Uplifting Moment for Your Upcoming Weekend

Craft Spells: "Your Tomb"

[mp3] Craft Spells: "Your Tomb" 

Keeping with our "surprising albums of the year" trend, Craft Spells have created a solid and long lasting album in their newest venture Idle Labor. Craft Spells manage to successfully live in the lo-fi Captured Tracks world, but are able to transcend any stereotypes and homogeneity by crafting creative and deeply satisfying tunes, laced with synth and jangly guitars hidden tastefully in the mix as to not be the primary focus of the compositions. Dig their newest video above.

Regina: Soite Mulle

[mp3] Regina: "Unessa"

Already a number one album (on iTunes at least) in their native Finland, the mysterious and intoxicating trio Regina have just released their second album Soite Mulle on the awesome Friendly Fire Records here in the states. The songwriting is able to transcend whatever language barriers may exist, and the tight production and execution of these dreamy, highly-melodic, wintry pop songs make this one of the most pleasantly surprising pickups of the past few months. Highly recommended.

Azealia Banks "212"

[mp3] Azealia Banks: "212" 

[mp3] Azealia Banks: "Runnin'"

Just to prove we're not just old sappy bitches - here's a killer new song from Harlem 20 year old Azealia Banks. As office guru Jeff pointed out - we think she was on a Major Lazer single awhile back - but this track just SLAYS. Thanks to Chris at Big Hassle for posting to Twitter. Banks has tons of music out there right now, and lots of videos - keep an eye on her.

Gem Club: "Twins" Video

[mp3] Gem Club: "Twins"

Writing in the first person here - I really love this band. Not sure what the personal connection is with their meditative and down tempo music that appeals so much to me. Perhaps it's just that 3 or 4 minutes of peace that you can get out of one of their songs, or maybe it's just the initial onset of some sort of pre-seasonal depression that makes the songs on Gem Club's gorgeous new full length 'Breakers' (Hardly Art) so poignant. Whatever it is, as long as this band keeps releasing assets, I'll keep posting them. Via NPR

This Week's New Release Videos

Twin Sister: "Kimmi in a Ricefield" [mp3] 

Dum Dum Girls: "Bedroom Eyes" [mp3] 

Tyler Ramsey: "The Nightbird" [mp3] 

Icona Pop to Release Debut EP on 10/10

Sun Goes Down feat The Knocks by IconaPop

Longtime Stark favorite, Icona Pop, just announced the release of their debut EP titled, Nights Like This in conjunction with their newest signle, "Sun Goes Down (feat. The Knocks)" available for stream above. It is exciting to see this project moving forward after we had the chance to catch up with the girls via phone interview awhile back. "Sun Goes Down" is a departure from the usual big hooks and heavy choruses a la "Manners," (video here) and "Still Don't Know," so judge this track for yourself. Excited to here what more this Swedish duo has to offer.

Ryan Adams First Listen and US Tour

For over a decade, critics and fans publicly waited for Ryan Adams to re-create the sweetly-sad melancholy country of his first post-Whiskeytown solo album Heartbreaker. Every album thereafter was compared to this career benchmark, justly or unjustly. With Adams’ latest release Ashes and Fire (10/4, PAX-AM/CAPITOL) it seems after three straight listens at NPR, everyone will have a new high water mark to compare future releases from this overly prolific songwriter.

It always seemed strange that the populace would want an artist to copy, or repeat themselves. But still they clamored for Heartbreaker Part II. Vocal opponents claimed to abandon Adams due to his indulgent side projects, and his lack of consistency across a plethora of good (some VERY good) but not great albums.

Which brings us almost full circle to Ashes and Fire. Stories from the Adams' camp and interviews point to a rigorous editing process with storied producer Glyn Johns. Ryan even claimed in a revealing Guardian interview to have thrown out 80% of his material after hearing new music from Laura Marling. Ashes and Fire, delivered at a whisper, captures a somber, mature artist who seems at the peak of his craft. Gone are the cocky overt arrangements found on many of Adams’ electric albums, and frankly poor songwriting decisions contained on some acoustic affairs. While Ashes stays mostly in one gear for the entire record, the songs and production deliver in spades, and that’s what truly counts on this amazing album.

In this flash-in-the-pan age of blog buzz bands (often covered on this site) one’s forced to ask “who is even going to still be making music 10 or 20 years from now?” Bob Dylan’s catalog comes to mind, complete with artistic missteps, and outright failures. Yet, when viewed holistically it’s the track-record of a genius. Ryan Adams, while maybe not a Dylan-level genius has the potential to put up Dylan-like numbers, warts and all. Yet ultimately it’s downright comforting to know that Ryan will still be here in 30 years, and when we look back, we can almost guarantee his catalog will shine as brightly as any of his peers’ if not brighter – no matter what clunkers are hidden inside.

