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MP3 At 3PM: Pierced Arrows

February 8, 2010

piercedarrows4392“Let It Rain” is the new single from Oregon trio Pierced Arrows, the band that rose from the ashes of the now-defunct Dead Moon. Raw, uninhibited vocals and thudding bass abound on the track, which appears on the band’s sophomore full-length, Descending Shadows, out last week via Vice Records. Pierced Arrows will be celebrating the release with a North American tour with fellow garage-rockers Lullabye Arkestra, starting February 23. And here’s a bonus mp3 for “Paranoia.”

“Let It Rain” (download):

“Paranoia” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Balmorhea

February 7, 2010

balmorhea4503Instrumental quintet Balmorhea doesn’t waste time when it comes to creating albums. The Austin, Texas, band has released an album every year since 2007 and doesn’t show signs of slowing down any time soon. This year brings us Constellations, which Western Vinyl will issue on February 23, followed by a North American tour with Denmark’s Efterklang. Balmorhea’s newest release is a more meditative work, which can definitely be heard on first single “Bowsprit”; it starts off with sparse, jerky beats and blooms into a haunting mélange of stringed instruments.

“Bowsprit” (download):

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In The News: Dirty Projectors, My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Jónsi, Liars, The Magnetic Fields, Gogol Bordello And Free MP3s

February 7, 2010

arcadefireDirty Projectors will perform their 2005 album The Getty Address in its entirety for two shows: one in New York on February 19, another in Los Angeles on February 27. They will be accompanied by Alarm Will Sound Orchestra, conducted by Alan Piersen with an arrangement by Matt Marks … My Morning Jacket will tour the Southeast with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for several dates this spring, including a performance at the New Orleans Jazzfest … Joining the ranks of bands doing good for Haiti is Arcade Fire (pictured), which has teamed up with Partners In Health, the NFL, Merge Records and Bank Robber Music for a charity Super Bowl licensing of “Wake Up,” from 2004’s Funeral. All proceeds from the song’s airing will go to Partners In Health’s Stand With Haiti relief efforts … After a five-year hiatus, Broken Social Scene is finally back with a new, as-yet-untitled album, which will be out on May 4 … Sigur Rós frontman Jon Thor Birgisson (a.k.a. Jónsi) has gone solo and will release his debut album, Go (XL Recordings), April 6, then embark on a North American tour, which promises to feature a dazzling stage show created with the help of 59 productions … Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof have joined forces to perform Joy Division’s debut album, Unknown Pleasures, on April 29 at Donaufestival, which will take place April 28-May 8 in Krems, Austria … Sisterworld is the new album from Liars, and it will be released on March 9 as a two-CD version, the second disc featuring reinterpretations of each track by guest artists including Thom Yorke, Devendra Banhart, Melvins, Alan Vega, Tunde Abedimpe, Atlas Sound and Carter Tutti. Liars will also be supporting Sisterworld on a North American tour with Fol Chen this spring. Download “Scissor” … The Magnetic Fields are releasing a boxed set of their 1999 concept album 69 Love Songs on limited-edition 10-inch vinyl (plus MP3 download coupon) on April 20. Download “The Book Of Love” … Gogol Bordello will release fifth studio album Transcontinental Hustle this spring and will celebrate with The Casa Gogol Tour. The tour will take the gypsy-punk band all over Australia, North America and Europe, featuring appearances by DeVotchKa, Matt & Kim, Tres Leches After Party Sound Crew and others … Ceremony: A New Order Tribute is out on March 9 as a two-disc deluxe package, featuring 32 New Order covers by various artists including New Order/Joy Division bassist Peter Hook, Detachments, Rabbit In The Moon, John Ralston, Sunbears!, the Cloud Room and others. The album will benefit a children’s charity in memory of Factory Records founder Tony Wilson … 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of Bad Religion. The punk rockers will celebrate all year long with performances at the House Of Blues in L.A., Anaheim, San Diego and Las Vegas. The band plans to release its 15th studio album of new material this fall … TargetCancer (a non-profit organization devoted to helping fund research into rare and lesser-known cancers) has launched a download series called “The Right Track: Tunes To TargetCancer,” which features exclusive downloads of new and little-known music from Weezer, Ween, the Donnas, Dean & Britta, Drug Rug, Cowboy Junkies and others. “The Right Track” will sponsor a series of concert and events, with proceeds going to research funding … On March 2, Peter Gabriel will release Scratch My Back, which features reinterpretations of songs by Radiohead, David Bowie, Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Lou Reed, Talking Heads, Bon Iver and many more … February 26 would have been the late Johnny Cash’s 78th birthday, so to celebrate, his final studio album, American VI: Ain’t No Grave, will be released. Fans are also being asked to wear black that day and post pictures of themselves in their mourning garb online; in doing so, they will be eligible to win a copy of the new album and Cash’s five-CD boxed set, Unearthed … The Cribs and the Thermals are teaming up for a limited-edition split seven-inch for Record Store Day, which is April 17 … Longtime PJ Harvey collaborator John Parish will be featured on the soundtrack for She, A Chinese, which will be released digitally worldwide on March 16 … Sweden’s the Soundtrack Of Our Lives have just issued a digital EP featuring three new tracks and announced a U.S. tour with Nico Vega this month. Double-CD Communion is out now … Fall Hard is a digital EP featuring three new songs from Shout Out Louds, and it’s available via the Merge Records store. Fans can pre-order upcoming full-length Work and see the band on its U.S. tour in May. Download “Walls”

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MP3 At 3PM: The Laureates

February 6, 2010

thelaureates6182The Laureates have dubbed 2010 the “year of the covers,” because they are planning on recording and releasing a cover song for free download on their website every month. First up are the Chicago quartet’s takes on the Velvet Underground’s “I Can’t Stand It” and the Breeders’ “Do You Love Me Now,” which you can download below. But that’s not all. The band is also releasing a new EP, No Kontrol (Funambulist), on February 16, which will send the guys on a string of live performances, including East Coast dates in April.

