First

I dare you to listen to this song and NOT have it stuck in your head for the next couple of days. It's so catchy!

From 'Hold My Home,' available 10/21 on Downtown Records. Pre-order the album to receive 'First' instantly: http://smarturl.it/CWKHoldMyHome

Shut In

I am in my thirties now. It's so weird. I keep discovering that this age reveals newness reminiscent of teenage transformations. Like opening something within yourself that you didn't know existed, and maybe never wanted. New pains, new ideas, new longing, new questions. A new and undefined sense of loss. It's a strange time. I'm trying to fight the strangeness with a new mission to continually seek adventure. To let the petty things go. To focus. 

This incredible song expresses some of these sentiments beautifully. It's one of many phenomenal songs on Strand of Oaks' album HEAL. If you don't own it, I highly recommend purchasing it. It's so wonderful. So very, very wonderful.

[photo by Dusdin Condren: www.dusdincondren.com/] Strand of Oaks - "Shut In" from the forthcoming album HEAL, out June 24, 2014 on CD/LP/ Digital on Dead Oceans. iTunes: smarturl.it/strandofoaks_itunes Amazon: smarturl.it/strandofoaks_amazon SCD: smarturl.it/strandofoaks Indies: smarturl.it/strandofoaks_indies Strand of Oaks: Artist Page: www.deadoceans.com/artist.php?name=strandofoaks Website: strandofoaks.net/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/PopeKilldragon Twitter: twitter.com/Strandofoaks Strand of Oaks - "Shut In" from the forthcoming album HEAL, out June 24, 2014 on CD/LP/ Digital on Dead Oceans TOUR DATES: [all dates + tix links: deadoceans.com/tour] 6/26 – New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge 8/7 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott 8/12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café 8/14 – Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub 8/15 – Bloomington, IN @ Russian Recording 8/16 – Goshen, IN @ Ignition Music Garage 8/18 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater 8/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry 8/21 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway 8/22 – Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room 8/23 – Denver, CO @ Hi Dive 8/24 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court 8/26 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern 8/28 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge 8/30 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent 8/31 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place 9/3 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo 9/4 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah 9/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit 9/7 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links 9/9 – Austin, TX @ Lambert’s 9/10 – Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree 9/11 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl 9/12 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt 9/13 – Durham, NC @ Pinhook 9/14 – Washington, DC @ DC9 9/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle

Passing Ships

Oh, beautiful music - such incredible soul-lifting notes alongside simple, yet powerful words - you get me every time. You unfold and expand through my veins and my bones with a simultaneously calming and energizing tone that is somehow more than sounds - like an invitation to feel. Maybe something in me, maybe something in the composer or performer. Maybe something shared among us. Whatever may be held in this mystery that is the power of music, it's songs like Waterstrider's "Passing Ships" that pull me in and don't let go.

Our debut album, "Nowhere Now," is out now! Order "Nowhere Now" here: waterstrider.bandcamp.com hyperurl.co/0dvls4 Your support means the world to us

www.waterstridermusic.com
waterstrider.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/waterstridermusic

10 Tracks I Need to Share Now!

I could list a lot of excuses regarding my lack of updates this past month, but I won't. Instead, I'll just pour out a ton of (OK, not a ton... ten) tracks that I'm loving right now. They range from easy listening, acoustic stuff to dance-inducing poppy goodness. There's even a killer cover in there for good measure. Listen to one of them. Listen to all of them.

