The Apples in Stereo- Travellers in Space and Time
Travellers in Space and Time
Playing off of space motifs and sounds that would easily fit inside a 70s shows about the Universe, these guys create another amazing album that’s easy to dance to and lighthearted.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idanvjAkJAg
Matt Pond PA- The Dark Leaves
Beautiful, enchanting, romantic. These are the types of songs that guys in high school play to their girlfriends on prom night. Imagine a fast paced Bon Iver.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbqijor8VLY
Black Francis- Nonstoperotik
Like The Pixies? This is a solid effort by front man Black Francis who abandons more psychodelic elements and leans more toward traditional rock and roll.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qV7cU9bbu4&feature=related
Codeine Velvet Club- Codeine Velvet Club
This vexingly vintage album from Lou Hickney and Jon Lawler (Fratellis) sounds as sultry and fun as the cover looks. You get that late 50s/early 60s Big Band sound with amazing boy/girl duets.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnSILYfzl54
Roky Erickson & Okkervil River- True Love Cast Out All Evil
True Love Cast Out All Evil
This album is amazing. This Texan legend dabbles in all kinds of musical genres on this recorded including country, blues, garage rock, and lo-fi psychedelic folk. His lyrics are of a man who has been through a lot and trust me, they will tear at your heart and soul.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIT6c9-1rWE
Rotary Downs – Cracked Maps & Blue Reports
This is like psychedelic art pop. Sometimes feels a little to much like a jam session but the layered male/female juxtaposes between the innovative instrumentation. Sounds like a mixture of Pavement, Sonic Youth, and Wolf Parade!
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cario Gang- The Wonder Show of the World
The Wonder Show of the World
Beautiful folk songs that are equally heartbreaking and uplifting sometimes. This album general has minimal instrumentation which gives it that haunting feel yet it still delivers with a powerful punch. A perfect addition for any fans of Iron and Wine.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QooQIrSnyoo
Future Islands- In Evening Air
In Evening Air
WOW, they really out did themselves with this one. Post-new wave synth rockers with a lead singer that will melt your face off with his crooning. A+ gentlemen, A+.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8H6bOqKkF8
Benyaro- Good Day Better
An acoustic trio from Brooklyn that sings folky country music that resembles the Avett Brothers. Pretty decent, but at times I got annoyed with how happy they are.
Tarlton- Evergreens
Evergreens
Imagine if the band Grandaddy and Iron and Wine decided to create a dark, almost distorted rock music together. Not bad, but at times this can get a little heavy and overloaded.
Trans Am- Thing
Thing
Post electronic instrumental rock music. I mean do what you want with that.
Turin Brakes- Outbursts
The fifth album in nine years from this London modern folk duo, this CD is a perfect transition from winter into spring. Melodic strumming, finger picking, and interesting lyrics combine to create an uplifting feel; however at times I feel the vocals are straining and the album loses energy as it progresses.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fawhVcprjDA
Nathaniel Rateliff- In Memory Of Loss
In Memory of Loss
Minimalistic neo-folk; imagine the power and affecting emotion of Mumford & Sons slowed down to the pace of Bon Iver. He can be quiet, or bellowing, but his voice always moves you. All he needs for instrumentation is tip-toeing pianos and guitars around the edge of his booming voice.