“I Can’t Stand It” (download):

“Do You Love Me Now” (download):

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Normal History Vol. 46: The Art Of David Lester

February 6, 2010

lestNormalHistoryVol46Every Saturday, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 26-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.

The host of the film festival is standing in front of the screen on opening night. There are only about 20 people in attendance, mostly art-student types and one older guy, a big fat guy with a beard and long slicked-back hair wearing a sweatshirt with a logo across the front. He looks like he got lost on his way to a tugboat captains’ potluck.

“We are very pleased to have one of our directors here tonight,” the host says nervously into the microphone. “Jean Smith’s film Attraction Is Ephemeral will be second in the program. Jean? Can you can give us a wave?”

People turn to see where I am—at the very back. I wave and smile. Lights out. People laugh at my film and clap loudly at the end. Half way through the third film, I elbow David, and we start to move slowly from our back row seats as planned. We’re sneaking out for a few hours before our performance. My glasses case drops and clunks on the wood floor, alerting anyone who cares to turn around that we are leaving. I’m giggling and David is shushing me.

Returning well in advance of our one-hour set, the first band is holding off on playing until more people to arrive. David and I take turns sitting at our merch table: CDs, singles, LPs, books, t-shirts, postcards.

I am taking a close look at the gallery’s very old electrical outlets when the tugboat captain arrives. I guess he wasn’t in the wrong place. I watch him looking very carefully at a short stack of our promotional postcards, which feature a rather scantily clad me. Intending to set the postcards back on the merch table, he accidentally drops them and they swish across the floor. He crouches to pick them up and, in this position, he opens his jacket and slides about a dozen postcards into his pocket. He stands up and puts the remaining postcards back on the table. I get a sort of creepy feeling, and I’m curious. I wander over to the table and listen to him joking around with one of the event organizers—he’s flirting with her, teasing her. Maybe she’s his girlfriend. His name is Glen. He’s a painter.

“When is the music going to start?” Glen asks me. “It’s past my bedtime.”

“Mine too.” I laugh. “I hope they start soon.”

“I want to buy this CD,” he says. “How much is it?”

“It’s $10, but have you heard our music before?”

“No.”

“Why don’t you wait until after we play before you buy it?”

“I may not be here then.”

“Maybe you won’t like it,” I say.

“Well, then I’ll return it. I live nearby. I’ll go and listen. If I don’t like it, I’ll bring it back.”

“I’ve never had a return before,” I say. “You should stay, listen to our set and then decide if you want to buy the CD.”

Glen buys the CD and sticks around. During our set, Glen is sitting with the organizers, positioned behind a post. As I’m singing, I’m wondering why he is hiding and what he thinks of these songs about guys I’ve gone out with. The audience laughs in all the right places—and in a few new places. After our performance, I make my way to our merch table where Glen is standing looking at the CDs.

“So,” I say. “Do you need to return the CD?”

“No,” he says. “Actually, I need to listen to your lyrics again. I missed some of the words when you were singing.”

“Some of the words to my dating adventures?”

“Yes, I need to study more about the details of what was so wrong with each guy,” Glen teases.

“Ah ha. A little bit of research, eh?” I say.

“Which dating website do you use?” he asks.

“Lavalife.”

“A friend of mine suggested I try Lavalife. I looked at it, but I just felt very sad.”

“Sad?”

“The photos of women revealing themselves to get a date. It just felt sad to me. Here’s a question for you: When you meet these guys, are they worried that you might write a song about them?”

I start to answer, but we are interrupted by a few people wanting to buy CDs. Glen waits a while, then waves good-bye and heads down the stairs.

I wake up in my crisp, clean motel sheets thinking about Glen’s question: Do guys I meet think I’m going to write about them? David and I go for coffee and pastries in a nearby café. We make a plan to pack up our stuff and go to a couple of festival events before heading home.

I am happy to see Glen at the noon event in a small gallery.

“Hey,” I say. “Last night you asked me if guys are concerned that I might write a song about them.”

“Oh—I forgot about that. Has it ever come up?”

“It has, in fact. I mean, after last night, after listening to my songs, would you go on a date with me?”

“A date?”

“Yes, a date,” I say. “If I asked you out on a date.”

“If you asked me out on a date?”

“Yes.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Sure. We could go for steak and lobster at the Keg And Cleaver,” I say.

“Lobster?”

“Yes. Steak and lobster.”

“Steak and lobster?”

“Yes, steak and lobster,” I say. He’s a big guy. He probably doesn’t want to go out for a salad.

“At the Keg And Cleaver?”

