FREE MP3s

MP3 At 3PM: Fang Island

FangIsland453More “easy listening” from prog rockers Fang Island. The Brooklyn outfit, fond of upbeat anthems and power chords, is set to unveil its self-titled sophomore album on Tuesday via Sargent House. Already causing a commotion, “Daisy” is well worth the buzz. Its electro-organ intro, accompanied by chanted vocals, eases into sophisticated fretwork that soars. Somewhere between the Power Rangers theme song and pop/punk at its best, “Daisy” will make you slam dance, hug your best friend and high-five someone you don’t know. Ending almost choral with delicate blips from outer space, this track is totally rad. Download “Daisy” below. And here’s a bonus mp3 for “Life Coach.”

“Daisy” (download):

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“Life Coach” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Secret History

secrethistory3588Impeccable post-pop with a sophisticated smidge of glam, the Secret History serves up melodrama for the young at heart. “Johnny Anorak,” from The World That Never Was (Le Grand Magistery; out March 22), is seeped in the frustrations of a retro adolescence. Reviving the vocal glory of ’60s girl groups, “Johnny Anorak” kick-starts with rousing cheers, claps and crisp guitar. Dreamy synth and forthright chords transform the clean-cut diction of vocalists Lisa Ronson and Erin Dermody into that of true femme fatales. Tastefully nostalgic.

“Johnny Anorak” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Twin Tigers

twintigers4814Athens, Ga.-based four-piece Twin Tigers is undoubtedly the creative lovechild of Matthew Rain and Aimee Morris. Former lovers/co-workers, Rain and Morris called their romance quits for the sake of the band. After hearing a few tracks off their debut album, Gray Waves (Old Flame), it’s clear that they made the right choice. A mix of gritty noise pop with a side of shoegaze charm, Twin Tigers’ use of feedback and fuzzy vocals creates the perfect backdrop to the band’s pensive lyricism. Due for physical release March 2, Gray Waves will dazzle anyone with a soft spot for distortion or My Bloody Valentine. Download “Passive Idol” below.

“Passive Idol” (download):

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Ortolan Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

Orlanmix

An ortolan is a tiny bird that can sing a sweet tune, and it makes a fitting namesake for this band comprised of three sisters and one sister-in-law from South Jersey. Ranging in age from 16 to 23, the members of Ortolan produce a lovely feminine sound woven into charming and strangely familiar melodies. The quartet’s debut full-length, Time On A String (Sounds Familyre), will be released March 9, and the record-release party will be held in MAGNET’s hometown of Philadelphia. This mix tape was a collaborative effort; each sister contributed her own set of songs, with a surprisingly cohesive result. Must be sisterly intuition.

“Sticky Situation” (download):

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Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
Jill: It’s nostalgic, but fresh and as simple as Cheerios. When I hear it, I know that life is good. Video

Regina Spektor “Samson”
Brianna: Regina is one of my favorite artists. All her music is composed so well. This is a song I will never get tired of hearing. I sing to it every time it’s on. Video

The Animals “House Of The Rising Sun”
Lara: I just recently started listening to the Animals. I love them. Eric Burdon has such a strong voice. The way the song was written, it was just brilliant. Video

Johnny Cash “It Ain’t Me Babe”
Stephanie: Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash are both such great artists. To have a song with a little bit of Cash and Dylan, it just makes it such a wonderful song. I also just enjoy the simpleness of it. Video

Blind Melon “No Rain”
Jill: It takes me back to grungy flannel shirts and awesome MTV videos. It’s just fun. Video

I Was A King “It’s All You”
Brianna: This song has a great intro to it; the piano in the beginning is great. It’s the best when I listen to it as loud as possible.

Doris Day “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”
Lara: You might laugh, but I really love this song. It’s from my favorite scene, in one of my favorite movies, Strictly Ballroom. Every time I hear it, I just want to dance. Video

Lisa Mitchell “Coin Laundry”
Stephanie: I enjoy finding new artists by looking at different band pages. That is how I found Lisa Mitchell; I bought her CD right away. She has such a unique voice, and this song is just so fun. No matter how many times I listen to it, I never get sick of it. Video

The Beatles “Hey Jude”
Jill: It’s beautifully sincere and powerfully moving. I get goosebumps every time I hear the “na-na-na-na”s. Also, my mom’s name is Judy, and my dad would sing it to her. Video

Priscilla Ahn “Dream”
Brianna: This was the second song I heard by Priscilla Ahn. As soon as I heard it, I fell in love. The lyrics are my favorite. Video

Cat Power “The Greatest”
Lara: She is such an amazing artist, and this song was written so beautifully. It just makes me sing every time I hear it. Video

