We Have a Remedy! (We Have)

It's not surprising that the Stones capitalized on the circus theme. For some of us in the industry, a regular day at the office can feel a little surreal and circus-like. Yet, it's the weekend, and our only hope is that at some point you will get to don a bejeweled vest, or blinged-out onsie, and rock the fuck out. Reportedly the Stones' management didn't want to release this footage of The Who because they outplayed the Stones SO badly - I mean just watch Keith. Christ.

Star Slinger Does Gold Panda

[mp3] Gold Panda "Marriage(Star Slinger remix)"

Preview Chad Valley's "Fast Challenges"

Chad Valley, better known as Hugo Manuel from the U.K.-based quintet Jonquil, has offered up a preview of this tasty track "Fast Challenges." It is included on his forthcoming EP Equitorial Ultravox, which drops on June 20 via experimental pop imprint Cascine. On the track, Valley strikes a clever balance between 80's reverence and present day experimentation that helps him dodge the growing synth-pop pastiche. Melding thick Human League sounding synth with Jim James-esque reverby yowls, the curiously titled track is a palatable slow burn that leaves something for a second listen.

Chad Valley - Equatorial Ultravox - 05 Fast Challenges by CASCINE

2011 Northside Festival - We're Ready to Rock

It is back again -- Brooklyn's very own Northside Festival. It is like a mini-CMJ for Brooklynites and Manhattan expats...and anyone else who cares to join. From June 16 to 19 join us in some sweaty, indie fun: take in the sights, multiple shows, multiple Heinekens (hopefully free) maybe get a free pair of shoes, and who knows, perhaps a midday sexual romp. You never know. Can't wait to see headlining bands such as, Sharon Van Etten, Grouplove, Holiday Shores, Dry The River, The Loom, and more.

Check out the full Northside band list after the jump.

Sam Roberts Band: New Album + Track

The Last Crusade by Rounder Records

My #5 artist of 2009, Sam Roberts, is back again, this time under the moniker Sam Roberts Band. Gearing up to release, Collider on May 10th via Zoe/Rounder Records, Roberts & Company work out distinctive roots-rock grooves with a surprisingly UK feel (they are Canadian.) After the release of their record, the band heads out on a nice headlining tour. Available for download and stream above is the newest track from Collider titled, "The Last Crusade." Whet your appetite and be sure to grab this album when it drops. Also, dig the behind the scenes footage from the making of the record above.

Tour dates after the jump...

One Of Our Heroes

[mp3] Steve Earle: "Waiting on the Sky"

This is just too great not to post. Steve Earle's fantastic T Bone Burnett produced Hank Williams referencing album, Never Get Out of This World Alive is out now. Seriously, how much do you love this guy?

unouomedude: "Frequency"

unouomedude-Frequency by Old Flame Records

Our good friends over at Old Flame just released this new warm weather jam "Frequency" from newcomer unouomedude (pronounced "You Know You Owe Me Dude") from Jacksonville. Not much to say here other than we're glad to be posting new tunes for your Spring playlists. Enjoy.

The Very Best -- New Mixtape! Super Mom

Yes. Just in time for Summer. Esau Mwamwaya and Johan Karlberg (a.k.a. Radioclit, no without Etienne Tron) are The Very Best. After releasing their first free mixtape in 2008, the duo dropped Warm Heart of Africa to much critical acclaim. Now, the two ready the release of a new mixtape, Super Mom, dropping on May 8th. You can download it for FREE HERE. The music is pure excitement and happiness, full of sun-drenched central-African rhythms, beats and sytles. There is no denying our sheer enjoyment of everything these two produce. It is clear, that Esau and Etienne have one clear goal when making music...to make people happy. We were able to catch up with Easu back in 2009 -- check out the interview here. We also had the pleasure of chatting with Radioclit and Esau at the Fader Fort during this year's CMJ. Can't get enough.

Head over to Pitchfork to stream the title track.

New Clare Maguire: "Shield & Sword"

[mp3] Clare Maguire: "Ain't Nobody (Memory Tapes Remix)"

While the buzz around rising UK star Clare Maguire has been more akin to a smoldering ember than a wildfire here in the US, we're still sufficiently convinced that Maguire, with the right plan in place, can compete for US consumers' love alongside of her ‘cross the pond peers, Adele, Mumford, Lykke Li (Swedish), Florence, and the equally rising Anna Calvi. Perez debuted her new video for “Shield & Sword” today.