The woman Glen was joking around with last night is standing with us. “Just say yes Glen. Just say yes.” I guess she’s not his girlfriend. Glen looks confused—or maybe he’s teasing me again.

“It could just be steak,” I say, starting to wish I hadn’t said anything. “It doesn’t have to be steak and lobster.”

“Now you’re taking the lobster out of the deal?” he says.

“No it can be steak and lobster, but it doesn’t have to be a date.”

“Now it’s not a date?”

“It’s two artists going out for dinner. We’ll have a fun time,” I say and move away to look at the photos in the gallery, wondering why Glen is making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be, wondering if he thinks this is funny. I’m wishing I hadn’t said anything.

Glen comes up beside me and says, “I’m not sure I know what a date is. What if the date part doesn’t work out? Can we still be friends?”

“I’m unclear on what a date means, too. I think we can be friends either way.”

“To Avoid Pain” from Mecca Normal’s The Observer (download):

The Observer (Kill Rock Stars, 2006)

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MP3 At 3PM: The Hush Now

February 5, 2010

thehushnow465Boston quintet the Hush Now has been receiving a lot of critical praise in the blogosphere in recent months, garnering numerous comparisons to bands like Built To Spill, Wilco, the Stone Roses and Teenage Fanclub. Not bad for a group that’s still unsigned. On February 16, the Hush Now’s sophomore release, Constellations, will be available as a free digital download (along with its debut, which is available here now). Check out Constellations‘ second single, “Contrails,” which is pure-pop heaven with boyish vocals and generous cymbal crashes.

“Contrails” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Langley Sisters

February 4, 2010

Langley3249The new millennium’s answer to the Lennon Sisters is the Langley Sisters, a family trio from London that creates music that sounds like it was pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. “Strange To Be In Love,” for example, overflows with heavenly vocal harmonies and whimsical lyrics, such as “I’ll be your Rita Hayworth if you’ll be my Clark Gable, too.” The girls’ first release will be a limited-edition seven-inch, Queen Bee (Velvet Blue Music), which was recorded and produced by Ed Harcourt. There are only 400 pressed (plus each one includes a drop-in card with download code), so order it soon.

“Strange To Be In Love” (download):

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The Temper Trap Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

February 4, 2010

TemperTrapmix

Australian quartet the Temper Trap first captured the attention of American audiences at last year’s SXSW with its soaring, dreamy melodies and throbbing beats, so much so that the band’s breakthrough single, “Sweet Disposition,” was later featured in the teaser trailer for (500) Days Of Summer. Since then, the band has released its debut album, Conditions (Glassnote), to critical acclaim and is now set to embark on its first headlining North American tour in March. Drummer Toby Dundas took some time out of his now-busy schedule to make MAGNET this very eclectic mix tape, ranging from smash pop hits to obscure Aussie rock.

“Down River” (download):

The Joy Formidable “Greyhounds In The Slips”
 Great song from our old touring partners. Video

Fever Ray “When I Grow Up”
 Eerie vocals at sea in a swirling, hypnotic drone. Video

Rowland S. Howard “(I Know) A Girl Called Jonny”
 Opening track from Howard’s latest (and final) solo offering.

The Boys Next Door “Shiver”
 Australian classic featuring Nick Cave and Rowland S. Howard. Video

Radiohead “Idioteque”
 Inspires spastic dancing from the first beat. Video

Beyoncé “Sweet Dreams”
 Banging pop hit from Beyoncé. Video

Depeche Mode “Enjoy The Silence”
 “Words are very unnecessary/They can only do harm.” Awesome. Video

The Walkmen “Revenge Wears No Wristwatch”
 Slow burning wake song from New York five-piece. Video

Australian Crawl “Reckless”
 Forgotten gem from the vaults of Australian rock. Video

Empire Of The Sun “Walking On A Dream”
 Uplifting pop gem from the mind of the Steele. Video

Lady Gaga “Paparazzi”
 Check out the video to double your appreciation for the song. Video

Massive Attack “Angel”
 Dark and brooding. A trip-hop classic. Video

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MP3 At 3PM: JJ

February 3, 2010

jj9791Sweden’s JJ is back with its second album, jj nº 3, available on March 9 via Secretly Canadian. The LP is the follow-up to last year’s acclaimed jj nº 2, whose album art we are big fans of. (In case you were wondering, jj nº 1 was the name of JJ’s debut single.) You can download jj nº 3’s pillowy, harmonica and dulcimer-infused “Let Go” below and check out the band on tour with the xx, starting late March. And as a bonus, here’s another mp3: “Ecstacy,” from jj nº 2.

“Let Go” (download):

“Ecstacy” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: A Weather

February 2, 2010

aweaterh5599MAGNET is proud to premiere the first single from A Weather’s sophomore album, Everyday Balloons, which is out on March 2 on Team Love Records. “Giant Stairs” is a quietly exultant number that features the Portland, Ore., quartet’s signature boy/girl vocals from guitarist Aaron Gerber and drummer Sarah Winchester. Everyday Balloons promises to be a bit more electric guitar-driven than A Weather’s 2008 debut, Cove, while still maintaining the band’s intimate, folky sound that captivated its fans in the first place.

