Nikki Lane: "Sleep For You"

[mp3] Nikki Lane: "Sleep for You" 

Here's a new vid from one of our favorite new Nashville artists Nikki Lane - who we regrettably missed during CMJ - but hope to catch at least sometime in the future. This sultry video does well in highlighting some of Nikki's lovely "attributes" but, there's no denying the quality of this tune, and her new record 'Walk of Shame' as a whole.

Sat. Nov. 5 -- Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Sun. Nov. 6 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
Tue. Nov. 8 -- Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Theatre
Wed. Nov. 9 -- Grand Rapids, MA @ Ladies Literary Club
Fri. Nov. 11 -- Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Sat. Nov. 12 -- Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Mon. Nov. 14 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
Thu. Nov. 17 -- Seattle, WA @ Neptune
Fri. Nov. 18 -- Vancouver, BC @ Venue
Sat. Nov. 19 -- Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Mon. Nov. 21 -- San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
Tue. Nov. 22 -- Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues Wed. Nov. 23 -- Nashville, TN @ Loveless Barn (Music City Roots)

New Washed Out - 'Call it Off' from Amor Fati 12"

Washed Out - Call It Off by WeirdWorldRecordCo

Our friends over at GVB just posted this new b-side track from Washed Out's Amor Fati 12-inch titled "Call it Off." Check it out above!

Keep Shelly in Athens Peel Back Mystery

[mp3] Keep Shelly in Athens: "DIY"

It seems with each successive track, tour date, and news announcement the shroud of mystery that has long surrounded Keep Shelly in Athens is peeled back bit by bit. Following the seemingly same trajectory of like minded artist JJ, KSIA have grown past being just nameless, photo-less musicians from across the Atlantic. For months, they let their excellent gauzy pop-minded electronic compositions speak for the band. But now, they are developing into a “real” group, complete with a 12” release, US tour dates and photos. Long the personal baby band of Gorilla vs. Bear, the blog’s label Forest Family has paid it forward by putting out their upcoming album Our Own Dream, due Nov 8. We wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if a larger indie label picked up this talented Grecian duo for a larger release in 2012. For now, enjoy the new single "DIY" above, and catch them on their first US tour. Dates after the jump.

Youth Lagoon Comes to NYC 11/14-11/15

[MP3] Youth Lagoon - "Bobby"

Brimming from his recent Pitchfork Best New Music title, twenty-two year old Trevor Powers (a.k.a. Youth Lagoon) has created the perfect record in The Year of Hibernation. What is perfect about it? Well, there is nothing groundbreaking happening here sonically, musically or lyrically. What makes this record perfect is its ability to linger in your speakers while your head is somewhere else. This is a cover-to-cover record where individually, each song is forgotten as quick as it plays, but as a collective, it has staying power. Powers has more in him beyond this record; it is an amazing start. Granted a self-induced career suicide of epic proportions, Powers has the ability to churn out record after record building upon what he has done with Hibernation. His ear for melody and his ghostly lyrical style make elevate his music to an artistic level, like a brush stroke.

We are looking to see how this record translates live and will be in attandance at one of his two NYC shows at Mercury Lounge in November.

Full tour dates after the jump!

New Video: Summer Camp - "Down"

Check out this new video from Summer Camp for their current single, "Down." The band's debut full-length record, Welcome to Condale (including the promising first single "Better Off Without You") releases digitally on 11/8 and physically on 11/22 (Apricot Records /Moshi Moshi) Really looking forward to this one. Pre-order your copy HERE.

CMJ 2011 - Big Winners

Tristen ["Baby Drugs"]: To be honest, we thought we had a fairly good idea of what we were going to get when we went to see Tristen play twice last week. We've seen a lot of Tristen shows, but were not ready for the next level of musicianship and songwriting that Tristen and her band The Ringers brought, especially at the Flower Booking showcase Friday. With new drummer Sam Smith, and classic Ringers, Buddy and Jordan - Tristen pulled out three new songs from the follow up to Charlatans at the Garden Gate (out now - American Myth) - and brought her more familiar material to new heights. Guitarless, Tristen dominated the stage during closing song "No One's Gonna Know." It was rhythmic, pulsing, melodic, - dare we say anthemic - and outright spectacular. New record, new haircut - and we can't wait to hear it.