From "Impersonator" an album out May 21, 2013 http://smarturl.it/majicalcloudzI _ The cheesiest songs all end with a smile This won’t end with a smile, my love Wait with me in slimy wet darkness I’ll be right beside you, my love Bugs don’t buzz when their time approaches We’ll be just like the roaches, my love It pays to be on the edge of existence Just riding the surface, my love The happiest songs all end with a smile This might end with a smile, no my love If life could be forever one instant Would it be the moment you met me? No my love

ON AN ON - "Drifting" www.ItsOnAnOn.com Download "Drifting" here: http://www.unlock.fm/1z7 ON AN ON on Spotify: http://spoti.fi/XUOeU1 www.Twitter.com/ItsOnAnOn www.Facebook.com/ItsOnAnOn Instagram: @ItsOnAnOn Tour Dates Mar 24 - Bowery Ballroom @ New York, NY* Mar 25 - The Sinclair @ Boston, MA* Mar 26 - Underground Arts @ Philadelphia, PA* Mar 27 - Black Cat @ Washington, DC* Mar 30 - Lincoln Hall @ Chicago, IL* Mar 31 - Fine Line Music Cafe @ Minneapolis, MN* Apr 01 - The Rave @ Milwaukee, WI* Apr 02 - The Shelter @ Detroit, MI** Apr 03 - Grog Shop @ Cleveland Heights, OH* Apr 04 - Stage AE @ Pittsburgh, PA* Apr 06 - The Main Street Armory @ Rochester, NY* Apr 07 - Showplace Buffalo @ Buffalo, NY* * w/ Big Data, CHAPPO ** w/ Big Data

In The Valley Below - Peaches He’s from Memphis, equally steeped in Link Wray and Phil Collins. She’s a small town girl raised in Muskegon, Michigan, who found her songwriting inspiration while living on a small boat in the West Indies. Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail met in Los Angeles, playing guitar and bass in an experimental post-rock band, but the seeds of In the Valley Below were planted one night at SXSW, when they realized there was something special in the passion and chemistry they shared on-stage. “We were working together in various bands as friends, and then something just happened,” says Jacob. “We suddenly realized there was something going on, an overwhelming urge to come together on this new project.” says Angela “I don’t know what it was. Maybe it was some of the drugs we were on.” The duo’s debut Arts & Crafts album could well be the soundtrack to a David Lynch movie, equal parts atmospheric and gauzy, with sharp hooks and sing-along choruses, inspired by faithful archetypes and dealing with powerful subjects like sex, crime and religion, as on the first single, “Peaches,” a celebration of mutual attraction and sensuality that Jeffrey jokes could just be about fruit. http://www.inthevalleybelow.com https://www.facebook.com/inthevalleybelow https://twitter.com/bookofITVB

Escape from Evil Release date: March 31st (North America), March 30th (World) Escape From Evil iTunes pre-order: http://po.st/EFEiTunes Escape From Evil Ribbon Music CD/Ltd LP pre-order: http://po.st/EFERBN

Buy this track on itunes today! https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/my-friends/id667473412 Paper Lions' brand new album, My Friends, is due out on August 20, 2013. It was recorded with acclaimed Canadian indie-rock producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan and Sara, The New Pornographers, Mother Mother) in Vancouver. Equally influenced by the clear-voiced harmonies of the Beach Boys and the clanging guitars of modern rock, at the heart of the band are long-standing friendships and vibrant pop songs based on the sandy shores of their remote island province.

New album 'When The Night' featuring "Elevate" is now available on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/WhenTheNight

Download the new EP - http://smarturl.it/iMyTypeEP Lyrics: Take a look around the room, Love comes wearing disguises. How to go about and choose. Break it down by shapes and sizes. I'm a man who's got very specific taste. You're just my type. You got a pulse and you are breathing. You're just my type. I think it's time that we get leaving. When there's loving in the air, Don't fight it just keep breathing. I can't help myself but stare. Double check for double meanings. I'm a man who's got very specific taste. You're just my type. You got a pulse and you are breathing. You're just my type. I think it's time that we get leaving. You're just my type. You got a pulse and you are breathing. You're just my type.

Mother & Father

Last week, we threw a surprise 25th anniversary party for my awesome parents. It's hard for me to believe that two and a half decades have flown by so quickly. I remember standing in the living room of our home, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, and uncles as they exchanged rings and vows. That was the day our family became whole. I was five years old. Now I have a five-year-old of my own. It's so strange to stop and realize how quickly life moves. How years and decades can slip by virtually undetected. Life moves at a speed we never ask it to. Make it a priority to live - really live - each day.