“Giant Stairs” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Scout Niblett

February 1, 2010

scout3123Singer/songwriter Scout Niblett (who takes her stage name from the To Kill A Mockingbird narrator) just released her fifth album, The Calcination Of Scout Niblett (Drag City). If you’re not familiar with her music, don’t expect sweet, clean-cut indie pop. The Kurt Cobain influences on the title track are obvious, with lethargic beats and grunged-out guitar, and they meld perfectly with Niblett’s Cat Power-esque vocals and minimalism. She’ll be playing a bunch of North American dates starting this month. Download the title track below.

“The Calcination Of Scout Niblett” (download):

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Q&A With Los Campesinos!

February 1, 2010

Los-Campesinos!As evidenced by both their music and exclamatory band name, the seven members of Cardiff, Wales’ Los Campesinos! are excitable boys and girls. The group’s third album, Romance Is Boring (Arts & Crafts), is an energetic, all-hands-on-deck dash through the pantheon of sharp indie pop and sloppy post-punk, gathering steam from Bright Eyes’ sense of emotional catharsis and Art Brut’s wry take on modern love. Try to gather all the influences brought to bear on Romance Is Boring by LC!’s seven-member army, however, and we’d be here all day. MAGNET spoke to songwriter Tom Campesinos! and guitarist Neil Campesinos!—all members (Tom, Neil, Ellen, Gareth, Harriet, Ollie and Kim) have taken the band’s surname—about the new album. Los Campesinos! will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week.

“There Are Listed Buildings” (download):

Read More »

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MP3 At 3PM: Dum Dum Girls

January 31, 2010

dumdumgirls5743If you’ve ever wished your favorite 1960s girl group would go all garage rock on you (and really, who hasn’t?), look no further than Dum Dum Girls. The Los Angeles quartet—Dee Dee, Jules, Frankie Rose and Bambi—is set to release its debut album, I Will Be, on March 30 through Sub Pop. (The LP follows two EPs and a seven-inch.) Download I Will Be’s first single, the fuzzy-and-poppy “Jail La La,” below.

“Jail La La” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Morning Benders

January 30, 2010

morningbenders6928Check out “Promises,” the first single off Big Echo, the Morning Benders‘ follow-up to 2008’s Talking Through Tin Cans (which iTunes crowned the best indie/alternative album of that year). The California quartet just signed to Rough Trade Records and will release the album, produced in 11 days by singer/guitarist Christopher Chu and Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, on March 9. Download “Promises” below.

“Promises” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Elaine Lachica

January 29, 2010

elainelachicha3799Elaine Lachica is a New York singer/songwriter backed by a band with some major indie-rock credentials: drummer Mark Stepro (Ben Kweller), bassist Rob Calder (Ari Hest), guitarist Aaron Lee Tasjan (New York Dolls), a string quartet led by violinist Rob Moose (Sufjan Stevens, Antony And The Johnsons) and a brass section led by trumpeter Jon Mizrachi (Essie Jain). They all contributed to Lachica’s third album, I Think I Can See The Ocean (Stunning Models On Display), out February 23. Check out the breezy, lounge-y opener, “Behind My Mind,” below. And as a bonus, download an mp3 for album track “Bewilder” as well.

“Behind My Mind” (download):

“Bewilder” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Ruby Suns

January 28, 2010

rubysuns7083For a much-needed glimpse of summer during these dismal winter days, check out “Cranberries,” the new single from Auckland, New Zealand, trio the Ruby Suns. The track, loaded with synth and tribal rhythms, is from the band’s third release, Fight Softly (Sub Pop), and it will have you imagining yourself on the beach in no time. Pick up the album on March 2, then catch the band on its U.S tour with Toro Y Moi.

“Cranberries” (download):

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Clipd Beaks Make MAGNET A Mix Tape

January 28, 2010

ClipdBeaks

After two woozy, psychedelic, and often–claustrophobic records that touched upon their great potential (2006’s Preyers EP and 2007’s Hoarse Lords), the Oakland-based Clipd Beaks have birthed something pretty damn amazing. To Realize is a turning-point. A record of personal and artistic growth. Sonically expansive, lyrically profound, and deeply moving. It recalls the societal hangover depicted in the great California rock records of the early 70’s, while sitting firmly in the noisy, chaotic present day. It’s a tribute to love, to moving forward, to rejecting doom. To Realize places itself as a beacon of sprawling, humanist hope in an increasingly digital world. Anyone who still believes in the transformative power of Rock n’ Roll will recognize it in this record.
“Sounds perfectly fuzzed to these ears” – Stereogum
“Wildly danceable, postpunk mania” – Time Out
“Beneath the caustic bass and smeared keyboards lies some serious,
seriously damaged songwriting” – The Onion
http://www.myspace.com/clipdbeaks
http://www.lpurecords.com/v1/index.php

Clipd Beaks just released its sophomore album, To Realize (Lovepump United). The 11-track LP mixes psychedelic rock with chaotic noise, drone-y post-punk and sonic experimentation. When the Oakland trio submitted its mix tape to us, the boys included this note: “We had a great time putting this together and appreciate the opportunity. We picked out songs that are close to our hearts and share similar themes as the ones we’ve presented on our new record. Enjoy.” We’re sure you will as much as we do.

“Blood” (download):

Royal Trux “Follow The Winner”
 Royal Trux have got that “we’re in our own world and don’t give a fuck” attitude that we also ascribe to. This one’s about winning.