Sigur Rós “Sé Lest”
Stephanie: One of the reasons I love Sigur Rós is because their music is so different and creative. I could just sit down and do nothing but listen to them and be so satisfied. Video

Ray Charles “America The Beautiful”
Jill: It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger; it’s honest and hopeful. It’s got soul and roots. Video

mewithoutYou “The Fox, The Crow And The Cookie”
Brianna: I’m a big fan of this song. Mostly because every time I listen to it, I literally picture the story he’s singing. It’s almost like a picture book. Video

Markéta Irglová ”The Hill”
Lara: It is such a sad song, but it’s got such a sense of beauty and love to it. If you were to listen to my CD mixes, you would always find this song. Markéta’s voice is so incredible. Video

Camera Obscura “James”
Stephanie: This band is pretty rad. They somehow captured the “oldies” sound, while keeping a new sound, too. This song reminds me of sunny days or anything summer-ish: sundresses, sunglasses, sun tea and sunscreen. Video

Jars Of Clay “Love Song For A Savior”
Jill: It strengthens my faith and reminds me of how intimate my God is. Video

Cat Stevens “Where Do All The Children Play”
Lara: I love the live version of this song. (Not that I was there to hear it, but I watch it on YouTube all the time.) My mom was a huge Cat Stevens fan, so growing up, we would always listen to him. All my friends would be like, “Who?” His music just makes me smile when I listen to it. Video

Eisley “Marvelous Things”
Stephanie: I have liked Eisley for a pretty long time and never grew tired of them. This song is so whimsical. It just makes me happy when I hear it. Video

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MP3 At 3PM: Northern Portrait

northernportrait548Swoon-worthy and charming, Northern Portrait is twee at its finest. Smitten with melancholy and jangly guitar, its January debut, Criminal Art Lovers (Matinee), is indie pop for the literati and fans of the Smiths. Heavily reminiscent of the best of Britpop, Northern Portrait’s sound is familiar yet unique: Johnny Marr-inspired riffs accompany frontman Stefan Larsen’s near-falsetto crooned nonchalance. Instrumentally bright and shining, “New Favourite Moment” is concisely coy lyric-wise. A befitting soundtrack to any Godard film, Northern Portrait is the musical manifestation of the films’ existential groans. In short, this track is smashing! Download “New Favourite Moment” below. And as bonus, here’s a second mp3: Criminal Art Lovers‘ title track.

“New Favourite Moment” (download):

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“Criminal Art Lovers” (download):

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MP3 AT 3PM: FM Belfast

fmbelfast3408Riding the electro/dance/pop tsunami that is flooding the nation’s airwaves, thanks to outfits like Hot Chip, Owl City and Phoenix, Icelandic group FM Belfast has just released blippy, optimistic single “Par Avion,” off its new album, How To Make Friends (World Champion). While FM Belfast’s number fluctuates from three to eight members at any given show, the band’s chipper beats and quivering, monotone vocals remain consistent, singing of happy excursions to the Carribean in the summer.

“Par Avion” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Yeasayer

Who knew that Yeasayer’s second single O.N.E off of their latest L.P. Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian) could sound even more like the greatest 80s song that never was even more so than its predecessor Ambling Alp? Although they’ve stuck to their formula of trippy percussion-driven tracks, Yeasayer’s first two singles are a bit more radio-friendly than anything off of their previous album All Hour Cymbols. Despite lead singer melancholy lyrics, The reverberating guitar chords of Yeasayer’s second single O.N.E. create quite possibly the bounciest feel-good dance anthem of the year thus far.

yeasayer6436Who knew that “O.N.E.,” Yeasayer’s second single off latest LP Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian), could sound even more like the greatest ’80s song that never was—even more so than its predecessor, “Ambling Alp”? Although the trio stuck to its formula of trippy, percussion-driven tracks, Odd Blood’s first two singles are a bit more radio-friendly than anything off previous album, 2007’s All Hour Cymbals. Despite melancholy lyrics, the reverberating guitar chords of “O.N.E.” create quite possibly the bounciest, feel-good dance anthem of the year thus far. As a bonus, here’s an mp3 of “Ambling Alp,” as well.

“O.N.E.” (download):

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“Ambling Alp” (download):

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Q&A With Fred Schneider

FredSneider550Fred Schneider has been partying out of bounds as the male mouthpiece of the B-52s since the late ’70s. To put it in perspective, Andrew W.K. would have to party for two more decades—and invest in a more adventurous and colorful wardrobe—just to catch up to Schneider. Even then, it would be difficult to match Schneider’s originality: a goofy, new-wave jester shtick that—through the B-52s’ commercial success and longevity—evolved into an iconic voice that’s now an inspiration to younger artists. Schneider’s latest project, the Superions, showcases both his supreme silliness (”Who Threw That Ham At Me?” is one of his most riotous efforts) and influence (the Superions’ debut EP, Totally Nude Island, features remixes by four Athens, Ga., bands). Along with fellow Superions Noah Brodie and Dan Marshall, Schneider has delivered a handful of songs that combine sex, sci-fi, shoplifting and a dance called the Disco Garbage Can. MAGNET spoke to Schneider about the Superions, the early days of the B-52s, Just Fred (his cult-classic, Steve Albini-recorded 1996 solo album with backing bands Six Finger Satellite and Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet) and dirty jokes. Schneider will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week.