FIDLAR ["Bummed"]: Fuck it dog, life's a risk. Fidlar may have been the top live band we saw all week. Their set was ear splittingly loud, the songs short, powerful and gripping. On the surface, they're four stoner skater punks from LA - but the writing is scary good, and the execution is better. Their drummer summed the band up best in a brief conversation before their set: "I can guarantee you that at no point during our set will I play a stand alone floor tom at the front of the stage with a maraca." Amen.

Alabama Shakes ["I Found You"]: Clearly, this band went into CMJ with huge amounts of momentum. With Jack White already a fan, and labels rumored to be bidding heavily on these amazing Alabama newcomers - there's no question they were the talk of New York before CMJ. Yet, after their set in Philly the night before, and their Thursday night set (with the amazing Dry The River) - there was no doubt that the Alabama Shakes were the real deal, and are here to stay. People were floored. It's going to be very fun watching them over the next year.

Electric Guest [mp3]: It seemed that it took all the way up until CMJ week for the buzz to hit on Electric Guest, but it reached a crescendo on Tuesday night at the 'anyone who is anyone was there' All Things Go party. With Ezra Koening, Julian Casablancas and Dangermouse (producing their 2012 Downtown album) in attendance, the anticipation was palpable. Yet, for us at least, the set didn't really deliver. The band clearly had some fantastic songs, and the execution was flawless, but there was something intangible that didn't connect with us. There were a few too many downtempo R&B tinged tunes and an off-putting stage presence from a few members. NOW. This is a band with a ton of promise. 2012 is probably going to be a big year for them, and CMJ was a great launching pad. This set may not have connected with us this time - but there will be many more sets, and this is certainly a band you'll be hearing a lot about. We hope to see them again soon.

You Won't ["Who Knew"]: Taking nothing away from this very talented duo, there's not a ton to say about them. You Won't come from the classic school of writing good songs and just getting out there and playing them well. Vocalist Josh Arnoudse has a guttural and dynamic vocal prowess, akin to Deer Tick at his best and as powerful as any indie rock singer out there right now. There's a lot to love here and as they clean up their live show, these guys have a good shot of turning a lot of heads in 2012. Their album Skeptic Goodbye is out now.

Robert Ellis ["Good Intentions"]: We finish this list with a core Texas-based Stark artist. Falling on the more serious side of Jonny Corndawg, and on the more bluegrass side of the usual Texas/Nashville sound - Ellis is a strong contender for the crown in the new crop of country artists plying their craft these days. With long hair and a clean (when it needs to be) vocal tone - Ellis is a dynamic performer and a talented writer. His debut album Photographs is out now on New West. Highly recommended.

TONIGHT: Dawes and Blitzen Trapper

Dawes: "Time Spent in Los Angeles"

Blitzen Trapper: "Love the Way You Walk Away"

Dawes and Blitzen Trapper hit New York tonight at Webster Hall, for a stacked bill.  

It’s been a groundbreaking year for Dawes on the back of their latest effort – Nothing is Wrong (ATO). With several US-spanning national tours, including the current tour with Blitzen Trapper, and over 30k records scanned, Dawes have established themselves as power-players on the current musical landscape. They have a special connection with fans (casual and diehard) in that people WANT them to succeed. Despite never speaking with them personally, Dawes have a trusted and valued team working with them, and the band’s earnestness and passion come across in every song and live show. Shockingly, tonight will be our first live experience with a band we’ve been longtime fans of. We’re certainly looking forward to it. The remainder of Dawes tour dates are after the jump.