Johnny Thunder “I’m Alive”
 Ever since we first heard this track, it has been our go-to song for feeling awesome/loving life. Johnny’s performance on this just cuts through all the bullshit and kills you. You are reborn. Video

Primal Scream “Don’t Fight It, Feel It”
 Clipd Beaks love Primal Scream! They just might be the first band we bonded over when we first started playing together; it was more or less our anthem! “Don’t Fight It” is one of many favorites of ours by this band. Video

Mu “Let’s Get Sick”
 We have no idea what she is saying. There are sirens, a great beat with great energy and an amazing R&B breakdown. This is the 2000s at its best. Video

High On Fire “Rumors Of War”
 Gotta love how the lyrics can be taken at face value, as a protest of war and evil in the world, yet they are vague enough so that they might actually be about a personal war/struggle with evil. Either way, Matt Pike is the real deal. Video

P.M. Dawn “Paper Doll”
 We have, at times, claimed to be the P.M. Dawn of noise rock. (Thanks, Greg.) We get a lot of shit for liking P.M. Damn. But they were wearing muumuus and rapping about existentialism in 1991. Who else was doing this? Maybe there were some others, but I doubt they were wearing muumuus. The vocals alone just sound heavenly. Video

David Bowie “Lady Grinning Soul”
 Amazing love song. Very descriptive and the all-around color is warm. It’s pretty grandiose, and the melodies are lush. Video

John Lennon “Mother”
 This is sincerity at it’s best. This is rock. Video

Pink Floyd “Fearless”
 Peaceful defiance. “And I’ll climb that hill in my on way, just wait around for the right day.” Video

Nirvana “Sappy”
 “And if you save yourself, you will make him happy.” Video

John Frusciante “Wind Up Space”
 One of Nick’s guitar heros. Here’s a track from John’s To Record Only Water For Ten Days album, a really powerful introspective record that you should check out if you are unfamiliar. Video

The Beatles “In My Life”
 This is one of the most poignant songs about reflection ever written. Don’t forget where and who it came from!! Video

Smashing Pumpkins “Suffer”
 This band’s early output pretty much sealed our fate as rockers. “All that you suffer is all that you are.” Video

The KLF “Build A Fire”
 Party boys chill out. We’re gunna build a fire. The KLF and all their various incarnations have been a huge influence on us. They literally built a fire and burned all their money in it. For real. Video

Basement Jaxx “Breakaway”
 Taking every day lament and making it sound celebratory and making it sound like Flyte Time productions is transcendental. Video

Depeche Mode “Clean”
 The overall sound of this song is quite dark, but lyrically it’s empowering. Video

Beck “Blackhole”
 Let’s end this with a song that tells you that everything is going to be OK as it envelopes you in giant slow-motion waves of blackness. Video

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MP3 At 3PM: Sonoi

January 27, 2010

Sonoi2877Sonoi is a trio from Chicago with a pretty substantial background in the music business. You might already know guitarist/vocalist Adam Busch and bassist/keyboardist Ryan Hembrey from their work in art-pop group Manishevitz, and drummer Pierce Doerr has had compositions featured on This American Life. As Sonoi, the three have already shared the stage with the New Year, MV & EE and the Plastic People Of The Universe. Now, the band is set to release its self-titled debut on April 27 via Low Transit Industries, and the album’s first single premieres today exclusively on magnetmagazine.com. “Sherry Fall” is a blissful pop song with an underwater gurgle of guitars and earnest vocals.

“Sherry Fall” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Seabear

January 26, 2010

seabear3776If you like Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens and pretty much anything that comes out of Iceland, then prepare to fall in love with this new single from seven-piece indie-folk outfit Seabear. “Lion Face Boy” is off the Icelandic band’s sophomore album, We Built A Fire (Morr Music), which will be released in March. Its U.S. touring debut (including performances at SXSW) will follow.

“Lion Face Boy” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Sara Lowes

January 25, 2010

saralowes3016Sara Lowes has spent a lot of time working with other artists such as the Earlies, King Creosote, Micah P. Hinson and Jim Noir, but this time around, she’s bringing us some original solo work. The release date for Back To Creation (Red Deer Club) is still a mystery, but if “soon” isn’t good enough for you, download “Night Times” below and get lost in layers of blissful vocal harmonies.

“Night Times” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore

January 24, 2010

bensollee4922For a good cause, check out Dear Companion (Sub Pop), an album written and performed by Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore and produced by/featuring Jim James (of My Morning Jacket and Monsters Of Folk). A portion of the proceeds from the record, out February 16, will benefit Appalachian Voices, an organization devoted to ending mountaintop-removal coal mining. All three musicians hail from Kentucky, which shouldn’t surprise you after you listen to the bluegrass-y “Something, Somewhere, Sometime.”