“Totally Nude Island (The Lolligags Remix)” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Dustbowl Revival

dustbowl-revival4379This Venice, Calif., collective is pretty darn hard to classify. Inspired by everything from gypsy folk and Americana to bluegrass and jazz swing—and with up to 10 members and a stripped-down sound—the Dustbowl Revival doesn’t exactly follow the fickle path of fashion. And that’s fine by us, because “Falling Down,” from the band’s sophomore album, You Can’t Go Back To The Garden Of Eden (out March 16), is a sweet-hearted ride through Dylanesque melancholy. And it ends with a whistle.

“Falling Down” (download):

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In The News: Nick Cave, Japandroids, Weezer, The Stooges, Arctic Monkeys, The Walkmen, Florence & The Machine, Mastodon, Black Francis And Free MP3s

NickCavenewsThe next installment of Mute reissues of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds albums has been announced. Tender Prey, The Good Son and Henry’s Dream will be released on March 30 as separate double-disc collector’s editions, each digitally remastered and remixed for 5.1 surround sound … On April 13, Japandroids will launch a seven-inch singles series, which will yield five singles total. Each will include an a-side featuring previously unreleased material from the Post-Nothing sessions and a cover b-side. Download “Art Czars” … If you dream of writing songs with Rivers Cuomo, go here to remix Weezer’s “Love Is The Answer,” from Raditude, and you could win a signed copy of the album and be featured on Weezer’s official site and MySpace page. The grand-prize winner will have the opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with Cuomo to write an entirely new song … If Matisyahu is more your bag, go here to remix “One Day,” from Light, and you could win a chance to write a new song alongside the Hasidic Jewish reggae artist … Fifteen previously unreleased bonus tracks will be included on the four-disc edition of Raw Power by Iggy & The Stooges, out April 27 on Sony Legacy. A two-disc edition will be issued April 13 … Arctic Monkeys are returning to the U.S. for an 11-show tour starting April 1. The band will also release a new single, “My Propeller,” which features three new songs … The Walkmen have signed to Fat Possum Records and are currently in the studio with Chris Zane working on new material. The band also has several high-profile shows coming up, including MoMA’s Opening Night Armory Show benefit on March 3, SXSW on March 17 and a gig at Brooklyn’s Bell House on April 1, where songs from the upcoming album will be showcased … Franz Nicolay has left the Hold Steady, but he’s keeping busy. His plans for 2010 include a solo tour, the release of Complicated Gardening Techniques (a collection of short stories) and a collaboration with Guignol and Mischief Brew … Florence & The Machine will tour the U.S. as part of the worldwide Cosmic Love Tour, which will include performances at Manhattan’s Terminal 5 and the Coachella Music And Arts Festival … Speaking of festivals, the lineup for this year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has been announced, featuring Dave Matthews Band, Kings Of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Weezer, the Flaming Lips (performing Dark Side Of The Moon), Tenacious D, Daryl Hall & Chromeo (yes!) and many others. Tickets for the festival, which will take place June 10-13 in Manchester, Tenn., are on sale now … MtyMx is a new all-ages festival of art and music that will take place in Monterey, Mexico, March 20-22. So far, the lineup includes Andrew W.K., Fucked Up, High Places, Dan Deacon, No Age, Neon Indian, Toro Y Moi and more … All Tomorrow’s Parties will return to Monticello, N.Y., over Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5. Indie-film legend Jim Jarmusch will be the guest curator for September 5, and his first choices for the lineup include the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Raekwon, Girls, Fucked Up, Wooden Shjips, the Black Angels and Vivian Girls … Bernard Sumner’s new project, Bad Lieutenant, will play four dates in the U.S., including an appearance at Coachella on April 17 … Mastodon will kick off a North American headlining tour on April 16 … On March 30, Black Francis will release a new LP, NonStopErotik, via Cooking Vinyl.

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MP3 At 3PM: Caribou

caribou6906Caribou (a.k.a. Dan Snaith) had one of 2007’s most critically lauded albums, Andorra, and is now set to drop full-length follow up Swim (Merge) on April 20. This LP could shake things up. Lead single “Odessa” comes as a bit of a surprise; it’s very different from Andorra’s analog indie-rock sound, and you can dance to it. Of the recording, Snaith says, “I got excited by the idea of making dance music that’s liquid in the way it flows back and forth, the sounds slosh around in pitch, timbre, pan … dance music that sounds like it’s made out of water rather than made out of metallic stuff like most dance music does.”

