anthemic in nature, heavy on late 80s rock stylings...a fantastic song overall. After streaming the full record, available above, we realized, this was another well-crafted record...another Pains record. While we may not champion the band as much as our fellow blogosphere community, we respect a good band when we can. We give you Belong.

Holy Ghost "Do It Again"

[mp3] Holy Ghost: "Do It Again"

Honestly, there's not a ton to know here, not much convincing to be done, facts to reiterate or flashy writing to get you to listen to the above track from DFA's Holy Ghost (April 12 release). We assume this is what Altered Zones would call a "banger." Holy Ghost's dance-floor ready hooks are universal and ubiquitous. It's impossible not to make early LCD comparisons (given they are on James Murphy's label) - but there is an edginess and disco slap that help Holy Ghost transcend simple electro-dance labels and bring them into a realm of their own. Head over to P4K to hear the brand-new "Jam For Jerry." Remember kids, always on the 2 and 4.

New Video From Tristen: "Baby Drugs"

[mp3] Tristen: "Baby Drugs"

Full disclosure - we've had more than a strictly "editorial" professional relationship with Tristen. Maybe if you're just stumbling on to Stark would you not know what staunch supporters we've been of this truly talented artist, band, and now her great team and record label American Myth.

She recently released Charlatans at The Garden Gate, an album that a lot of you already own, but if you don't, BUY IT, seriously, now. Thanks to all the Stark fans who have gone to her shows and bought her music in the past, and if you haven't heard version 2.0 of these tracks (especially on vinyl) you're missing out. Her new video is above. Enjoy, and dig the BUDDY tee. Classic.

Ghost In My Head

[mp3] Niva: "Ghost In My Head"

Chalk this one up to inbox glut, but somehow we missed a very nice note from Stockholm's Christian Niva, promoting his quite lovely EP Feverish Dreams that came out last March. You may recognize Niva (his artistic nom de plume) from his recent remixes for Blackbird Blackbird and The Concretes, but he's absolutely worth checking out in his own right. After an initial introduction via Keep Shelly In Athens' Twitter, Niva has been turning some heads in the rest of the Twittersphere, and it's certainly well deserved. Grab his EP on all DSPs.

Yours Truly Does Middle Brother With Mountain Man

MP3 - Middle Brother, "Me Me ME"

We here at Stark are true believers in the healing powers of a lonely country ballad and a little hair of the dog. Looks like we're on the same page with the boys from Middle Brother. The group is made up of the frontmen from Deer Tick, Dawes and Delta Spirit. They connected with their Partisan label mates Mountain Man at the Troubador in Los Angeles for Yours Truly's Invisible Child Holiday Benefit. The charity raises money and awareness to end the use of child soldiers in Norther Uganda.

The Antlers Announce Burst Apart

[mp3] The Antlers: "Sylvia"

The Antlers: Burst Apart - May 10 via Frenchkiss

In case you forgot, The Antlers' Hospice was my (Matt's) #1 record of 2009. On March 17 at 4:00 p.m. CST, the Antlers will perform at NPR's SXSW Showcase at the Parish. The performance will be broadcast live as part of the public radio station's First Listen series. (VIA)

New Marissa Nadler

[mp3] Marissa Nadler: "Baby I Will Leave You in The Morning"

Continuing with her exciting trend of bringing her music direct to her fans, Marissa Nadler has released (and announced via Twitter) the first song from her new kickstarter funded album dropping sometime in the next few months. "Baby I Will Leave You in The Morning" is imbued with Nadler's signature atmospherics, resolute and haunting vocals, and a powerful melancholic melody laced with organ, keys, drums and more. It's been a good 48 hours for new music from some of our favorite female vocalists. Thx GVB for the mp3 host.

Good Natured Download And SXSW Dates

MP3 - The Good Natured "Wolves" (free download)

A few weeks back we had our first encounter with rising U.K. electro-pop darling The Good Natured. After our post she signed a record deal with Regal/Parlophone Records in the UK (Gorillaz, Bat for Lashes, LCD Soundsystem) and now front woman Sarah McIntosh is, like, super rich. I mean c'mon she's giving her music away for free! "Wolves" is off Sarah's forthcoming Be My Animal EP, which due out on March 14.

Also check out her upcoming SXSW dates after the jump.

New Alela Diane, Housing Works Show Tonight

[mp3] Alela Diane: "To Begin"

We've been huge fans of Ms. Diane's since her first record Pirate's Gospel in 2006. It's been fantastic watching her develop her songs from simple (but lovely) stripped down folk gems, to mature, full-blooded, compositions that work solo and with a full band. We just received the new record, ALELA DIANE & WILD DIVINE (out on April 5th via Rough Trade) today, so it's tough to really comment editorially, other than the fact that we're big fans, and very excited. Alela Diane and her band Wild Divine play TONIGHT at Housing Works in Manhattan. Tune in to hear more on WNYC Soundcheck at 2:30pm est today. From the press release:

Alela has changed her tune a bit since her last album, 2009's critically acclaimed To Be Still. This album is evidence of the things in her life that have influenced her over the last couple of years....lots of touring, marriage, relationships, family, illness etc...