“Something, Somewhere, Sometime” (download):

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In The News: MGMT, Weezer, Jim James, Iggy Pop, Willie Nelson, The White Stripes, Gorillaz, Jason Collett, Public Image Ltd And Free MP3s

January 24, 2010

whitestripesMGMT and Weezer will be co-headlining New Jersey’s Bamboozle Festival at the Meadowland’s Sports Complex on May 1 and May 2. Tickets are on sale now … My Morning Jacket’s Jim James (or Yim Yames, depending who you ask) and his cousin/collaborator Johnny Quaid are creating a new online label, Removador Recordings And Solutions, which will allow James and Quaid to share some of the musicians they admire with the world … Iggy Pop has joined the lineup for the 20th Annual Tibet House U.S. Benefit Concert, alongside Philip Glass (the concert’s artistic director), Regina Spektor, Patti Smith, Jesse Smith, Gogol Bordello and more. The show will take place February 26 at Carnegie Hall … Country/rock legend Willie Nelson has signed to Rounder Records, which will issue his new album, Country Music, on April 13 … The White Stripes (pictured) are releasing their first-ever live album and documentary, Under Great White Northern Lights (Third Man), on March 16. The footage is taken from the duo’s 2007 tour across Canada in a quest to perform in all of the nation’s provinces and territories … Team B, a spinoff of Beirut and Arcade Fire, is releasing a free EP, available on the band’s website. It’s called The Lost Son and features lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Theodore Roethke … Plastic Beach is the new album from Gorillaz (out March 9 via Virgin Records), featuring first single “Stylo” (which boasts appearances by Mos Def and Bobby Womack). The band will also appear at Coachella with an April 18 headlining slot … American Laundromat Records has collected lullabies and non-lullabies covered by various indie artists—such as Sigur Rós, Stars, Dean & Britta, Telekinesis and Say Hi—and put them on an album called Sing Me To Sleep, available May 18. The proceeds for the album will benefit The Valerie Fund, which provides support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders … On March 9, Jason Collett’s fourth full-length album, Rat A Tat Tat (Arts & Crafts), will be released. An EP of six songs recorded during album sessions, To Wit To Woo, will be available digitally and on Collett’s spring Bonfire Ball Tour. Download “Little Tiger” … The Spring Skaward Tour is a celebration of the career milestones of the English Beat (commemorating the 30th anniversary of its debut) and Fishbone (which released its first singles 25 years ago). The tour, supported by Louisiana band Outlaw Nation, will start mid-February … The Plimsouls are coming out with a previously unreleased 18-song live album, which was recorded at the Whisky A Go Go on Oct. 31, 1981. Live! Beg, Borrow & Steal (Alive) is out February 23. Download “Zero Hour” … After a bit of a hiatus, Man Or Astro-Man? will re-form and “host a variety of benefits and charities,” also playing several shows at SXSW. Download “Junk Satellite” … Speaking of hiatuses, Public Image Ltd played its first shows in 17 years in December, and it has just been announced that the band will take the stage at Coachella on April 16 … Yet another band is returning with new material: The BoDeans have signed with 429 Records and will release Mr. Sad Clown on April 6, just weeks after they appear at SXSW with Cheap Trick … Waaga Records, an offshoot imprint of Lefse Records, is celebrating its inception by offering free downloads of 15 new songs on its website.

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MP3 At 3PM: Vinca Minor

January 23, 2010

vincaminor5424Vinca Minor is the alias of Seattle native Matt Menovcik, who takes his namesake from a periwinkle flower and draws inspiration from movie scores such as Brian Eno’s Music For Films. Menovcik’s debut album is out February 9 on Second Shimmy Records. The aptly titled Isolation is sparse yet emotional, as can be heard on the hazed-out, ambient “Waves” and “In Your Arms,” which you can download below.

“Waves” (download):

“In Your Arms” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: White Hinterland

January 22, 2010

whitehinterland475Check out the lovely vocal stylings on “Icarus,” from White Hinterland’s March 9 release Kairos (Dead Oceans). This is the third album from Casey Dienel—the second under her pseudonym White Hinterland—but this attempt is unlike any of her previous work. Abandoning earlier influences of jazz and Francophilia, Kairos shifts to a more introspective, electronic sound that showcases Dienel’s captivating voice.

“Icarus” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Heligoats

January 21, 2010

heligoats68852009 marked the 10-year anniversary of the Heligoats, a project of Christ Otepka that he has maintained even while working with other full-time bands, such as Troubled Hubble. Otepka spent a brutal Chicago winter jamming and recording with members of local band Ulysses S. Grant (who are now Heligoats members), and on February 2, new record Goodness Gracious will be released by the Greyday label. Download down-to-earth acoustic number “Fish Sticks” below.

“Fish Sticks” (download):

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Eluvium Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

January 21, 2010

EluviumMixTape

Portland, Ore’s Matthew Cooper has been making ambient records as Eluvium since 2003. Like previous efforts, the new Similes (due out via the Temporary Residence label on February 23) was recorded at Cooper’s home studio, though the eight-track album marks the first time an Eluvium record features percussion and singing. With this excellent mix tape he made us, you’ll get a sense of what it’s like hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.