Happy Earth Day You Sons of Bitches

A little different than our usual April 22 fare, but you get the message. Found this weird video this AM. "What have you done for the Earth lately? Probably nothing. Who cares about music today? Go Earth!"

Gorgeous New Voice: Ren Harvieu

We know literally nothing about UK 20 year old Ren Harvieu - except she has a devastatingly amazing voice - and has instantly grabbed our attention. Stark artist to watch Alex Clare posted Roy Orbison cover "Cryin" on his Facebook today. As friend of Stark, Jeff, noted "only the dudes from Glasvegas can look so douchey just sitting there." So true, but officially in love with Ren. Stay tuned. Thx Jeff.

New Dawes and Seapony Records Announced

[mp3] Dawes: "If I Wanted Someone (Live)"
Download "If I Wanted Someone (NEW)"

Nothing is Wrong releases June 7th on ATO. A self-described “American rock ‘n’ roll band,” Dawes represent everything pure and true about that fundamental delineation, four talented friends making music together, fueled by a shared belief in the power of their songs. With Nothing Is Wrong, singer/guitarist Goldsmith, his brother Griffin on drums, keyboardist Tay Strathairn, and bassist Wylie Gelber – continue to master their blend of singer/songwriter reflection with folk, country, and AOR-inspired arrangements, all ringing guitars, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt melodies.

[mp3] Seapony: "Blue Star"

Seattle three-piece Seapony has announced album details for their debut full-length, Go With Me, forthcoming May 31 on Hardly Art. An mp3 of "Blue Star" is also now available, which is the first new Seapony material since their "Dreaming" single was released last fall. The music of Seapony is refreshing in its simplicity. Most songs on Go With Me use no more than three chords, with an average running time around two-and-a-half minutes.

All copy via album press releases.

Contest: Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Big Boi, Headline Governors Ball!

June 18 will play host to The Governors Ball Music Festival, where electro-pop, indie, and hip hop acts will converge on NYC's Governers Island for a day of sun-drenched, dance-laden, musical euphoria. Other acts include, Reptar, Neon Indian, People Under The Stairs, a DJ set from Passion Pit and more. Tickets are flying out the door, so snag yours while you can. If you are poor like most of us, you should get on this Dance Competition ASAP. Post your best 15-90 second dance clip to the Governors Ball Facebook page and you could win any of the below prize packs -- see you there! Not on the Facebook page, but at the fest! Summer!!!

Grand Prize:
- 2 Backstage Passes for the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival Including Access to Stage, Photo Pit, and Soundboard
- 2 Festival Posters autographed by Girl Talk
- 2 Festival Merch items of your choice

First Prize:
- 2 VIP Tickets to the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival
- 2 Guest Passes to Soundboard Viewing Area
- 2 Festival Posters
- 1 Festival Merch item

Second Prize:
- 2 Tickets to the 2011 Governors Ball Music Festival

Stream Julian Lynch's 'Terra'

Stream Julian Lynch's Terra
[mp3] Julian Lynch: "Terra"

It's hard not to write about Julian Lynch without commenting on what was once the most "in" sound of the moment; the quickly exploding, heavily reverbed "beach vibes" of bands like Real Estate, Beach Fossils, and about 9 million other groups that aren't even worth listing here. It's never been a secret that we at Stark did not, and do not, buy into the vibes of 99% of these bands.

Yet, one has to slog through the bad to get to the good. Such is the blog world. There are a few very talented (on record at least) bands to emerge from the lo-fi outskirts of this scene that do well. Woods, Ariel Pink, Wavves, and Julian Lynch are all artists who push the envelope, transcend cliche (sometimes), and create art that's worthy of the heated critical debate that always ensues around them.

Julian Lynch's excellent last album Mare, drew a good deal of praise and equal criticism. While not a perfect record, Mare was a snapshot of a continually developing talent that was more than a jangly guitar. Lynch composed sounds, developed ideas, and truly created. What we've heard of Terra, Lynch's new album due April 26 on Underwater Peoples, continues in that tradition of exploration and creation. Lynch blends genres, instrumentation, and influences, to create sounds that are unique and, for the most part, unpretentious.

Even if you're not a fan of Lynch's music, he deserves respect for breaking the molds cast by his peers and contributing something new to the music community. Lynch shines brightest when he sounds most like himself and shies away from those cliched echoey NJ vibes. These are the artists you invest in for the long haul, and love just as much for their missteps as for their successes.