And as you're out there living each day, enjoy this great song from BROODS. This song, to me, is about home. About time. About living.

'Evergreen' is out NOW: http://umusic.ly/BroodsEvergreen 'Mother & Father' is the new single from BROODS. Get it on iTunes now: http://smarturl.it/BroodsMF Our "BROODS" EP is available now on iTunes: po.st/BROODSso Follow Broods: http://broods.co/ facebook.com/broodsmusic twitter.com/broodsmusic instagram.com/broodsmusic

The Business of Emotion

If you're in need of a catchy song that will stick itself in your brain and play itself on repeat, well... here you go!

"The Business Of Emotion" is a new song by BIG DATA and features the vocalist, WHITE SEA. Buy on iTunes http://smarturl.it/TBOE -- BigData.fm twitter.com/BigDataBigData facebook.com/BigDataBigData instagram.com/BigDataBigData -- whiteseamusic.com www.facebook.com/whiteseamusic twitter.com/whiteseamusic soundcloud.com/white-sea instagram.com/joywavemusic

Kansas City

Hello, awesome song! Even if you weren't titled "Kansas City," I would probably still love you. But my heart being so full of KC pride makes it automatic that I love you so so so much.

816 for life. Go Royals. And BBQ.

Die Formation um Produzent T Bone Burnett stellte sich der Aufgabe verschollene Song-Texte der Musik-Legende Bob Dylan zu interpretieren. Heraus gekommen ist ein gelungenes, 15 Tracks umfassendes, Album.

Bored in the USA

Is this the part where I get all I ever wanted?
Who said that?
Can I get my money back?


It's hard to provide a description for such a beautiful and simultaneously depressing anthem such as this. Father John Misty perfected this song with no need for commentary. It's certainly worth a listen, especially if you're one of the few in this herd that is awake. Helpless, but awake and aware.

"Bored In the USA" from Father John Misty's forthcoming album "I Love You, Honeybear" out February 9th on Bella Union (Europe) and February 10th on Sub Pop (North America / Rest of World). Pre-order your CD / LP / Deluxe LP direct from Father John Misty at: http://fatherjohnmisty.merchline.com Pre-order your CD / LP / Deluxe LP from Sub Pop at: http://megamart.subpop.com Pre-order your CD / LP / Deluxe LP from Bella Union at: http://store.bellaunion.com

O Come O Come Emmanuel

I'm getting old. That's the only excuse. The pessimistic Christmas-music-is-played-way-too-much-of-the-year-in-an-effort-to-make-you-get-into-more-credit-card-debt Jaime is, as of this holiday season, voluntarily listening to Christmas music. Some of it, at least. Just a few select songs. Maybe three or four.

Ok, I made a playlist.
And cleared some files off my phone to be sure to have enough room for the songs.
There are 52 songs. 

One of those 52 songs is this excellent rendition of a Christmas classic from the beautiful band Branches. It's is totally worth your time if you're looking for a little extra scoop of holiday cheer in the form of perfect vocal harmonies and magical sounds:

www.branchesmusic.com/songs-for-christmas


I learned of their Songs for Christmas EP through the wonderful music-sharing site Noisetrade a year or two ago. It's a great website, by the way. A wonderful way to check out and support emerging musicians, or just check them out without supporting them, if completely free music is your thang (it's my thang sometimes, too).

From the bottom of my heart to you and yours, Merry Christmas! I hope you are blessed with joyful time with the ones you love as you create memories that last a lifetime. It is, of course, the time spent together and the moments you share that really matter. So don't stress. And don't rack up more credit card debt.

Dearly Departed

Oh, my new love, Shakey Graves
You make me want to dance and sing.
And play guitar.
Or shake a tambourine. 
In the streets.
Like the happy fool that I am.