“Odessa” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Eat Skull

eatskull6897The Woodsist label has become the place for great lo-fi rock and psych records (Kurt Vile, Psychedelic Horseshit, Ganglians, Vivian Girls, Wavves), so it makes sense it recently signed terrific Portland, Ore., band Eat Skull. The duo’s first release for Woodsist, which follows last year’s solid Wild And Inside (on Siltbreeze), is Jerusalem Mall. The three-track seven-inch single features “Don’t Leave Me On The Speaker,” a fuzzed-up, ’60s-garage-pop tune that is an outtake from Eat Skull’s 2008 debut, Sick To Death. Download “Don’t Leave Me On The Speaker” below.

“Don’t Leave Me On The Speaker” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Rob Swift

robswift3095If you thought hip hop and classical were two musical genres that would never find common ground, well, think again. Master turntablist Rob Swift does the unthinkable on his new album, The Architect (out February 23 on Ipecac Recordings), by taking lush orchestral sounds and giving them a danceable makeover with backbeats and scratching. “Rabia (2nd Movement),” which you can download below, is just one example of Swift’s unusual compositions that challenge and push the boundaries of genre.

“Rabia (2nd Movement)” (download):

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We Are The World Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

We-AreTheWorld

No, this has nothing to do with that USA For Africa charity single or its unfortunate remake. We Are The World is a Los Angeles quartet comprised of a film composer, a choreographer, a designer and a CIA agent turned burlesque dancer (seriously). With their very diverse forces combined, they create madcap electronica and have gained notoriety for visceral, choreographed live performances. The band’s debut album, Clay Stones, is out April 6 via Manimal Vinyl. Here’s the Mix Tape that primary songwriter Robbie Williamson made for MAGNET.

“Clay Stones” (download):

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Jonny Greenwood “Proven Lands”
This is definitely a standout track on There Will Be Blood. Stomping through the prairie for five minutes with no dialogue. Video

La La La Human Steps “Human Sex”
Just watch it. Video

Wildbirds & Peacedrums “There Is Know Light”
One of my favorite tracks of the last few years. Minimal, raw and delightful. Video

Fever Ray “If I Had A Heart (Fuck Buttons Remix)”
Fuck Buttons add a hard touch that still makes you feel like you’re going to float away. Video

Alex Kid “Nightshade”
Play this at any dance party and you will find that things will get very, very nice. Video

The Jesus Lizard “Then Comes Dudley”
Heaviest track of the ’90s. Everything about the song is perfect. Video

Trentemoller “African People”
Kind of an unknown Trenemoller track. You find yourself wondering why Trentmoller is not the ruler of the universe, here to take us through galactic walls. Audio

Jimmy Edgar “LBLB Detroit”
Pure R&B sex done so tastefully. Video

Konrad Black “Medusa Smile”
One of the sickest minimal-techno tracks ever made. Video

Damian Lazarus “Moment”
Just a beautiful song that has everything. Lazarus is a master. Video

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MP3 At 3PM: The Tallest Man On Earth

tallestman6426On April 13, the Tallest Man On Earth will release what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated records of the year, sophomore effort The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans). You might want to snag a vinyl copy; first pressings of its debut LP, 2008’s critically acclaimed Shallow Grave, now regularly go for more than 100 bucks on eBay. The Tallest Man On Earth (a.k.a. Kristian Mattson) will tour throughout Europe in February and March, with a North American tour to be announced for late spring. Download “King Of Spain” from The Wild Hunt below.

“King Of Spain” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Chicago Underground Duo

cud458Cornet player Rob Mazurek and drummer Chad Taylor comprise the Chicago Underground Duo, and they just returned after a four-year hiatus with fifth album Boca Negra (Thrill Jockey). Its title (meaning “black mouth”) is a term coined in the Tenerife Canary Islands, evoking both the image of the Mount Tiede volcano and the concept of an endless intake of information. This is fitting, since the album borrows from many different styles and includes both composition and improvisation. Download “Spy On The Floor” below.

“Spy On The Floor” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Pierced Arrows

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):

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“Paranoia” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Balmorhea

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

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, UnearthedThe 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

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):

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“Do You Love Me Now” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: The Hush Now

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

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

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):

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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

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):

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“Ecstacy” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: A Weather

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

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!

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):

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MP3 At 3PM: Dum Dum Girls

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

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

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):

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“Bewilder” (download):

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MP3 At 3PM: Ruby Suns

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

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):

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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

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

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

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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