Ryan Adams just announced a string of US dates. See them after the jump.

Ryan Adams - Lucky Now by theaudioperv

Time Spent In Los Angeles

[mp3] Dawes: "Little Bit of Everything" 

Certainly one of the best tracks off of Dawes' excellent album Nothing is Wrong. Glad to see these guys doing so well. Hard working band makes good... or so they say. Enjoy.

Laura Gibson Signs to Barsuk

 
Laura Gibson has been quietly amassing a stellar catalog of well-crafted albums, filled with hushed laments and sharp as a razor songwriting. We're very happy to hear this news! Below is a brand new tune recorded for Mason Jar Music. "Milk-Heavy, Pollen-Eyed" will be part of her next album

Barsuk is proud to announce the addition of Laura Gibson to their family. They’ve been fans of her enchanting voice and otherworldly songwriting for quite some time, so it’s with happy hearts that Barsuk gets to help share Laura’s music with the world. She's a unique and sincere personality with boundless creativity, and is lovingly welcomed into the Barsuk roster.

EMA: "Marked" Video

While maybe not our favorite track on the album, we wanted to post this great video from EMA's new album 'Past Life Martyred Saints.' It's been getting its fair share of well-deserved love in the usual niche indie-spheres, but outside of Spin Mag, it's appropriate to say that this album is still under-appreciated in the larger music realms. Would not be surprised to see this album on more than a few best of lists at year's end. EMA just posted a fantastic Daytrotter session as well.

A "Marked" single will be released in the US digitally and as a limited edition 7-inch in early December. B-side "Angelo", a new track featuring a guest verse by Mz'Gorjis of Oakland, CA's Platnum Platnum Glam Squad, will complement the gorgeously dark, breathy reverie of "Marked."

EMA - "Marked" (Daytrotter Session) by AwkwardSound2.0

Band to Watch: The Alabama Shakes

[mp3] The Alabama Shakes: "You Ain't Alone"

While we try to refrain from over-hyping every hot new thing that comes our way (who do you think we are NME?) we HAVE been crowning a lot of “artists to watch” of late, but for good reason. We wake up early, stay up late and grind it out for this cruel mistress of a site – and are occasionally rewarded, by the discovery of bands like The Alabama Shakes – formally The Shakes. Already touted by Aquarium Drunkard, Some Velvet Blog, and of course, Stark, Alabama Shakes are making the right kind of friends with their Janis Joplin meets Stax by way of Daptone Records soul/blues sound. While their debut EP doesn’t have that clear standout national “smash” on it – this is the easiest and best $4 you will spend all week. Alabama Shakes have signed on with some great new managers, and are shopping for a label home. Best of luck to these folks from the south!

Girls Debut "Honey Bunny" Video

[mp3] Girls: "Vomit" 

Watch Girls' new video for album standout "Honey Bunny" at The New York Times, who, in classic fashion makes it impossible, or impossibly difficult to embed the video on our blog. Maybe it's just too early for us to figure out. Anyway, it's a good vid. "Honey Bunny" comes from Girls' Father Son, Holy Ghost - out now.

Artist to Watch: J.Viewz

[MP3] J. Viewz - 'Far Too Close'

We're not thrilled with the name, but Brooklyn-native, J.Viewz's (a.k.a Jonathan Dagan) debut record, rivers and homes is a well-crafted journey through today's hottest indie-music genres. Touching on aspects of 'chillwave,' lo-fi pop and slightly-ambient melodies, Dagan is able to make malleable jams that successfully meld and showcase his musical expertise. Both producer and songwriter, Dagan elicits the help of female vocalist, Noa Lembersky, who adds much-welcomed vocal depth to Dagan's already complex tracks. Since his explosion on the scene only a few weeks ago, J.Viewz has garnered features from the Wall Street Journal, as well as NPR's 'World Cafe Live.'

Dagan self-released the record at the right time, brought on the right team (Big Hassle what up?!) and is poised for continued success in a market hungry for what he is offering. Keep a clear eye.

Grab his single above, 'Far Too Close.'