The above is not to take anything away from the amazing Blitzen Trapper who share the bill tonight. Their deeply satisfying new record American Goldwing is out now.

Blog Reel and CMJ Hiatus

Hey kiddies - we're going to be out and about all week sacrificing sleep and sobriety researching the coolest and hottest new BUZZ bands for your enjoyment in subsequent blog posts - all while diligently working our real jobs to the fullest. So, that being said, we won't be posting for the rest of the week. Enjoy the below videos for now. See you at the rock show.

Nikki Lane 'Walk of Shame' and CMJ

[mp3] Nikki Lane: "Sleep For You" 

[mp3] Nikki Lane: "Gone Gone Gone" 

We're still sort of scratching our heads as to how Nikki Lane slipped past our radar for so long. With the help of an ace publicist (who's PRs we actually always read) and a manager who is a Nashville confidant, we're putting the blame squarely on our own shoulders here. Thanks to KDR for finally bringing Nikki Lane's new album Walk of Shame (out now IAMSOUND) to our attention. Already vetted by some trusted Stark musicians and industry folk in Nashville, Lane is ready for her moment in the CMJ spotlight next week, and we will certainly be there to check it out in person. We're just going to let the above video speak for itself.

NIKKI LANE TOUR DATES
Sat. Oct. 15 -- Nashville, TN @ Americanarama/Grimey's Outdoor sale
Sun. Oct. 16 -- Charleston, WV @ Culture Center Theater - NPR's Mountain Stage w/ Larry Groce
Thu. Oct. 20 -- New York, NY @ The Living Room (CMJ - Paste Party) - 4:00 PM
Thu. Oct. 20 -- New York, NY @ The Delancey (CMJ - IAMSOUND Showcase) – 11:15 PM
Sat. Oct. 22 -- New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall (SPIN Magazine & The Press House Party) - 12:50 PM
Fri. Nov. 18 – Nashville, TN @ The Exit/In w/ Rayland Baxter Wed. Nov. 23 -- Nashville, TN @ Loveless Barn (Music City Roots)

New Regina Video "Unessa"

[mp3] Regina: "Unessa" 

Here's the new video for one of our favorite under the radar new bands from across the pond - Regina. Their album is out now, and you can check out more info from our post a bit ago. Enjoy!

First Aid Kit Premiere Title Track on NPR

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar by Wichita Recordings

Good things are continuing to happen to these young Swedish sisters, a.k.a. First Aid Kit. They have somehow managed to maintain blogosphere buzz while slowly trickling in to the mainstream for a few years now; it is refreshing to see. We remember Matt's first post about them back in March 2008 (read HERE.) Now, they are on the brink of releasing their sophomore, Jack White-produced LP, The Lion's Roar which drops January 24th on Wichita Recordings. Yesterday, the sisters premiered the title track from their album on NPR's 'All Songs Considered,' which is available above. Soon, the ladies join Lykke Li on a large set of dates in the UK and US taking them in to December. Things are lining up well!

Tour dates after the jump.

Lana Del Rey Does Jools Holland

[mp3] Lana Del Rey: "Video Games" 

Not a bad showing for her first major TV hit. Understandably nervous, and understandably affected, she sings the song well. Shit, if Lizzie Grant was supposed to be a pop-star in the making, one would think Lana will deliver live. Should be an interesting show at the Bowery in December, but definitely a nice first look for her.

Ryan Adams - "Lucky Now" (Official Video)

FIDLAR: "Wake Bake Skate" CMJ

 [mp3] Fidlar: "Wake Bake Skate" 

We've been loving this band over the past few weeks, and alongside Body Language, are at the top of our CMJ lists. After just signing with some solid folks for PR, we're predicting big things for this LA group for the rest of 2011. There's not much to say - the raw visceral music speaks for itself. I mean, their name stands for Fuck It Dog, Life's a Risk. Dig it above, or HERE.