The first single from Shakey Graves' new album "And The War Came" available 10/7/14 Preorder CD/Vinyl at http://shakeygraves.com or http://dualtonestore.com or digital via iTunes (http://smarturl.it/shakeygraves) or Bandcamp (http://smarturl.it/SGBC) & receive this single automatically. Tour Dates at http://shakeygraves.com

Love Ain't Enough

From the artist:

"Love Ain't Enough is the song that happens when you give up on giving up on love. Either one has some kind of epiphany, or it becomes too exhausting to fight it anymore. The title is kind of misleading, as it draws from the preceding state of mind, one in which the heart is less open, insatiable. This song is optimism."

Love Ain't Enough is the song that happens when you give up on giving up on love. Either one has some kind of epiphany, or it becomes too exhausting to fight it anymore. The title is kind of misleading, as it draws from the preceding state of mind, one in which the heart is less open, insatiable. This song is optimism. We were inspired by Steve Reich to create a pulsing bed of harp, marimba, banjo, dulcimer, and other percussion, over which the guitars and vocals can rise and fall.

Gold

Oh, this is a lovely tune!

http://smarturl.it/Chet_Gold

Cavalier

The perfection of this song gives me chills, no matter how many times I hear it.

The new album 'Post Tropical' available now. Purchase on: iTunes http://smarturl.it/PostTropical Amazon http://smarturl.it/PostTropicalAmz Store http://smarturl.it/jvmstore Lyrics: speak until the dust settles in the same specific place light refused to go drink it from a cast and iron plate instead of cold milk was offered unripe instead of silence considered craven nothing made it seem hidden where the aging soil was pure pressed against the crease mountains become fragrant at the source how can you stand this exotic angle i read it somewhere that they would lie still i remember how cloth hung flexing with the forest clung half waist and high raised arms kicking at the slightest form i remember my first love i remember my first love unrelied i was called missing teeth out of favour nickel beach it was all gathering by the sundial i woke hard i woke heavy for the half way stop five whole hours in when i woke hard i woke heavy with the live or parts  i remember how cloth hung flexing with the forest clung half waist and high raised arms kicking at the slightest form i remember my first love i remember my first love i remember my first love

Fiona Coyne | Schley | Vacationer

Hints of autumn are in the air, and I am certainly thankful for that. But as I look back at the summer of 2014, I know there are some things I'll miss leaving behind. Not the excessive humidity. Not the horribly hungry mosquitos. Not the nasty sweating. Not the weird tan lines. Mainly, I'll miss a few good songs that represent the easygoing summertime fun.

"Fiona Coyne" is the a-side off Saint Pepsi's "Fiona Coyne/"Fall Harder" 7". His debut release for Carpark Records. http://hypem.com/track/25dfr/Saint+Pepsi+-+Fiona+Coyne You can also buy the 7" here: http://carparkrecords.limitedrun.com/products/529313-cak99-saint-pepsi-fiona-coyne-7 http://www.insound.com/Fiona-Coyne-Fall-Harder-Vinyl-7inch-Saint-Pepsi/P/INS134353/

"Schley" by Joyce Manor off the album 'Never Hungover Again', out now! Order on iTunes: http://found.ee/neverhungoveragain Order at the Epitaph store: http://www.kingsroadmerch.com/epitaph-records/artist/?id=449 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joycemanorband Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyceManor Instagram: http://instagram.com/joycemanorofficial

The first single off Vacationer's upcoming LP 'Relief' – out 6/24 Pre-order the album and get 'The Wild Life' now: http://smarturl.it/VacationerRelief On Tour Now. Dates/Tickets: VacationerMusic.com

Never Meant

Throwback Thursday has been all the rage once a week for that last several years. When it's no longer a trend and has become a thing of the past, when will our weekly reminiscing sessions take place?! Maybe Way-Back Wednesday will emerge from its ashes? Maybe we'll start now!