Hanni El Khatib

[mp3] Hanni El Khatib: "Dead Wrong" 

Been a fan of Hanni's since last year's SXSW. He's got this throwback 50's tattooed Outsiders look - with a sound that recalls The Black Lips played through a blues filter and laced with Jack White and rockabilly. We've had high hopes for Hanni - he's got the look - he's got the cool factor - he's got a great sound - and pulls it all off live; yet, we're not totally convinced on the songs yet. The new video above directed by Simon Cahn & Ricky Saiz for his lead track "Come Alive" is again "cool" just not that thrilled with the song (at this time). We're still holding out hope that there are some standouts on his forthcoming album 'Will The Guns Come Out' dropping on the 9/27, or maybe we just need to give this track a few more spins. This guy has some serious promise. Hanni plays the Vice Mag blowout in Brooklyn tonight and Glasslands tomorrow.

9/15 - Vice Magazine Event (RSVP only)
9/16 - Glasslands (8:30pm)
9/17 - Le Grand Fooding (6-10pm)
9/17 - Mercury Lounge (10:30pm)

Zola Jesus "Seekir"

We love / are secretly terrified of Zola Jesus. Her dark highly melodic tunes are deep and cutting, yet are accessible enough for everyday listens. Zola Jesus revealed a new track “Seekir” off the forthcoming album Conatus out October 4 on Sacred Bones Records. Zola Jesus will also tour North America this Fall with Xanopticon as support.

Zola Jesus - Seekir by sacredbones ZOLA JESUS FALL TOUR DATES

Oct 06 Portland OR – Mississippi Studios
Oct 07 Vancouver BC – Biltmore Cabaret
Oct 08 Seattle WA – Crocodile
Oct 11 Minneapolis MN – 7th Street Entry
Oct 12 Chicago IL – Lincoln Hall
Oct 13 Ann Arbor MI – Blind Pig
Oct 14 Toronto ON – The Mod Club
Oct 15 Montreal QC – Il Motore
Oct 17 Boston MA – Brighton Music Hall
Oct 18 Brooklyn NY – Knitting Factory
Oct 19 New York NY – Le Poisson Rouge
Oct 20 Philadelphia PA – First Unitarian Church
Oct 21 Washington DC – Black Cat
Oct 22 Baltimore MD – Ottobar
Oct 24 Chapel Hill NC – Local 506
Oct 25 Atlanta GA – The Earl
Oct 28 Denton TX – Dans Silverleaf
Oct 29 Austin TX – The Mohawk
Oct 31 Los Angeles CA – The Echoplex
Nov 01 San Francisco CA – The Independent

Summer Camp: "Better Off Without You"

[mp3] Summer Camp: "I Want You"

We've been enjoying the melancholy sweetness of Summer Camp's debut LP 'Welcome to Condale' (November 8th 2011, Apricot Records /Moshi Moshi) for a bit, and yesterday we got a look at their brand new video for "Better Off Without You" - the A-side of a single they released this week. Grab that song along with B-side "You're Probably Right" HERE.

Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution

 [mp3] Cut Copy: "Need You Now"

There's definitely a lot of jokes in here that we could make - something having to do with opposeable thumbs maybe? Solid vid though. This Cut Copy album, while not as hard hitting as their debut has had a long shelf life on our daily shuffle. You might not be dancing on coffee tables with most of these tracks, but songs like the above "Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution" are well conceived and executed leading us to believe that Zonoscope has a good chance of making it on our top albums of the year list.Tour dates after the jump.

New Video: Neon Indian - "Polish Girl"

The new album, Era Extrañ from indie-electro-popper, Neon Indian, just released today on Static Tongues/Mom & Pop. Enjoy the new video for "Polish Girl" above.

New Lana Del Rey: "Blue Jeans"

[mp3] Lana Del Rey: "Video Games"

Here's a fantastic new song and video for Stark Artist to Watch Lana Del Rey. "Blue Jeans" is the second half of the "Video Games" 7" dropping October 10th, and comes complete with an excerpt of video from The Last Waltz. Doesn't much deviate in theme or content from the "Video Games" vid, but we're cool with that. Tickets for Del Rey's first two US shows are on sale now - we'll see y'all there. The Box - 9/21 Hotel Cafe - 9/27 Lana Del Ray - Blue Jeans by PurplePR .

New Kathleen Edwards: "Wapsuk"

[mp3] Kathleen Edwards: "Wapsuk"

We’ve been waiting, for what seems like forever for new music from Kathleen Edwards. We’d heard rumors of a relationship with Justin Vernon from various internet sources over the past months, and yesterday we got our first listen to “Wapsuk” recorded with and produced by Mr. Vernon. Blogs like Pitchfork and Stereogum lit up with the news that Bon Iver had just done something with some Canadian “folkie” named Kathleen Edwards. We’re certainly happy about the attention Edwards is getting for the new track, but it’s always weird having outlets who would have never touched her in the past all jumping on board because Justin Vernon did something new.