Vacationer "Trip"

[mp3] Vacationer: "Trip"

According to sources close to Stark, this video sort of popped up on Youtube (Music homepage no less) and no one really knows a ton about this group other than they're called Vacationer, they have 4 Youtube subscribers, 27 (make that 28) Facebook likes, we think they're from Philly, and they made a gorgeous video and a great song called "Trip." It's like watching Discovery Channel's 'Planet Earth' mashed up with vaguely tropical synth beats, and compelling melodies. The images absolutely inform the song, and we're so glad that it's difficult to separate the two. Great great new find. (mp3 VIA)

White Denim: "Drug"

[mp3] White Denim: "Drug"

Good morning people!White Denim's great new album D is due May 24th on Downtown.

Grimes' "Vanessa"

[mp3] Grimes: "Vanessa"

From the upcoming split 12" entitled DARKBLOOM by D'EON & GRIMES released APRIL 19th via ARBUTUS RECORDS and HIPPOS IN TANKS.

Idle Labor

[mp3] Craft Spells: "From The Morning Heat"

Craft Spells' Idle Labor is the epitome of a Spring/Summer album. It's sticky sweet in the daylight hours; its hooks infectious, subtle, and outstandingly rewarding. As you approach dusk though, Idle Labor morphs into a more introspective and pensive outing than one would've expected. Usually we rely on backporch country to set the mood on those humid late-August nights, but we may have just found a new decidedly non-acoustic record to fill some of those lazy hours instead. Idle Labor is out now on Captured Tracks.

New Santigold feat. Karen O -- "Go"!

"Go" is the first track off Sanitgold's highly-anticipated sophmore release American Dreaming due later this year. First impressions...sounds like Santigold: upbeat, worldly, catchy, reminiscent of early MIA, when she didn't suck. You will need to listen to this loud and multiple times.

Friday Night! Jamaica @ Mercury Lounge

Jamaica - I Think I Like U 2 (Database Remix) by database

Jamaica. Not sure who they are? Watch the video above. We often wondered how to put out a record too, but now we know thanks to this three-piece, turned two-piece, Parisian-electro-rock band. Don't let the name or the impossibleness of a simple Google search fool you -- this is no vacation destination, but a band boiling under the surface of the US indie scene waiting for their chance to break. Comparable to Phoenix, Foster the People, Naked and Famous, Cut Copy and more, Jamaica toe the line between the avant-garde and straight ahead four-on-the-floor elector pop. After garnering much praise in the UK/Europe following the release of their debut record, No Problem (Aug. 2010/Cooperative Music) Jamaica are gearing up for another US push.

If you can't catch them tomorrow night at the Mercury Lounge, be sure to get over to Brooklyn tonight (!) for their Knitting Factory performance.

Star Slinger - What Your Mouth Don't Say, Baby, Your Thighs Do

Star Slinger - What Your Mouth Don't Say, Baby, Your Thighs Do by Star Slinger

Dig this new mixtape from our favorite UK producer/DJ Star Slinger.

Wild Beasts Prep Smother

[mp3] Wild Beasts: "Albatross"

Wild Beasts are truly an eclectic group of musicians that create left field pop-leaning melodies with thick beds of electric and acoustic instrumentation. Whereas their last extremely well-received effort Two Dancers, captured pulsing rhythms and upbeat falsetto vocals, their new album Smother (May 10, Domino), promises a more moody and laid-back affair, probably more akin to James Blake's new wave dubstep than to Cold Cave's dark edgy dance-pop. While many (Vince) will probably lament this apparent change, we can't take issue until we've heard the record. Hopefully it's not a Blake-ian snoozer. Somehow, we doubt it will be though. Wild Beasts just announced their first round of US tour dates check those and their new vid after the jump.


WILD BEASTS TOUR DATES
Tuesday, July 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
Wednesday, July 13 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
Thursday, July 14 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
Saturday, July 16 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

Tonight! Tristen + Jonny Corndawg @ Brooklyn Bowl

Tristen - Baby Drugs by AmericanMythRecordings

Can't get too much of a good thing. After opening for Ezra Furman & The Harpoons Friday night at Webster Studio, Tristen is back at it; this time, there will be fried chicken, bowling and Jonny Corndawg! Be sure to get out, hit the lanes and start the week right.

Lost Gem: Willie Wright

[mp3] Willie Wright: "Nantucket Island"

We've sung Numero Group's praises many times in the past, and it's no surprise that they unearthed another fantastic album recently in Willie Wright's Telling The Truth.

