Check it out at Bloc Party’s site.

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]

Well, Imogen has a new album coming out sometime this fall/winter. And, she’s been documenting the albums progress on her vlog. Each entry is about 10 minutes long and the content ranges from hearing snippets of her new tunes, to incredibly boring dialogue…all of which I love.

Anyhow, this last weeks entry is worth listening to if you’re an Imogen lover because she previews four songs of her new disc! And her accent is amazing, and she says “shitloads.”

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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I can prove it…

Just click the play buttons, this is the full album in it’s proper order.

Life in Technicolor
[See post to listen to audio]
Cemeteries of London
[See post to listen to audio]
Lost!
[See post to listen to audio]
42
[See post to listen to audio]
Lovers in Japan
[See post to listen to audio]
Yes
[See post to listen to audio]
Viva La Vida
[See post to listen to audio]
Violet Hill
[See post to listen to audio]
Strawberry Swing
[See post to listen to audio]
Death And All His Friends
[See post to listen to audio]

Now go buy it from Amazon!

Whaddya think of the new disc people? Especially you, oh Coldplay hater.

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.

This album is complex. Expect it to last. It’s going to take multiple listens to appreciate how good it really is. It think it could be in the running for best disc of 2008 (big statement…I know).

Tracks range from the classic “Photo Album” feel (No Sunlight, Bixby Canyon Bridge) to a sound similar to the Beatles (You Can Do Better Than Me) to the Transantlanticism “Passenger Seat” sound (Grapevine Fires) to an even slightly southern sound (Your New Twin Size Bed).

It’s just really good. The tracks tell a story. The disc starts dark and maybe even a bit angry. Towards the middle, things seem to relax…as if the disc has gotten over a stressful event. Around track 9, it picks back up–but I feel like it’s a bit more pessimistic and dark lyrically…it reminds me a bit of “A Movie Script Ending” off “Photo Album.”

Lyrically, it’s Gibbard’s same honest, raw style. “Pity and Fear” starts with the line

I have such an envy, of this stranger lying next to me

If you hated Plans, you’ll love this. If you loved Plans, you should still love this. If you loved Photo Album, I think you’ll like this. If you loved Transatlanticism, you’ll definitely love this.

Go buy the mp3 album Narrow Stairs for $9.99, DRM free at 256KPBS at amazon.com.

I’m having a hard time figuring out what song to post here…but I’ve chosen the intro because I think that says so much about an album, “Bixby Canyon” and I’ve chosen “Pity and Fear” because it’s dark, and intricate, and awesome.

And I love how long most of these songs are, that’s one thing they do so well. They have an incredible ability to make long songs that continue to be interesting.

Listen!

Bixby Canyon: [See post to listen to audio]
Pity and Fear: [See post to listen to audio]

Find them:
Myspace Profile
Facebook Profile
YouTube Profile

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]

But, I’m thinking this song rules. Anyone ever heard these guys? It’s a really cool mix between some indie, some rock, and some electronic. There’s one point where I feel like I’m listening to Ratatat.

I haven’t checked out much else of their stuff; but check out Radio 4’s Quit Hiding

[See post to listen to audio]

It got a lot of buzz, and it deserved it–both for the idea and how solid the disc was.

Their newest idea is even cooler. They’ve split up their latest single Nudeinto different “stems.” In other words, you can buy the single tracks off this song and remix it yourself. You can buy the vocals, FX, strings etc. and make your own song. You can they upload it yourself. What an awesome idea.

Here’s what they say about it:

For those of you who enjoy this sort of thing, you can buy the separate components or ’stems’ (bass, voice, guitar, strings/FX and drums) and remix your own version of the song. You can do this by adding your own beats and instrumentation or just remixing the original parts. More information here: http://www.radioheadremix.com/information/

Also…

If you purchase all five ’stems’ from iTunes during the first week they’re available, you’ll be sent an access code to a GarageBand file ready to open in GarageBand or Logic. However, you don’t need GarageBand to do a remix, all the stems are in iTunes Plus format and compatible with several music software platforms. The GarageBand file will be emailed out on April 11th.

I love Radiohead. Why wouldn’t they do this? It’s just a great way to get people to interact with their music. Unlike the D-bags of the world who sue their listener’s for stealing their music; Radiohead wants us to take their stuff, download it, and make it our own.

If you haven’t heard Nude, it’s a great track. I’m testing out a little mp3 player below, you can only use it from within my blog, not from your reader. It’s been giving me problems, so hopefully it will work.

[See post to listen to audio]