Christopher Owens: "Here We Go"

I still don't understand the logic in going "solo" from a successful band that was essentially just YOU, and losing all the marketing cache and fan love from your band name. Whatever the reason, Christopher Owens, formally of Girls, dropped this new flute-addled track today, and announced Lysandre out January 14 on Fat Possum, not the home label of Girls (which was Beggars). Track is good, but perhaps not up to the high standards set on the last masterful Girls album. We'll see where this story goes I guess.

Royal Headache: "Girls"

Royal Headache's "Girls" mp3 - http://bit.ly/xWjX4p
Royal Headache's "Down the Lane" mp3 - http://bit.ly/GCO7c1

While not as instantly indelible as "Down the Lane" we're really enjoying this Aussie punk group's second single "Girls" from their recently released debut LP. It's not easy for a band like this to break stateside, but the 1960s home video tour footage is a charming accompaniment to their scuzzy melodic three chord attack. Royal Headache is playing the following US dates:

Fri. June 1 - Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn (Chaos in Tejas)
 Sat. June 2 - Austin, TX @ Club Deville (Chaos in Tejas)
Wed. June 6 - Minneapolis, MN @ House Party
Thu. June 7 - Chicago, IL @ The Burlington
Fri. June 8 - Madison, WI @ University of Wisconsin
Sat. June 9 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
Wed. June 13 - New York, NY @ Cake Shop
Thu. June 14 - New York, NY @ Warsaw w/ Ceremony (Northside Festival)
Fri. June 15 - Boston, MA @ P.A.'s Lounge

Girls: "My Ma"

The third video from "Father, Son, Holy Ghost" - of which, I've become a true true fan. It's only taken 10 months for some reason.Directed and edited by Aaron Brown and shot by Grant Singer and Aaron Brown.

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.

New Girls Video: "Vomit"

[mp3] Girls: "Vomit"

Very much looking forward to this new record. Does anyone else hear a heavy Floyd influence here? Solid track. Girls’ new album Father, Son, Holy Ghost is set to drop Sept. 13.

GIRLS: Father, Son, Holy Ghost 9/13

[mp3] Girls: "Heartbreaker"

You wouldn't think we'd be huge Girls fans. But, we're discerning bloggers. We don't feel it's fair that, for awhile at least, Girls were lumped in the same beach/lo fi movement that exploded last summer, and is essentially a death sentence for any band looking to make a lasting impression on the music world. It remains to be seen if Real Estate can make it, despite their new signing to Domino. Girls debut was solid, with three or so standout tracks. Yet, their most recent EP Broken Dreams Club is what intrigues us the most. The tracks on that EP are mature, well thought out, and a real step forward for the band. We love this new focus and direction, and have high high hopes for this talented group with an upward trajectory.

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"?

Tweet

On Our Radar: Leisure "It's Alright (On the Suez Canal)"

[mp3] Leisure: "It's Alright (On the Suez Canal)

Boston band Leisure have started to make a name for themselves by landing a support slot for the upcoming run of tour dates with Girls. Their sound is a little more polished than you would expect from someone touring with the lo-fi SF band, but Leisure's songs are quite engaging and filled with dynamic vocal performances, strings and even a tinge of Beirut's eclectic melodic sensibilities. Interested in hearing more from them for sure. They have a 7" coming next month, but you can grab tracks here. Tour dates after the jump. (via)


Apr 1 2010 Paradise w/GIRLS Boston, MA
Apr 2 2010 Voyeur w/GIRLS Philadelphia, PA
Apr 3 2010 Webster Hall w/GIRLS New York, NY
Apr 7 2010 Dionysus Club (Oberlin College) w/GIRLS Oberlin, OH
Apr 9 2010 Phoenix Concert Theatre w/GIRLS Toronto
Apr 10 2010 Magic Stick w/GIRLS Detroit, MI
Apr 11 2010 Pabst Theater w/GIRLS Milwaukee, WI

You Were a Bitch, I Was an Ass

Yours Truly Presents: Girls "Laura" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

It feels like forever that we've been waiting for the new Girls album, Album to come out. Well, next Tuesday is the day. As agreed upon by most of the blog and indie world, this is indeed one of the best albums of the year. Genre-wise it's all over the place, but the sonic quality and production tie the whole package together extremely well. "Laura" is clearly a highlight. It's that song that you instantly recognize, and swear you've heard on the radio somewhere before. With the right moves and songs like "Laura", Girls have a legitmate chance of breaking into the music mainstream, whatever that is these days.

This morning, GVB debuted this live video of "Laura" live from the band's homebase in San Fran. The video origionally came from new Stark friends on the left coast and awesome blog Yours Truly. Enjoy with your morning MUD coffee, delicious.

