This is a really old side project of Jim Atkins from Jimmy Eat World. It’s interesting to note that the first track of “Chase this Light” is actually “Big Casino.” OOOoooo

Go Big Casino - Richmond Again

[See post to listen to audio]

Sigur Ros is one of my favorite bands in the world.

Three rows back, this was the best show I have ever seen in my life. It was probably the only show I would ever label as an “experience.” It visually amazing, and their gorgeous music was even better live. For those of you who don’t know much about Sigur Ros, read on. For those of you who just want to listen to their new album — the whole thing — it’s at the bottom of this post.

Sigur Ros is from Iceland. I first got turned on to them when living and working Mexico. I say that, because it was one of the most physically exhausting jobs I’ve ever had, and every night I would fall asleep to Sigur Ros’ “( )” album. That album enabled more rest — both physically and mentally — than anything else during that time. Track #3 is one of my favorite songs ever.

The “( )” album was written in Hoplandic–a variation of Icelandic that Sigur Ros decided to make up. Most every song that they play, their guitarist plays with a bow rather than a pick. Their drummer has the biggest cymbal’s I’ve ever seen in my life. And I’ve never heard a band more patient than these guys.

They recently created their first film entitled “Heima” which I’m dying to see.

‘heima’ is sigur rós’s first ever film, filmed over two weeks last summer when the band undertook a series of free, unannounced concerts in iceland. they hauled 40-plus people round 15 locations to the furthest flung corners of their homeland for their debut venture into live film, to create something, well, inspirational.

If you have never heard them, start with the ( ) album. Takk is also absolutely amazing, so that’s a good place to start as well. The new album, “Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust,” arrives in the US on June 24.

Have a listen to the whole album below. It’s really, really different than their old stuff. Including a few songs in English! It’s quite a bit more upbeat.

Last.FM hasn’t quite figured out their Widget yet, so you’ll have to click on each song individually rather than just click the big “Play” button. I recommend popping it out in a separate window for an un-interrupted playing experience.

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Amiina - Sexfaldur from the album Kurr:

[See post to listen to audio]

I’ve said before that Sigur Ros was the best show I’ve ever seen. When I saw them a few years ago, Amiina was their opening act and they were gorgeous. Four girls, also from Iceland, who make such pretty music. When I saw them, they only had their EP out, so I’ve been waiting anxiously for a few years for their first full length, and I finally picked it up the other day. You should download it for $7.99.

At their live show, they added layer upon layer as they each walked from one instrument to another and built music in front of my eyes. It’s absolutely captivating to watch them work together. They play everything from the xylophone, to violins and cellos, to glasses, to the saw.

I had seen a band play the saw before I saw Amiina, but not like this. Amiina actually made it add something to the music, rather than playing the saw just to play the saw.

One of my favorite parts of their show, was when they came on stage with Sigur Ros and played a quartet of strings through one song after another. It was just amazing!

I you like the sounds of the song above, and you’re not sure what it means to “play the saw,” check out this video of their song “Seoul.”

Leading Off: Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static
Next: Angels and Airwaves - We Don’t Have to Whisper
Closing: Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

I care deeply for each and every one of these CD’s. If you haven’t heard them yet; go check them out. Jack’s new CD is different; but it still has the same ability to make you believe you don’t have a care in the world, and just “be.” I have a feeling that of the above three albums, Jack’s will get a lot of playing time on the beach…he’s just the perfect beach music.

If you’re interested…you should let me know what you’re spinning this weekend…after all, the weather is changing, so should our music.

My lady wife, my friend Cole and I went to see these guys at 9:30 awhile ago. That made the second time I’ve seen them live, and they were still amazing. While it wasn’t the “best” show I’ve ever seen in my life, they are certainly one of the most talented bands I’ve ever seen.

They’re from England, and have that piano driven flare to them. Their lead singer/writer/producer, Matt Hales, wrote a symphony when he was 16 years old…I wonder if it’s as good as the one I wrote when I was 14. His brother Ben rocks out on the guitar.

When I first saw Aqualung, Matt grabbed a guitar and said he wanted to play live so he could feel like a rockstar. He then proceeded to slide across the stage on his knees–and he was just playing chords and laughing, making fun of himself. He may be the funniest guy I’ve ever seen live. You should check out his blog, which is also clever and funny.

Also, another cool little tidbit is that he’s also producing other people’s music. All in all, he’s a pretty rad musician. The newest Aqualung disc “Memory Man” is a pretty solid album.

Here’s a track entitled “Something to Believe In” for your listening pleasure. I particularly like this song because of how rad the ending was live. They just rocked out.

[See post to listen to audio]

I’m not saying the video is great (I do like it); but I am saying this song is rad. And, if it’s any sign of what the new disc will be like, I’m going to makeout with it.

So, awhile ago I blogged about the upcoming Coldplay disc, which I am excited about. They’ve just given us a sneak peak into their new album with the single, Violet Hill.

It starts out with some calm intro space keyboard & and then just starts driving. The beat and the driving base reminds me a bit of “Politik.” Martin’s voice sounds a bit different, and the whole song is a bit more ‘raw’ than a lot of their other stuff. If ‘raw’ isn’t the right word, it’s certainly dirtier.

I’m always intrigued when bands release a single pre-album. It says so much about what they think of the album. “This is what we want you to think” is what they’re saying. This is their statement. When we think of the new disc, this song will influence what we expect. In my opinion, they’re hoping we’ll think “less pretty, dirtier, edgier, less produced, a bit more careless, louder” etc.

All in all, I like the song. I’m actually pretty excited if this is the tone of the whole album–which arrives June 18.

Have a listen: [See post to listen to audio]

Whaddya think?

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My friend told me about these guys the other day, and I’m on board. I can’t speak for the whole album; but I can speak for what I’ve heard so far–particularly the song “Bloodstream.” And the album art is sick.

I’m always searching for good tunes that have an electronic flare. Often when pursuing this perfect blend I end up hearing music that makes me feel like I should be wearing a lego necklace and stoned, or at a greasy club with one too many shirt buttons undone and far too much product. So far, Stateless hasn’t done either of those–although there have been a few moments where I wonder, “Would Moby listen to this? Because if so, I’m out.”

Anyhow, these dudes are from the UK–which of course in todays music industry automatically means they’re profound and edgy. They fall into the wonderful genre of “trip-hop” and do a good job within it. Most of their songs have a minor key feel, and often times they can stress you out a bit–or at least make you kind of paranoid.

I would consider listening to this song when you’re interested in staring a hole through something. Or, when you’ve got a pen in hand, and are ready to write something reflective. This type of music always inspires me into reflection.

Have a listen young ones:

[See post to listen to audio]

She’s been around for awhile; but it seems not many of my friends have heard Madeline Peyroux. Her 2004 disc (which is my favorite) entitled Careless Love is what got me hooked on her. Her newer disc, entitled Half the Perfect World, is also a really solid option.

She’s not the type of music you listen to everyday; but every time I listen to her I wonder why I don’t.

Check out the track Blue Alert off Half the Perfect World:

[See post to listen to audio]