“Leaves Eclipse The Light” (download):

“The Motion Makes Me Last” (download):

Aphex Twin “Xtal”
 Mark Smith from Explosions In The Sky gave me a mix of Aphex Twin a few years back; somehow most of his work had escaped me. This was the opening track of the mix. Mark is a dear friend and a mean mix-tape maker among other things. I thank him for properly opening my eyes to the AFX world. Video

Arthur Russell “Losing My Taste For The Night Life”
I owned First Thought, Best Thought for quite a while before getting to this track. I guess I was just too busy listening to “World Of Echo” instead. When I finally found this piece, it seemed to sum up so much of what I loved about Arthur Russell both musically and lyrically. Video

Brian Eno “On Some Faraway Beach”
Probably not so near my favorite Eno song (though I’m not sure I’d know where to begin with that list), but the lyrics are just so lovely and the way the instruments are just barely holding it together—falling in and out of time slightly—is really wonderful. Video

Broadcast “Tears In The Typing Pool”
I’m not sure what it is about this song; it seems so very matter of fact in its delivery, I suppose. But whenever I think of Broadcast, I seem to autopilot mentally to this song every time. Video

Leon Fleisher “Sheep May Safely Graze”
Many people have played Bach, but this is the one for me. I believe the title says enough. I thank my brother Philip endlessly for showing me this piece and all of the album, Two Hands. Video

The Books “Vogt Dig For Kloppervok”
I could probably put anything from Lost And Safe here; the ingenuity of this record is astounding. I would have liked to have placed the last track of this album somewhere in this mix—as the words are just beautiful—but for the sake of mix-tape flow (even in the hypothetical sense), this is the one that made it. I consider the Books to be one of the most important things happening in music—or art of any form, for that matter—these days. Perhaps they might laugh at that statement. Video

Cluster “Zum Wohl”
Oh, Cluster—how I love thee. If you ever find yourself in the wooded mountainous region just before the coast of the Pacific Northwest—slowly weaving along through bits of sun and leaves, chasing a little creek through the damp to the ocean—this quite possibly could be the song for you.

David Byrne/Terry Hinely “Glass Operator”
Truly wonderful men. A truly wonderful song. Video

OMD “Of All The Things We’ve Made”
It was very inspiring to me at the time to hear a single open guitar strummed endlessly and a single drum hit over and over again to create such powerful music. My wife showed me this album when we first met at a record shop here in Portland maybe nine years ago. She knows what’s up. Video

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MP3 At 3PM: AFCGT

January 20, 2010

afcgt4758AFCGT is the twisted love child of Seattle bands A Frames and Climax Golden Twins, and it’s still a mysterious entity despite forming more than two years ago. The band’s new, self-titled release is out January 26 on Sub Pop as both a vinyl LP (with a bonus seven-inch single) and as a digital album. Here’s the distortion-and-feedback-riddled “Two-Legged Dog,” which clocks in at an epic 10 minutes.

“Two-Legged Dog” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Radar Brothers

January 19, 2010

radarbrps6405The breakup of Radar Bros. in January 2008 was only a brief setback for singer/guitarist Jim Putnam. He’s since changed the name back to Radar Brothers, recruited bassist Be Hussey and drummer Stevie Treichel and recorded new album The Illustrated Garden. The reincarnated band—augmented live and on future recordings by Brian Cleary (Movies) and Dan Iead (Broken West)—will be touring this summer. The Illustrated Garden is out March 23 on Merge. Download first single “Horses Warriors” below.

“Horses Warriors” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Robert Pollard

January 18, 2010

robertpollard2779Robert Pollard has yet another amazingly prolific year planned. While his ’90s indie-rock peers are busy cashing in on the reunion circuit, Pollard continues to record and release new music at an astonishing clip. First up is the “Silk Rotor” seven-inch with two exclusive b-sides (January 26), and then the fun begins. There’s solo album We All Got Out Of The Army (February 23), Circus Devils’ Mother Skinny (March 30) and a Boston Spaceships’ EP (Camera Found The Ray Gun; April) and LP (Our Cubehouse Still Rocks; May). Pollard is currently working on another solo album (Moses On A Snail) as well as collaborations with Gary Waleik of Big Dipper (Mars Classroom) and ex-GBV guitarist Doug Gillard (ESP Ohio). MAGNET is proud to premiere “Talking Dogs” from We All Got Out Of The Army below.

“Talking Dogs” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Good Shoes

January 17, 2010

goodshoes581London quartet Good Shoes promises that it’s avoided the sophomore slump with second album, No Hope, No Future, which was self-written, recorded and produced in local basements and bedrooms, complete with DIY artwork. And its first single, “Under Control,” is as energetic and danceable as an Arctic Monkeys hit. No Hope, No Future is out January 26 via Brille Records.

“Under Control” (download):

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In The News: Johnny Cash, Kings Of Convenience, Dr. Dog, Alec Ounsworth, The Low Anthem, The Wedding Present, Dirty Projectors And Free MP3s