Edwards is a wonderful artist in her own right – with three albums to her credit. Our favorite remains Back to Me, with its soft melancholy laments intertwined with barroom brawlers equipped with lyrics that belong in the cannon of pro-female greats like Wanda, Kitty and Loretta.

Rounder is releasing Edwards’ new record Voyageur on January 17th and she’s releasing the above “Wapsuk” as part of a 7” with album track “Change the Sheets” on 9/27. "Wapsuk" was written for the "National Parks Project, a Canadian creative collaboration celebrating the centennial of the establishment of our National Parks." Haven’t heard “Change the Sheets” yet, but “Wapsuk” is a little forgettable unfortunately. We’re hoping Bon doesn’t meddle with the formula too much, as his recent music doesn’t necessarily drip with excitement. Great to have Ms. Edwards back, and from what we’ve heard from inside sources we trust, Voyageur will be one of the best early releases of 2012.

THX SVB

Your Feel Good Moment of Today - Playing for Change

Just found this via a video debut on Mashable of all places. The cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" is a compilation of musicians from around the world doing their thing. It is extremely well edited and a great way to start your morning. Watch this video play count skyrocket.

This was done in support of the 'Playing for Change Foundation" as described by Mashable below:

The Playing For Change Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bringing music and arts education to underprivileged children around the world, is debuting its cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Change” on Mashable, in honor of the first Playing For Change Day on Sept. 17.

The video blends the vocals of the Netherlands’s Clarence Bekker with percussionists from Mali, Senegal, Brazil, Colombia and Jamaica, as well as electric guitars, bass and a kora, a 21-string West African bridge-harp.

New First Aid Kit: 'The Lion's Roar'

[mp3] First Aid Kit: "I Met Up with The King"

Oh how they've grown since our first post on them years (wow, years) ago. After some apparent woodshedding, and of course, some work with Jack White (why not?), First Aid Kit, aka sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg have teamed with ace producer Mike Mogis, honed their writing, and matured a lot, it seems.

After a shaky debut, First Aid Kit's promising second LP, The Lion's Roar drops January 24th. More to come!

New Ryan Adams

[mp3] Whiskeytown: "Excuse Me If I Break My Own Heart"

Sorry for all the video posts of late... yet, videos such as the one above, are more often than not the number one way artists choose to share new music these days. Case in point, Ryan Adams. We could write a novel about this artist; his artistic indulgences, love for country music, Heartbreaker, Cold Roses, JP Bowersock, Whiskeytown, Gold, drugs, secret shows, and much more.

All that being left unsaid - what we WILL say, are that the tracks we've heard from Ryan Adams' forthcoming Glyn Johns produced Ashes and Fire (10/11) are some of the strongest we've heard from this (almost tragically) inconsistent songwriter in a long time. While there may be a few hidden throwaways on there, the word around the music industry water cooler is that this record is an almost instant classic. Looking forward to this like a 6th grade StarkNY looking forward to the new Metallica album. Let's hope this sounds nothing like Load.

Wild Flag Are The Shit

[mp3] Wild Flag: "Romance"

The Wild Flag women are industry vets. They know how to place records records at indie retail. It's just the way the business works people. This song is awesome. Wild Flag's excellent self-titled record drops next week on Merge. How can you not love Carrie Brownstein?

New Justice Video: "Audio, Video, Disco"

Happy Fall you sons of bitches. Here's to starting things off right with the video for the title track from Justice's Audio, Video, Disco. It will be interesting to see if the general populace remembers/still cares who Justice is, but our guess is that they will. Pretty cool vid for a rainy Tuesday morning. Track is ok.

New Video: White Lies - "The Power & the Glory"

White Lies (not to be confused with White Life) deliver a new video for what is easily the best track off of their newest release, Ritual. Melding aspects of The Smiths, LCD Soundsystem and more, "The Power & The Glory,' is a great tune deserving a full-volume play. The video is heartwarming -- good to know they have fans somewhere after Pitchfork panned the album with a 2.5 review. We are still fans of Rituals however, so who gives a shit.

Happy long weekend all.

New Future Islands: "Balance"

We've been loving this new Future Islands video for "Balance" from their upcoming release On the Water, available October 11 on Thrill Jockey. Aiming to "break your heart and heal your wounds" On The Water blends Samuel Herring's Waits-ian throaty rasp, with subtle and smooth layers of keys, melody and synths. The video compliments the song so well here - we feel it's best to sit back and let you enjoy it on your own.

Future Islands - Balance by snipelondon