Ivy "Fascinated": new track now available to stream

Indie-pop trio Ivy released a new track entitled “Fascinated” from their long-awaited fifth studio album All Hours, out September 20, 2011. To celebrate the album’s release, the NYC-based trio (Parisian-born singer Dominique Durand, Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger)recently announced their first live show in five years at the Gramercy Theatre on Saturday, September 24 in their home city with special guest Tahiti 80.
IVY - Fascinated by nettwerkmusicgroup

I Read Other Blogs! SULK

I read about SULK over at Eardrums and I thought I should share this early 90's sounding act to help spread the word. Read more at the original post here.

Rogue Wave side Project: Release The Sunbird

Sometimes I step away from the electronic world and embrace the warm sound of plain old (alternative) rock 'n' roll. Rogue Wave might not be a band you'd expect to find here, but I suggest you look into them. This post is about a side project from the lead singer called Release the Sunbird. They have a nice under-stated sound, but this is no arty folk junk. Fans of Trashcan Sinatras, Wilco, Pernice Brothers, etc should enjoy.
Here's a free preview of the new album in entirety, courtesy of NPR .
Hey, look, it's Bob Odenkirk!

Washed Out Remix

Just finished watching (with one eye) "Limitless". I haven't been so entertained by a film like this in a long time. Please see it. Bradley Cooper is such a likeable actor.

This remix of Washed Out's "Echoes" by Little Star Dweller is very well done. I'm glad the artist didn't take it to 6 minutes or something. It's perfectly timed with an improved drum pattern.
Washed Out - Echoes (Little Star Dweller Remix) by Little Star Dweller

Stockholm Belongs To Us

A new 22 song compilation is out now: "Stockholm Belongs To Us - A Labrador Records Compilation." Get it here.

Two Minutes and Thirty-five Seconds Is All You Need

An essential track for Summer. "Beach Slalom" by Bos Angleles. Listened to it about 5 times in row. Thanks to DIY for listing this!

When Chill Caves in on itself

I have to address this: while I enjoy the sound of Washed Out, there is this nagging feeling that I have heard it all before. I can't sit through the entire album. I know that saying "it sounds the same as" is a cheap shot, a lazy way of expressing an opinion... but I gotta say, this has little repeat power for me. I probably wouldn't say a single thing about the album if it wasn't showing up on mixtapes and podcasts. It's rather mediocre, and I think I have listened to way too much chill-out music over the last 15 years. Ulrich Schnauss does this better. I hate to criticize, but I need to do so once in a while, otherwise this is just a blog with recycled promo material.
So what am I listening to now? Go here to hear something that doesn't bore.

Photovoltaik: We Have Sound in San Diego

San Diego's own Photovoltaik offers the sound we love (dark wave electronic new wave post punk synthpop) with 6 lovely tracks at Bandcamp.
I look forward to more coverage for them. I like where they are going and given the local aspect, I am especially interested!

Humans - Avec Mes Mecs

*oly crap, this one excited me at once. I love the crunchy aspect of the beats and the tempo allows play at any time of day or night. Another reason I encourage you to sign-up with RCRD LBL.



Unexpected day off... new !Distain to listen to. "On / Off" is the CD title. I love my German synthpop. Note that distain is a different word than disdain, something I never noticed for quite some time. Now, why the "!" in the band's name is another mystery. Perhaps a reader can comment.
Got a haircut earlier. Can't beat the $10 price. I asked for a Morrissey style cut, as I am going a tad gray and he looks fabulous for a man a scant 12 years older than me. As a Moz fan since 1984, I think he's aged quite well.

Pictureplane Free mp3 + AHK Video

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have a serious eye condition. Typing is a pain in ass because I can't see the screen clearly. I'm in the care of a doctor and a specialist, so I have faith that I'll recover eventually.
My previous post mentioned Pictureplane. Today the mighty RCRD LBL offers the track for download!


A perfect Summertime song by Acid House Kings now has a video (digital single came out 28, June). I meant to post this last week, but I felt I was listening to a lot of Labrador Records tunes, so I waited. Be sure to check out the new Pallers single "Come Rain, Come Sunshine" which drops 26, July. I am using Euro dates now?

Listen: Pictureplane - "Thee Physical"

Listening to the entire new Pictureplane album, "Thee Physical", and this one is my my pick for best track:
Post Physical by PICTUREPLANE
Track "Real Is A Feeling" is a close second stand-out.

Pallers - Come Rain, Come Sunshine

If this gentle track doesn't grab you on first play, try it again. There is a subtle beauty that brushes over your ears like wind. Perfect dreamy music and voice for the Summer (and even the Winter for you in the Southern Hemisphere!).
Pallers - Come Rain, Come Sunshine on Sweden's Labrador Records. Download or stream here.

Yet Another Soundcloud Find: Skai Nine

Looking something like trip-hop all these years later? I have found Skai Nine satisfies my search. Crisp electronic arrangements that get your head nodding. Explore Skai Nine on Soundcloud. Best to sit back and listen to several tracks, as the sound hits different moods.
Nova by Skai Nine