CATEGORY: MP3

For a four piece band Bodies of Water sure sound busy on record. The Los Angeles band’s self-released debut Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink is a swirling storm of melodramatic pop, harmonized vocals and jangly percussion. Of course, much of the magic was added in the studio but the band does often recruit an expanded lineup for hometown shows to help re-create their frantic pop sound. When I saw them open up for John Vanderslice last year in LA, I was treated to an army of musicians hitting, blowing, & strumming whatever they could fit on stage with them, and shouting- I remember there was lots of group shouting. Despite all the activity, however, the music is never very chaotic; a little over-indulgent perhaps but never offensive.

‘Under the Pines’ is the first mp3 released off the group’s up coming sophomore record- and Secretly Canadian debut- A Certain Feeling (out July 22nd). Despite the better production, the song still carries much of the feeling of their debut- group melodies, long instrumental stretches, lots and lots of percussion. The theatrical ‘flair’ is here too, which seems to be becoming one of the band’s distinguishing trademarks.

Bodies of Water - Under the Pines

Pre-order Bodies of Water’s A Certain Feeling on Amazon.com

BONUS FUN FACT:

Lead singer and organ player Meredith Metcalf supposedly doubles as a commercial actress (see the following Domino’s Oreo pizza beard commercial).

CATEGORY: MP3

Hey, how have you been? Long time no talk. I’ve so been enjoying my freedom from my mp3 posting duties!

I’ve spent my time listening to a handful of records, all of which I’ve purchased with my own money strange enough. Unfortunately, the bulk of what I receive to review is pretty uninspiring. Most of it comes from upstart labels whose artists are still trying to figure out what they want to do. Some records have been pretty interesting (check out Patience Please, they’re fun!) but none of it comes close to capturing my attention the way new records from the National, John Vanderslice, and M.I.A. have. I’ve even found myself addicted to Tegan and Sara’s latest guilty pleasure of a record The Con. Back in Your Head is sooo catchy!

Hands down the sweetest thing I’ve heard recently is the Bat for Lashes record, Fur and Gold. The thing is so haunting and eery. Even the slow piano ballads, which normally are the downfall of female piano pop acts, are great here. Check out the creepy fun video for the single What’s a Girl To Do?.

I recently heard the new Band of Horses mp3 on their Myspace page. I know a ton of band members have left but I really hope the rest of the cd is better than this.

The real reason I decided to pop my head in and post is because I’ve just heard the most hilarious intro to a song EVER. Seriously. Download this new leaked Britney Spears mp3 and laugh your bottom off.

[mp3] Britney Spears - Gimme More

CATEGORY: Music Videos

As the July 24th release date approaches, John Vanderslice is revealing more and more of his Emerald City. Above is Time To Go, the first video from the record, along with a link to Mr. Vanderslice’s Myspace page where you can stream the ENTIRE album for a limited time. Eat it up, kids![stream] The entire Emerald City album @ http://www.myspace.com/johnvanderslice

CATEGORY: MP3 - Music Reviews

John Vanderslice promised fans a ‘band’ record and that is exactly what he delivers with his latest record Emerald City.

Unlike 2005’s Pixel Revolt which employed heavy electronic bleeps and studio magic, the soft-spoken, slow paced songs featured on Emerald City live and die by their nakedness. The best way to decribe the record is to imagine ‘Trance Manual’ without all the bells, chimes, and studio tinkering. The peacefully moving instruments and soothing vocals have been arranged in a format that is built for the live setting rather than the record. Almost every sound you hear is able to be reproduced live by the band which unfortunately couldn’t be said for Pixel Revolt. After all is said and done, Revolt may be the better album and a bigger leap between records but the songs on Emerald City look to be a better addition to his live set.

The first single ‘White Dove’ is the most upbeat and probably the most familiar Vanderslice song on the record. His strong vocal delivery is reminscent of his Time Travel is Lonely days and the distortion on the acoustic guitars remind me a bit of Neutral Milk Hotel, who Vanderslice has openly expressed admiration for. Download the track now from Barsuk.com where you can also pre-order the record before its July 24th release date.

[mp3] John Vanderslice - White Dove

CATEGORY: MP3

The National’s new record Boxer comes out May 22nd on Beggar’s Banquet but, of course, you already knew that. You’ve been checking their official website and Myspace everyday looking for updates and any trace of information concerning the status of their new record. You’ve been reading over the official tracklisting over and over again hoping that one day soon they would feed your obsession and finally post a song from the record. We know you too well.

Well, my friends, the day you are waiting for has finally arrived. As of Friday, March 23rd the first song from the highly anticipated follow up to 2005’s critically acclaimed Alligator was made available both for streaming on the band’s Myspace and download on their website.

Hellz yes.

The name of the song in question is ‘Fake Empire’, a softly sweeping piano ballad that shows off an exciting new side of the band. Color me much impressed! The three minute track reminds me of the subtle intensity and lyrical emotion of ‘About Today’ (Cherry Tree EP) combined with the clean interweaving guitars featured on Alligator. Much like the men featured on the record’s cover, this is a classy National dressed up in a black fitted suit and tie. By the time the climactic flurry of horns hits, I am already itching for the replay button.

Now all we need is John Vanderslice to follow suit and show us what he’s been working on all these months.

[mp3] The National - Fake Empire