Body Language Streaming at NPR

 [mp3] Body Language: "Seeds of Sight"

Body Language, who find themselves at the top of our CMJ to-do list, are streaming their new record / EP Social Studies this week at NPR in anticipation of its release next week on Lavish Habits / OM Records. There are more than a few familiar touchpoints to their sound, including the tired blogger-cliches such as "indie dance-pop" and "reverb-soaked" but at their core Body Language are breaking new ground. Behind this solid collection of singles, the Brooklyn quartet have more in common with left field tour partners Keep Shelly in Athens and early Animal Collective, than they do with easy touchpoints such as Cults or Passion Pit. Stream the record now, and check them out at several CMJ shows. Dates after the jump.

Those Darlins: "Screws Get Loose" Video

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Screws Get Loose"

Continuing with the vamped up / scantily clad fashion theme established with their awesome "Be Your Bro" vid - The Darlins just dropped their new video for the best song on their new record (of the same name) "Screws Get Loose." Love the overall new concept for this band (and they really are finally a band) - though I do miss the more Carter Family style of their debut album, which we personally found a little more satisfying in the long run. Everyone's gotta grow up though, and as long as they keep writing songs as strong as "Screws Get Loose" and "Be Your Bro" we're around for the long haul.

Quickly Rising: High Highs

The Radiohead comparisons loom large over this new track from the slowly boiling new Brookyln act High Highs. Emerging with solid momentum out of SXSW last year and signing with the excellent folks at Small Plates (run by the Yvynyl/I Guess I’m Floating team) High Highs are set to drop their self-titled EP on November 22. Band to watch, certainly.


High Highs - Ivy by dangervillage

New Phantogram: "Don't Move"

[mp3] Phantogram: "Don't Move" 

Not sure how we missed this one come across our radar, but above is the new track "Don't Move" from Phantogram's upcoming (and tragically under-hyped) new mini-release Nightlife - dropping October 25 on Barsuk. Their last record Eyelid Moves was a strong debut, and true to form Phantogram have updated their sound, with some oh-so-trendy dub beats that are subtle enough to really work here and add some bounce to the mix. This is a strong track with compelling melodies and solid instrumentation. Looking forward to hearing more.

Country Mice Playing Cake Shop This Friday (10/7)!

We've been hearing a lot about Brooklyn's Country Mice over the past few days and decided it time to get on board. Often described as a mix between Wilco and Drive By Truckers with tinges of Neil Young, this country rock trio can bring it. We are pumped to see them rock the Cake Shop in NYC on Friday with Little Gold and Grand Rapids (doors at 8PM.) Hear their in-your-face, vamped guitar anthem "Festval" above. Their debut album, Twister is out now.

See you out there folks!

Something Genuine

[mp3] Jason Boland & The Stragglers: "Somewhere Down in Texas"

How many times have you heard "I like everything except rap and country." If you take country music at face value, that cliched adage probably doesn't miss the mark by much. Yet, because there are so many mainstream "hat country" artists muddying the waters, it's extremely easy, almost a guarantee, that you will skip over the new album Rancho Alto from relative unknown (even for this country fan) Jason Boland & The Stragglers. This is an album where you almost don't want to know anything about who's making it. The production here is impeccable. You can hear flashes of Jerry Jeff, Waylon, and Jamey Johnson. To the understandable lament of his publicist, this artist doesn't fit into the Caitlin Rose, Deer Tick, Tristen world of "indie" country music, and similarly doesn't match the gigantic character of a Jamey Johnson or have a ready-made mainstream country radio hit. Yet, despite lacking a clear-cut home in this current music landscape Jason Boland and his crack band made a pretty stellar country album - complete with songs about Woody Guthrie and (presumably) the TVA. Not every song on this album is great, and Rancho Alto is not the next Red Headed Stranger. But it doesn't seem Boland strives for that. As his publicist stated, this is just genuine country -- hard-nosed, fun, and ultimately a very rewarding listen.