Penned on the road whilst touring in 2009, Alela Diane & Wild Divine was completed in 2010. Wild Divine refers to husband and bassist-turned-guitarist Tom Bevitori and the rest of her band – father and guitarist Tom Menig, bassist Jonas Haskins and drummer Jason Merculief.

Happy Birthday Townes

To one of the best songwriters ever. He would've been 67 today.

And We Leave You With...

Junip - Näckrosdammen by Mute Artists

... a fantastic new song from Jose Gonzalez's band, Junip. Nothing against Gonzalez's previous work, but it's pretty much a snoozefest compared to the tracks he's produced with Junip. Highly recommended. From the PR: "Junip released a new EP “In Every Direction” on February 22nd. The new EP features remixes by Dale Earnhardt JR JR and White Sea (Morgan Kibby of M83), and includes three brand new, unreleased B-sides; “Näckrosdammen”, “Pling”, and “White Rain”."

Tonight: Ivan and Alyosha at The Living Room

[mp3] Ivan and Alyosha: "Once and Future"
Guest post by Jake Saidman

Following their intimate first release, The Verse, The Chorus, the Seattle duo Ivan and Alyosha are back with a new EP, Fathers Be Kind. Released at the beginning of February, original members, Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary are joined by Tim Kim and Pete Wilson on the new EP. The new members bring a fuller sound to the band that takes nothing away from the band’s warmth. Fathers Be Kind pursues love and the unpredictable future, with melodies and harmonies that lighten the seriousness of the lyrics. Comforting and thoughtful, “Fathers Be Kind” is a wonderful second EP from Ivan and Alyosha.

INA recently played a stellar Tiny Desk session for the folks at NPR, and will be hitting the stage tonight (Friday) at the Mercury Lounge followed up by a bevy of SXSW shows.

Keren Ann: "My Name Is Trouble"

[mp3] Keren Ann: "My Name is Trouble"

To cleanse the horrid taste of that new Arctic Monkeys' track from your mouth check out the new tune "My Name Is Trouble" from Keren Ann's upcoming record 101 dropping March, 22 on Blue Note Records. Ann is a startlingly underrated songwriter, often ceding press to her over-buzzed if slightly edgier contemporaries, despite the depth of her amazing catalog she has built up over the years. While we're personally not fans of the new 'doo - we love this track for its subtle hooks and gently propulsive rhythms.

New Arctic Monkeys

Well kids, what do we think? Sounds fairly milktoast on first few listens...

Yelle Debuts Two New Vids!

Yelle's excellent Safari Disco Club drops March 29th via V2/Cooperative Music USA/Downtown Records.

New tUnE-YaRdS: "Doorstep"

[mp3] tUnE-YaRdS: "Bizness"

We think very highly of tUnE-YarDS (aka Merrill Garbus) round these parts, as evidenced by our anticipation surrounding her upcoming album w h o k i l l, and how much we loved new track "Bizness" (after a few listens). Yesterday we got a look at new tune "Doorstep" filmed live in Paris via the website Le-Hiboo.

New: Joan As Police Woman - "The Magic" MP3

[MP3] Joan As Police Woman - "The Magic"

It's funny how music works. Sometimes, it is a completely random set of circumstances that lead you to a fantastic album, or track, that you might well have missed. Such is the case with Joan Wasser's (a.k.a Joan As Police Woman) new single, "The Magic" track two on her forth studio album The Deep Field releasing on April 12 via PIAS. It has been almost three years since Wasser's last release, and "The Magic" is a fantastic return to form. But where "The Magic" succeeds as an up-tempo, feel-good, beat-driven pop song, The Deep Field falls short. Incorporating more melancholic tracks and subdued song structures, we tend to gravitate toward "The Magic" and "The Magic" only. Maybe we need a few more listens, but we have "The Magic" and if "Magic" is enough for Charlie Sheen (he is SO in right now) that is enough for us. Magic.

Check out her US tour dates after the jump.

The Strokes: "Under The Cover of Darkness"

Caitlin Rose Announces US Dates

2 New York shows! You already know how much we love her upcoming album... Tour dates including SXSW after the jump.

NASHVILLE, TN – Caitlin Rose will kick off her US tour in Austin during SXSW, followed by eleven dates opening for Ron Sexsmith and then off of Australia for some dates with The Felice Brothers. Upon return, Caitlin will continue her US tour with sixteen dates opening for Johnny Flynn.

Rose’s full-length debut, Own Side Now, will be released on March 15, 2011 on Theory 8 Records with marketing and distribution provided by Thirty Tigers/RED. Rose co-produced the record with Mark Nevers (Lambchop, Will Oldham & Andrew Bird) & Skylar Wilson (Justin Townes Earle).

Today In Things That We Like

[mp3] Keep Shelley In Athens: "Hauntin Me"

New Tune! [mp3] Wavves: "Horse Shoes"