January 17, 2010

drdog10

The Munich electro-rockers in Lali Puna have announced the release of their first new album in five years, Faking The Books, via Morr Music … The second annual Harvest Of Hope Fest has announced its lineup, with stellar guests including Billy Bragg, Dr. Dog, the Mountain Goats, the Delta Spirit and Kimya Dawson. The festival will take place March 12-14 … The much-beloved Roy Orbison will finally receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 29. The golden-voiced singer, who passed away in 1988, will be celebrated by fans and musician friends alike … American VI: Ain’t No Grave, the sixth and final installment of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings album series, will be released through American/Lost Highway Records. Guests include Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers as well as Matt Sweeney (Chavez), Jonny Polonsky, Smokey Hormel and the Avett Brothers‘ Scott and Seth … Rhino Handmade will be releasing a six-disc Wilson Pickett boxed set, Funky Midnight Mover: The Atlantic Studio Recordings (1962-1978), later this month … Norwegian popsters Kings Of Convenience have announced their first North American tour in five years. Dates have been scheduled February 12-20, with stops including Boston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia … Sad news from These Arms Are Snakes, as the Seattle experimental rockers have announced their breakup … Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog (pictured) has announced the release of its Anti- Records debut, out April 6. The band has described Shame, Shame as having “a darker tone” with “themes of doubt, confusion and unanswered questions” … Dr. Dog isn’t the only Anti- artist from Philly delivering some good news this year. Alec Ounsworth, of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, has announced his first solo headlining tour in support of his highly praised new albums, Mo Beauty and Skin And Bones (credited to Flashy Python), from January 22 to February 25. Download “That Is Not My Home (After Bruegel)” … January 12 marked the first-ever digital release of Billy Bragg’s solo catalog (via Yep Roc), complete with bonus tracks and b-sides … Having just made its network-TV debut on Letterman as well as earning the number-one spot on MAGNET’s list of the 20 best albums of 2009, Rhode Island trio the Low Anthem will be doing an extensive headlining tour and playing dates with the Avett Brothers. Download “Charlie Darwin” … Gil Scott-Heron, one of the most influential American singer/songwriters, will release his first new album in 15 years, I’m New Here (XL), this week … Fans of the Rat Pack (which, hopefully, includes just about everyone) should be pleased with a deluxe reissue of Frank Sinatra’s 1966 classic, Strangers In The Night (Concord), on January 26 … Iconic British indie band the Wedding Present is returning with a tour this April in celebration of the 21st anniversary of Bizarro, its major-label debut … Experience Hendrix and Sony Music will issue 12 previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix studio recordings; Valley Of Neptune is in stores March 9 … Coming off a very good year, Dirty Projectors are celebrating 2010 with a limited-edition seven-inch called “Ascending Melody,” available now through Domino Records—or for free on the band’s website … This year marks the fifth anniversary of Turtle Records, and the label is celebrating with a free mp3 sampler, available here and featuring music from Chilli, Ohayo Samba and Amycanbe … Dream-pop duo Damon And Naomi has launched a new website, naomivision, where Naomi Yang will be posting new videos, photos and more.

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Will Johnson Loves You Just The Same: The Anomoanon

January 16, 2010

WillJohnsonEven if his name isn’t instantly familiar to you, Will Johnson has probably been a part of at least one musical project you’re a fan of. After moving to Denton, Texas, in the early ’90s for college, Johnson formed Centro-matic, which has released numerous records since 1996. In 2002, Johnson, his Centro-matic bandmates and guest musicians started issuing more introspective records under the South San Gabriel moniker; the same year, Johnson released his first solo LP. Since, Johnson has played drums with Monsters Of Folk, toured with the Undertow Orchestra (featuring David Bazan, Mark Eitzel and Vic Chesnutt) and started work on a Woody Guthrie project (with Jay Farrar, Jim James and Anders Parker) in the vein of the Wilco/Billy Bragg Mermaid Avenue albums. Johnson’s latest release is the self-titled debut by Molina And Johnson (on Secretly Canadian), his duo with Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.). As if he wasn’t busy enough already, the Austin-based Johnson will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with him.

Anomoanon2350Johnson: It’s kinda difficult for me to center on one of their records as an outright favorite, so I guess I’d rather just salute and celebrate the Anomoanon’s existence. Our band, South San Gabriel, did a short run of shows with them back in the summer of 2001, and this band’s music has remained in regular rotation in my world ever since. Three releases serve as great starting points: their self-titled full-length, Asleep Many Years In The Wood and Joji. Ned Oldham and Co. flirt with elements of country, folk and classic rock throughout, but in the end, it’s a walk down a path that’s all their own. Maybe that’s par for the course for a guy who comes from a family of vast musical and songwriting triumph. Either way, I can’t remember a time or place where I haven’t been in the mood to hear his voice and their music.

“Mr. Train” (download):

“One That Got Away” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Love Is All

January 16, 2010

loveisall3363Gothenburg in 2010 seems like a far stretch from California in 1965, but for a minute there, Swedish quintet Love Is All sounds like it was thinking what the Mamas And The Papas were thinking with new single “Kungen,” which you can download below. The band has just signed to Polyvinyl Records and will be releasing its third album, the 12-song Two Thousand And Ten Injuries, on March 23.

“Kungen” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Rogue Wave

January 15, 2010

roguewave4653California’s Rogue Wave decided to make a dance record after band founder Zach Rogue suffered a freak back injury that caused him to be bedridden for several months. If that doesn’t inspire you to get up and move just because you can, maybe the beat-driven track “Good Morning” will. The song will be on the band’s fourth album, Permalight (Brushfire), which is due out March 2. Download “Good Morning” below, and read our 2005 Rogue Wave feature.

“Good Morning” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Slow Six

January 14, 2010

slowsix4026The experimental and unconventional Slow Six is releasing its third album, Tomorrow Becomes You (Western Vinyl), on January 26. The New York-based band is known for captivating audiences with heart-wrenching, Philip Glass-like instrumental beauty, and the new album is sure to do the same. Just one listen to “The Night You Left New York” will have you hooked.

“The Night You Left New York” (download):

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