Mimicking Birds – Mimicking Birds
Drawing heavy influences from Modest Mouse [maybe because the whole album was recorded in Isaac Brock’s home studio] this CD creates an ethereal ambiance. Intricate lyrics paired with soothing guitar melodies, soft pianos, light horns and the added whispering and raspy vocals give way to a delicate album filled with layers. Play if you are in a slow and soft mood.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTo5pBEg7ts
Hurricane Bells – Tonight is the Ghost
Secret solo project of Steve Schiltz from Longwave, Hurricane Bells was popularized by the featured track on the New Moon soundtrack. While more subdued and mellow than “Monsters” it has a Shout Out Louds kinda feel. Even the more upbeat tracks have a quiet and gentle feel. At times he opts for natural vocals and other times he uses a filtered effect which gives the album an interesting twist.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4GRuZ2l1c
True Womanhood – Basement Membranes
Eerie, dark, and texturally fascinating, this debut album features vviolent crashes and other weird sounds as percussion which round out this experimental album from three DC natives. Experimental like early Radiohead, but way more accessible. Play if you feel like going on a unconventional journey.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIlaeGeTYqw&feature=related
Sarah Jarosz – Song Up In Her Head
While the female vocals are almost on the verge of being too simple, the contrasting intricacies of the composition and instrumentation of each song creates a very pleasing overall balance. The picking, strumming, and plucking of strings rivals that of Mumford & Sons, but the lyrics aren’t quite as profound. Play if you want to add some bluegrass flavor without making you listeners lose their daytime appetite.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIF9U4KDdWg
Tunng- And Then We Saw Land
And Then We Saw Land
Sprinkled with bursts of electric guitars, woodwind riffs, and synthesizer blips, this is twangy, sensitive Brit folk-rock with soft, sweet vocal harmonies (think The Boy Least Likely To). It’s oh-so-precious and it improves with repeated listens.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv6-IYZTGYU
Laura Marling- I Speak Because I Can
Beautiful British folk. The songs are soft and poetic working off of Marling’s amazing voice and acoustic guitar. She’s not as sad as she is defiant in this one.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NPLHpirxq8
The White Stripes- Under Great White Northern Lights
If you love The White Stripes you’re going to love this live album. Jack White showcases his amazing talent as a guitarist and constantly gets creative with whatever song he is playing. This is on that sounds better the louder you listen to it.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3E-a_IJpsw
Manchester Orchestra- Live at Park Ave.
Super slow paced live songs that are pretty stripped down and simple. If you’re a fan of down tempo live music, you’ll probably like this one too.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3bEiONxy3M
River City Extension- And the Unmistakable Man
And the Unmistakable Man
This is the kind of album a guy writes after he had a nasty break up. Energetic out of frustration there is still a hint of loneliness. They use instruments that at first come together as Tex-Mex, but they do so in a way that gives it a pop tempo at times.
Jesse Malin and the St. Marks Social – Love it to Life
Jesse Malin is back on the map with his latest release. Loud pianos, jumping guitars, and drums that keep up a fast beat, create a rock sound that is sure to get you moving and stomping your feet. “The Archer” and “Lonely at Heart” were inspired by Salinger which is evident because these songs are softer than the rest of the album. Very cohesive and catchy Malin proves he isn’t ready to stop making music yet.
Communist Daughter – Soundtrack to the End
Soundtrack to the End
Simple, sweet and luscious this six piece Minnesota band debuts with a melancholy pop sounding album. Never hard, they smoothly transition from song to song and blend dreamy boy/girl harmonies reminiscent of Belle & Sebastian to give listeners a warm feeling. They make sad lyrics sound happy and will be easy to get into.
Night Driving in Small Towns – Serial Killer
Serial Killer
Hushed and quiet, this duo is a lighter version of Rilo Kiley but with equal male and female vocals. They incorporate youthful, intimate lyrics with pretty harmonies and at times remind me a lot of Stars minus the synth and more amateur. Even though the production of this album could have been better, it will provide a perfect blend into your indie show.
herMajesty – Images from the Vanishing Night
Not really my cup of tea, but worth a listen. Enchanting post-rockish with a lead singer who sounds like he’s from some old Morrisey-ish type band. Play if you’re feeling a little curious for something different.
Meklit Hadero- On a Day Like This
I am seriously addicted to this album! Fresh, easy going, jazzy and R&B inspired, I feel like I’m floating on clouds listening to the intoxicating vocals of Meklit. Violins, light drums & jazz instruments paint the perfect backdrop for her breezy lyrics. Along the same lines of Fiona Apple, Florence, just mix in a soulful, Ethiopian twist.
Elsinore- The Chemicals EP
Elsinore is in the FYC of indie rock school – they just can’t decide on what they want their sound to be yet. While their slow numbers have potential (think the XX), their more up tempo tracks are what stand out (think a less mousy Ben Gibbard with a clash of Temper Trap). Track 5 rightly named “Yes Yes Yes,” comes out of nowhere at the end, with a mad blend of clapping, horns, and electronic beats. This is the sound they should major in, hands down (or up!)
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBjHdMJdwCI
Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame
Shame, Shame
This album makes me happy. It’ll make you happy, too. It’s like one of those mix cds you find jammed under the passenger’s seat it’s familiar, nostalgic even, yet surprisingly refreshing. Dr. Dog has truly embraced their sound (think Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, or the Morning Benders singing 50’s Brit rock this time adding layer upon layer of synths, vocal harmonies, and surging guitar hooks. It’ll be a shame shame if you don’t play this.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yMe4Qf9nrg