Cat Power has been under the radar for a few years but that doesn’t mean she’s disappeared. In fact she will be releasing her new album Sun in September. “Ruin” is the single from the album and is a great step for Chan Marshall. It’s different from music she’s made in the past and has a Latin vibe to it. In fact it seems way more upbeat than her most recent album back in 2008, Jukebox. It almost reminds me of a more developed version of her past song “Free,” which was released in 2003. She performed and produced her upcoming album herself and is the first original…
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Song of the Week: “Fineshrine” by Purity Ring
As the summer continues, great pool party songs keep coming our way. This week’s pick is “Fineshrine” by the Canadian band, Purity Ring. While the band seems to be somewhat of a mystery their electronic tinged Indie Pop songs are definitely hitting the airwaves in College and XM radio. This duo is made up of Megan James and Corrin Roddick. “Fineshrine” shows off Megan James’ sweet voice while capturing their slightly dub breakdowns. Check out the video for “Fineshrine” here.
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Song of the Week: “Automatic Systematic Habit” by Garbage
It’s been seven years since Garbage released their album “Bleed Like Me” and finally in May of this year, the band released Not Your Kind of People, their fifth studio album. Shirley Manson may be just about one of the coolest women in rock with her unbreakable attitude and unique fashion. The newest album opens with “Automatic Systematic Habit” which fully captures the iconic Garbage sound. It doesn’t sound like modern day alternative rock but it doesn’t sound outdated either. This band remains relevant even though their sound was truly born in the ’90s. This high powered rock song is an anthem for all…
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Song of the Week: “Keep You” by Wild Belle
It’s officially summer, so why would you listen to music that isn’t perfect for rolling around town with your windows down? “Keep You” by Wild Belle provides a slightly dub beat that’s oh so perfect for hot days by the pool. In addition, the song includes a pretty badass saxophone part. Wild Belle certainly could be Indie’s new darlings. This brand new band is made up of siblings Natalie and Elliot Bergman from Chicago. They’ve barely released any music yet caught the attention of the media with their single “Keep You.” And already, they’ve played both SXSW and Coachella. Watch out for this band, there’s definitely more to come from…
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Song of the Week: “Mind Control” by Friends
"Mind Control" by Friends is just so damn catchy.
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Song of the Week: “The Only Place” by Best Coast
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoPoRuNTo9U&feature=fvwrel]”The Only Place” is the title track off Best Coast’s sophomore album which comes out May 15th. The song holds the characteristics of the catchy music from their debut album, retro sounding, short and sweet and summery. Yet, Bethany Cosentino may have traded in her slightly whiny voice for a more country sound. It works out great for Best Coast, perhaps marks the maturation from debut to sophomore album. Obviously Best Coast loves California, their band name after all does reflect that they think “the west is the best.” This new single is all about their love for California.
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Song of the Week: “You’re Early” by 2:54
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9blpg5NknU] When Goth was reborn in the 80’s it pertained to music both dark and beautiful. Bands like The Cure and and Bauhaus so perfectly fit the description. However, Goth became warped and mutilated and became something not so beautiful but more dark and twisted. 2:54 brings the old Goth back to life. Who are they? Two sisters from England, Hannah and Colette Thurlow. There music is largely described as shoegaze but is the Goth that once lived and captured so many hearts back in the 80’s. This music is definitely for fans of I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness and The XX.
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Song of the Week: “Walking in L.A.” by Missing Persons
Missing Persons, an 80’s new wave band, was fronted by Dale Bozzio who was well known for her outrageous outfits and unusual voice. “Walking in L.A.” speaks the truth about L.A… “nobody walks in LA.” And they really don’t. The weather is beautiful, the houses are lovely, but somehow it’s rather unstylish to walk to your destinations. Missing Persons’ song appeared on their debut album, Spring Session M, an album that went gold. An upbeat and fun song to listen to, “Walking in L.A.” delivers enough of an edge to make it rockin’. Various members of the band met through Frank Zappa. The band is no longer together. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U2mvoh8j4M]
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Song of the Week: “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTSUwIZdMk&ob=av2n] Sonic Youth. You’ve heard the name but have you heard the music? Probably the original hipsters, Sonic Youth made nerdy cool. This week’s Song of the Week is their song “Kool Thing” off their seventh album, Goo. Kim Gordon directly alludes to the corruption of pop stars and rappers because of fame. David Browne’s book “Goodbye 20th Century” tells a story of Kim Gordon interviewing LL Cool J for Spin and finding out that he wasn’t nearly as cool as she thought he was, he didn’t even know who Iggy Pop was. She took her emotions about this out in the song “Kool Thing.” If you’ve never quite understood Sonic Youth, “Kool Thing”…
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Song of the Week: “Lowlife” by Scanners
“Lowlife” was released on Scanners debut album Violence is Golden back in 2006. Six years later, the song still haunts me. From London, England, this talented band has almost disappeared but is not forgotten. “Lowlife” is a beautiful song that is paired with a video both eerie and effective. The lyrics open with “I know you’re not ready to live, are you ready to die?” “Lowlife” is the perfect song to listen to when you are indeed feeling alone. It has the right amount of darkness that can really make you feel something, whether it is sadness or reflection. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNzFzNHJh8g]