Girls' "Album" Due Sept. 22

We posted the great video for Girls' newest tune "Hellhole Ratrace" last Friday, and today we get news that their debut full-length Album is due September 22 on True Panther Sounds in conjunction with Matador. While we've only heard the epic single, we're certainly looking forward to hearing the rest of this record. From the Matablog:

Built on the powerful songwriting of Christopher Owens and the ethereal production of Chet “JR” White, Girls recorded Album in a variety of bedrooms and rehearsal studios in their adopted hometown, San Francisco. The resulting 12 tracks are the perfect San Francisco summer record, evoking a narcotic, sunny afternoon in Dolores Park, yet promising the eventual hangover of summer’s departure. Album is a redemptive song-cycle about the various characters and desires that color Christopher Owens’s life. Described by the band as “honest, loose, ethereal, obnoxious and perfect,” it is a sincere tribute to the majesty of great pop music and the healing power of rock and roll.

Matt's Artists to Watch 2009

Photo - Pavla Kopecna

So we're already a few weeks into January and the first major release dates are quickly approaching. There is already building buzz for a packed release schedule featuring albums from some of the biggest names in indie rock, and also some stellar records from some of music's lesser known names. In the first half of the year, records are due from Grizzly Bear, Lily Allen, Animal Collective, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird and M.Ward. Yet, there are formidable challenges to these larger releases in the form of gems from Bosque Brown, The Soft Pack, Girls, Alela Diane, Here We Go Magic, Wavves, Fan Death, Little Boots, Ida Maria, and my current favorite Harlem. While the great records we've heard (and not heard yet) are almost too much to absorb - here are three artists with upcoming records that should not be missed. Andrew and Vince's picks are coming next week. Mine are after the jump.


Scroll down for mp3s

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - s/t (Slumberland February, 3)
Not matter what the buzz, how great a band looks, where they come from, what label they are on, or who their friends are, it all comes down to great songs. In the most simple terms, that is where the Pains of Being Pure at Heart excel. POBPAH are able to craft perfect 3 minute pop songs drenched in gauzy distortion yet rooted in melody and played with the excitement and passion of a garage full of high school kids. This New York band mines their sound from 80s and 90s rock, successfully melding catchy acoustic guitar progressions with overdrive-laden electric guitar power chords. POBPAH have released a collection of highly acclaimed singles for labels such as Fortuna Pop!, Atomic Beat and Cloudberry. Slumberland will release The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on February 3. While it's easy to make comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine, POBPAH have produced a unique record compete with the quality and staying power that assures them a place as one of the best new bands of 2009.

the bird and the bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (Blue Note, January 27)
the bird and the bee are not new. They've already accumulated a decent modicum of success due to their self-titled debut released in 2007. Yet, their follow-up record Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future finds the LA duo finally stepping into their own. There was always something kitschy and sugary-sweet about tbatb. That was part of the appeal. Yet, their songs never really stayed with you. They were fleeting indulgences best consumed in small doses. Yet, all that has changed with their sophomore record. Greg Kurstin's production has never sounded better and Inara George's voice has more of an edge and purpose than ever before. After their debut and two so-so EPs, tbatb have finally delivered the full record critics and fans have been waiting for. The songs on Ray Guns, most notably the stand-out "Love Letter to Japan" (below), are driven by strong melodies and infectious instrumentation. tbatb sound more mature and self-assured in their music. This new record, coupled with the band's previous success bodes well for a very fruitful 2009.

Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks February 9)

It feels like Dent May has been around forever. His music seems so familiar, yet every time we listen, it's still as great as we remembered. There is an exuberance and joy in May's songs. He's not making any sweeping commentary in his lyrics, nor is he trying to alter the music spectrum with his instrumentation. His music is truly just good feeling music. Every one who listens is instantly a fan, that's the beauty of this record. You can play it anywhere for anyone. Dent May sings casually in a charming croon about drunks, dance parties, and girls. Imagine if Beirut took some Prozac and played at a spring BBQ and you can get a sense of Dent May's sound. May has the look and the attitude of someone who is bound to be a staple on the indie-rock scene of 2009. Discovered by Animal Collective in his home state of Mississippi, Dent May has signed to their Paw Tracks label. Clearly Dent May has the pedigree for success, but what's so refreshing is that his sound and record all justify the praise and buzz sure to come to him in 2009. He is hitting the road with New Pornographer AC Newman this winter.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything with You" - mp3
the bird and the bee - "Love Letter to Japan" - mp3
Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden" - mp3

Walter Meego Is Crazy, Likes Girls

Not since the Beastie Boys' loving (and slightly sexist) ode to the female species in 1986 has a ridiculously cheesy song named "Girls" been so awesome. But here we are, 22 years later, and now the disco rock duo Walter Meego has taken the blogosphere by storm with a heavily synthesized jam in honor of the ladies, complete with a tasty vocoder.

Walter Meego is not one man named Walter; rather, it's two Chicagoans named Justin and Colin, reveling in their self-proclaimed "effervescent pop." The duo's debut album, Voyager, comes out May 27 on the Almost Gold Recordings label. We've got the disc, and it's perfect for urban block parties and suburban barbeques alike.

Download the "Girls" mp3 exclusively here.

- Andrew Daniels