As you may or may not know, Stark has family that have been living on Nantucket Island for decades (year round, not just "summering") - so we feel a special connection to Wright who spent 1976 selling copies of this album out of his car while living on the island. There's a high dose of languid New England summer infused in this record. Wispy guitars and smooth lazy melodies filter in and out of these songs conjuring images of Morrison's Astral Weeks, late period Marvin Gaye and even hints of Sam Cooke here and there. It's not hard to picture a mellower 1970s Nantucket Main Street with the locals milling about and making snide remarks about the tourists, all the while, softly in the background, you can hear Telling The Truth playing from Willie's car stereo. Ahh, summer. THX

New Video: Star Slinger - "Close to Me"

Star Slinger - Mornin' by Star Slinger
Star Slinger is a clear front runner for one of our favorite producer/DJs of the summer, and it is not even summer yet. Wait, did that Alien just eat that fucking woman? While I have no idea what this video is supposed to be, but it is keeping the Star Slinger buzz alive. This UK producer brought us a highly underrated and under-publicized album titled, Volume 1. What makes Star Slinger's song so successful is his use of fantastic throwback samples, most finding root in Motown or early R&B. He takes these samples, modernizes them and finds a way to make his choruses big and addicting purely through acute song construction. His video for the first tune off Volume 1, "Mornin," got our attention early on, and we have been fans ever since. You need to get this album and you need to listen to it loud...all SUMMER.


Star Slinger - Mornin' Directed by Alan Jensen from Star Slinger on Vimeo.

Tonight! Tristen + Ezra Furman & The Harpoons @ Webster Studio

Ezra Furman - Hard Time in a Terrible Land by Big Hassle Media
Tristen - Baby Drugs by AmericanMythRecordings

You'll know where to find us tomorrow night in NYC as Stark favorites Tristen and headliner Ezra Furman & The Harpoons take over Webster Studio. If lead-vocal fire power, crafty song-construction, lyrical complexity and on-stage charisma are your bag, then this show is for you.

Nashville's own Tristen, is fresh off the release of her debut album for American Myth titled, Charlatans at the Garden Gate. Her campaign is off to an amazing start landing her a Spring tour with Furman, a Rolling Stone feature, champions in the NPR world (All Things Considered) and much more. Touring is where Tristen finds comfort and it shows in her live performances -- she leaves nothing to the imagination and will floor you with her raw vocal power and indie-pop tunes; a seemingly perfect match with Ezra Furnman.

After cutting his teeth early with the release of Banging Down the Doors, following with Inside the Human Body, Furman & The Harpoons released their third album, first for Red Parlor Records titled, Mysterious Power, yesterday. Comprised of a myriad of music styles, Ezra and the crew have ramped up the electrics and produced was seems to be a pure, emotionally-fueled record. There is no restraint or attention to detail in Mysterious Power, just song-after-song of seemingly on-the-fly recordings. The "power" is there -- as other writers have said, think less Dylan, more Violet Femmes and don't miss this show.

Check out Tristen's tour dates with Ezra Furman as well as her new video for "Baby Drugs" after the jump...

Dry The River at Pianos

In case for some odd reason you doubted our judgment on Band to Watch Dry The River, here is a nicely edited highlight reel from their recent post-SXSW show at Pianos, which was, simply put, quite incredible. Just watch the above. Did we mention these guys are the real deal? In case you missed them in the US, the 4 will be back soon to work on their new record and play more US shows in the coming month. Stay tuned.

New Ceremony by Dry the River\

Josh T. Pearson Take Away Show

[mp3] Josh T. Pearson: "Woman I've Raised Hell"

Been awhile since we posted a Takeaway Show round these parts. Feels good.

So, Josh T. Pearson's recent SXSW visit drove home the all too true reality that SXSW is the cruel mistress of broken promises and missed shows. All we wanted to see was Josh T Pearson, TuneYards, and several other key acts. Well, reality and work got in the way, and we never saw Mr. Pearson. Thereby, we shall live vicariously though this Takeaway show until he's back in NYC. We previously wrote about Pearson's beautiful, melancholic, sweeping, (if not overly long in parts) new album Last of The Country Gentleman. You can dig that here.