Yes, I think I'll make it a thing. And I'll kick it off (pun intended) with this American Football song that reminds me of a great group of friends who shared an unforgettable summer together in 2002. A summer of such awesomeness existed never before, and will exist never again.

A Post With No Name

It's been a long time since I shared some music on here. I blame the fact that I've shot eleven weddings so far this summer. It's been exhausting, exciting, fulfilling, and exhausting again. I spend more time on the computer than I wish I did, so when I'm done editing, I want to escape my cave of an office immediately. So I'm going to post a few great tracks that I've wanted to share for the last couple of months.

First single from the new Craft Spells album 'Nausea', in stores June 10th! Preorder here: https://itunes.apple.com/album/nausea/id845312726

New Album "Ritual in Repeat" out 9/9 via Communion Records.

Where Are You (I am Already Gone)

A wise man once said "I would rather rock than not."

And, mostly, this wise man and I have similar preferences.

But if my soul has a stomach, it is fed through my ears. And these gentle, beautiful harmonies are a delicious and fulfilling meal. 

Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Blake Wescott at Litho in Seattle Assistant Engineer Steven Aguilar Mastered by Ed Brooks at RFI All Songs by Kate Tucker Kate Tucker- Vocals, Guitars Blake Wescott- Guitars, Vocals, Mellotron Ty Baillie- Keys Ed O'Brien- Bass, Guitars Casey Foubert- Drums, Guitars, Keys

Slow Motion

This song needs no explanation. No introduction. 

Just listen.

Phox:

www.phoxband.com
www.facebook.com/phoxband

Golden Twin

So this one time, me and my girl Ashley took a superfun road trip to Omaha to see one of the most incredible shows I've ever experienced (Typhoon). I haven't yet bragged about how amazing that show was, because they were supposed to come to KC in June, and I was planning a double-brag after that show. But life happens and illness happens and bands cancel shows. And ugh. And sadness. So now I am completely bummed that I can't have twice as much of the goodness that was bestowed upon me. So I suppose I'll just single-brag about how incredible it was.

It was incredible.

Beyond the fantastic music that left my ears ringing and my heart full, the trip itself was a blast. It was filled with those random things that would normally be forgettable but become magical reminders that life is beautiful. It's lovely how you can be reminded of that at a truck stop at 3:00am as you shop for $10 ponchos.

As an added bonus, this awesome band Wild Ones opened for Typhoon. They delivered a solid performance that made my heart happy. And I want to share some of the happiness with you. 

From the debut album "Keep it Safe" out April 1, 2014 on TopShelf Records! www.smarturl.it/keepitsafe

Yesterday Was Hard on All of Us

Today's Anthem is a replay of a song I posted on here a year or so ago. This anthem is in honor of two amazing young men who left this world too soon. 

Today marks three years since my beloved friend Aaron lost (or won, I suppose) his battle with brain cancer. His friendship was a joy in my life for 7 or 8 seemingly brief years. But in that time, we made memories I'll always keep. And that's forever his gift to me. But beyond that, his incredible faith is still helping me build my own.

And this morning, friends and family laid to rest an amazing young man who lost his life in a tragic car accident a few days ago. I'm hurting for his wife, his two little boys, his parents and siblings, and all of his friends and family.

Words simply don't exist to even attempt to fill the void that these young men leave. No tribute is fitting. The hugs and the tears we share and shed don't ease the hurt or soothe the loss. Both so young and full of life. Both with so much left to give and to experience. Both deeply loved and strongly needed by so many people. It hurts knowing that four people were robbed of the joy of growing old with their spouse. That two little boys will grow up without their incredibly proud and devoted daddy. That two mothers had to bury their babies. That these two men didn't receive the years and decades they most certainly deserved. It hurts knowing that the empathy I feel for their loved ones can't take away even a tiny bit of the pain they will live with for the rest of their lives.

But what I love and treasure is the fact that they both blessed so many people with their love and their existence. And that I was able to witness some of their greatest moments on days when our lives intersected.

Album version of the lead single from Perfect Darkness