ANR: "Big Problem" Slasher Video

[mp3] ANR: "Big Problem"

We've known the solid group of guys who compose team ANR (formally Awesome New Republic) for a few years, and we're pretty psyched to see them getting the love they deserve over the past few months behind their new record Stay Kids, which is out now on 10k Islands. ANR purvey hook-laden high-energy synth-pop tracks that have staying power on record, but are even better when consumed live. Miami's MJ Hancock and Brian Robertson know how to move bodies, but also know how to craft a song -- proving that it takes more than a four on the floor dance track to make a great album or live show. ANR play Public Assembly in BK tonight and Neon Gold's POPSHOP Thursday (4/7) at Tammany Hall. Dig their wild, weird, and NSFW slasher film for "Big Problem" above.

New Video: The Black Lips - "Modern Art"

This is the first real glimpse into the highly anticipated new Black Lips record produdced by Mark Ronson titled, Arabia Mountain, which sees light on June 7 via Vice Records. These Atlanta natives are looking to rebound from what proved to be lackluster sophomore release in 200 Million Thousand. With Ronson at the helm, and from what we have seen via the in-studio footage (after the jump,) Arabia Mountain should be a more cohesive, well-balanced and mature record...and just in time for Summer. Keep your eyes peeled.

Tracklisting and In-Studio Footage After the Jump...

Quadruple Header Tonight at Mercury Lounge

[mp3] Alex Winston: "Sister Wife (Star Slinger Remix)"

Tomorrow night, we will be adding another several hours to the hundreds we've invested lifetime at The Mercury Lounge. Yet, there's no substitute for a stacked bill. This is an especially unique line-up in that we've been meaning to catch all these bands for weeks now, and tomorrow, we can see them all in one night.

Dirty Gold are the newest signing to Stark favorite Autumn Tone Records. The press release describes their music as, "inspired by the sounds of the 50‘s/60’s, eclectic global finds, and drippy guitar lines" and we've heard from many many folks, that this is a live band not to be missed.

Two Lights, are a BRAND new NY act. We've heard some excellent demos from these fresh faced young musicians, so we have high expectations for one of their first real NY shows. We can't put our stamp on them yet, but coming from some ears that we trust a good deal, we're certainly excited for this set.

After Warm Ghost, one of the fastest rising Stark Artists to Watch, Alex Winston headlines. There's not much we can say here, that we haven't said but we're extremely psyched to see Ms. Winston live (finally!)

Acrylics "Sparrow Song" Vid And Dates

Acrylics – Sparrow Song (Feat. Caroline Polachek) from House Plants on Vimeo.

MP3 - Acylics "Sparrow Song"

You ever seen the Acrylics "Sparrow Song" video? No no, you ever seen the Acrylics "Sparrow Song" video ON WEEEEEED? The Brooklyn duo's new offering features flying cats, yoga chicks floating in front of a mountain and lyrics like "I was on my way out the window / over planets and skies and the fields of the future time." Duuuuuuude.

This cheerfully spaced out little nugget features Chairlift's Caroline Polachek on backing vocals and is included on the Acrylics release Lives and Treasures.


Upcoming tour dates and disclaimer about our drug policy after the jump.

Two Friday Mixtapes

[mp3] K. Flay: "Less Than Zero"

Most people familiar with this rag will probably recognize that posting about hip-hop/sample/dj artist K Flay, is a little outside of the usual for us - but there is something about her - her live show in particular - that is captivating and exciting. Certainly an artist on the rise. Today she released the first of 3 mixtapes - this one features samples from Artist to Watch Alex Clare, Vince's favorite The XX, and ESG. DOWNLOAD HERE for free.

Volume One - I Feel Nothing

1. Nothing At All [samples ESG 'Dance To The Beat of Moody']
2. Less Than Zero [samples The Xx 'Crystalised']
3. Waiting [samples Alex Clare 'Relax My Beloved']

[mp3] White Denim: "ShakeShakeShake"

We're waiting with baited breath for the new White Denim album D due May 24th on Downtown - but until that little gem shows up in our mailbox - we have this GREAT mixtape from them, which debuted last week on GVB. DOWNLOAD. Tour dates after the jump...

WHITE DENIM TOUR DATES

5/23: Sail Inn, Tempe
5/24: Casbah, San Diego
5/25: The Echo, Los Angeles
5/26: Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
5/27: Cellar Door, Visalia
5/29: Bunk Bar, Portland
5/30: Sasquatch Festival, Quincy
6/01: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake
6/02: Larimer Lounge, Denver
6/03: Jackpot Music Hall, Lawrence