The Walkmen - The House You Made

“The House You Made” by The Walkmen // Heaven (Single 7”) (2012)

Another week, and The Walkmen continue to drop magnificent tracks for all to enjoy in the lead up to the release of their forthcoming, “Heaven”. This time, the track is a b-side to first official single and title track, “Heaven”. It continues the sad-teenage-love-song sound and 50’s doo-wop inspirations that some of the other tracks have showcased, but this one might be the best yet, with Hamilton Leithauser’s voice crooning beautifully along with somber guitar notes that just float hauntingly into the distance. Absolutely highest recommendation. Great stuff. 

The Walkmen - We Can't Be Beat

“We Can’t Be Beat” by The Walkmen // Heaven (2012)

Another week closer to the release of the new album from The Walkmen, and another track finds its way to Fat Possum’s Soundcloud page. This time around we’re treated to a low key, melancholic beauty that starts with just vocals and quiet guitar instrumentation and slowly burns until vocal harmonies start to build and the rest of the band chimes in with an almost country vibe, that features a killer sing-a-long chorus. This album is shaping up to be something truly special. Absolutely must hear. 

Sonny & The Sunsets - Pretend You Love Me

“Pretend You Love Me” by Sonny and the Sunsets // Longtime Companion (2012)

I’m a sucker for a well used pedal-steel. Something about that dreamy, yearning sound always grabs my attention, especially when used in a song that’s not explicitly “country”. “Pretend You Love Me” surely falls into the category of “alt-country”, and that’s just fine, but the reason you’re seeing it posted here, surrounded by all of this dream pop, lo-fi, and shoegaze, is almost completely because of that dreamy pedal-steel. It takes a sweet, mid-tempo ballad and gives it a captivating depth. Of course, the rest of the song is great as well, I just find myself locked onto that one thing and it takes a moment to step back and realize that the whole picture is as beautiful as that one spot. Definitely worth checking out if you’re fans of Wilco, Son Volt, or Ryan Adams (in country mode).

The Walkmen - The Walkmen - Heaven (radio edit)

“Heaven (Radio Edit)” by The Walkmen // Heaven (out 6.5.12)

Any chance to hear new music from The Walkmen is a good thing and the new single (title track) from the forthcoming album, “Heaven” is a killer jam. Sporting a propulsive beat and a melancholic guitar line that feels like early 90’s R.E.M., this track will surely be thoroughly embedded in my head for the foreseeable future. Absolute highest recommendation. 

(via surfingonsteam)

Yuck - Chew

“Chew” by Yuck // Chew (Single) (2012)

And just like they were never gone, Yuck is back a year later with a new single and I couldn’t be happier. “Chew” continues their focus on breathing new life into guitar based rock and roll, but this time around it could be argued that they found their way to the shoegaze bin when seeking out inspiration. “Chew” sounds like a great lost Pavement and My Bloody Valentine collaboration that only exists in my mind. To be quite honest, I absolutely adore everything about this song. Highest recommendation. 

The Fresh & Onlys - Do What I Came To Do

“Do What I Come to Do” by The Fresh & Onlys // Stash Rituals (a Mexican Summer Comp.) (2012)

While The Fresh & Onlys record the follow up to their excellent 2010 LP “Play it Strange”, I’ll take whatever jams I can get from them. Luckily, Mexican Summer has released a compilation record which features this outtake from the recording sessions that won’t be making the final album, and if that’s any indication of the quality of that album, then we’re in for a scorcher. “Do What I Come to Do” is a jangly, charging, garage pop jam that takes full advantage of it’s two and half minute run time by cramming it full of killer melodies and aggressive guitar lines and even a sexy horn line. It’s a stellar jam and highly recommended for fans of Ty Segall, The Men, and Dum Dum Girls. 

(download) “Do What I Come to Do” by The Fresh & Onlys (via Mexican Summer Soundcloud)

Silversun Pickups - Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)

“Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)” by Silversun Pickups // Neck of the Woods (2012)

 Silversun Pickups are keeping the widescreen, shoegazing guitar rock alive and that’s a noble thing. In fact, this new single feels much more mature than I expected out of the new album (“Neck of the Woods”, due May 8th). It’s heavy, dark and melodic, which is where they’re at their best, but luckily they’ve left behind the unnecessary need to shred as they have done in the past. It’s a great effort from the band and hopefully a sign of where the album is going to be heading. 

(pre-order) Neck of the Woods by Silversun Pickups 

The Shins - 

“Bait and Switch” by The Shins // Port of Morrow (2012)

Another delicious bit of earcandy from Port of Morrow, and the release of the full length can’t come soon enough. This weekend The Shins make their way to Saturday Night Live to promote the new release and “Bait and Switch” will probably be one of the songs they play (alongside, “Simple Song”), as it’s loaded with pitch perfect melodies and a killer hook - like most all of James Mercer’s fan favorites. I’m excited to hear the album and check out the forthcoming summer tour. Give “Bait and Switch” a listen to satiate that lust for the whole thing. 

Frankie Rose - Soma

“Soma” by Frankie Rose // STROKED: A Tribute to “Is This It” (2011)

With this week’s release of Frankie Rose’s excellent album Interstellar, there will naturally be lots of people (rightfully) talking about her, and so I thought I’d dig out her wonderful contribution to Stereogum’s The Strokes tribute from last summer. It’s a little more rock than you might find on Interstellar’s new wave and synth leaning tracklist, but it’s a good sign of where she was heading with her sound. Definitely get out there and track down Interstellar if you haven’t already. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the year thus far. 

(download) STROKED: A Tribute to “Is This It” (via Stereogum)

M. Ward - Primitive Girl (Single Version)

“Primitive Girl” by M. Ward // A Wasteland Companion (2012)

I never turn away a chance to hear M. Ward perform solo, be it on record or on stage. The man draws plenty of talented individuals to him for collaboration, but for me, the good stuff lies on his solo material. Luckily, he’s back doing the solo thing on the forthcoming Merge Records release, A Wasteland Companion. The first taste is a driving, folk pop jam called “Primitive Girl”. It’s got a bit of a mid-80’s Springsteen vibe (big harmonies, twinkling piano lines, and driving rhythms) mixed in with a bit of a Summer Teeth-era Wilco sound, but then again, it’s all M. Ward. Thankfully this time without the Monsters of Folk or Zooey Deschanel around to hog up all the spotlight. 

Cass McCombs - You Saved My Life

“You Saved My Life” by Cass McCombs // Catacombs (2009)

I had originally planned a Valentine’s Day mixtape for everyone, but one thing lead to another and time got away from me and Mediafire decided to dump all of my files, so I scrapped the plan. In the mixtape, I tried to feature songs that were not exactly traditional choices (there are only so many covers of The Cure’s “Love Song” that can be used), and on top of that list is one of my favorite songs, period, and that’s Cass McCombs’ sweet and heartbreaking track “You Saved My Life”. I’ll just pepper some of the choices throughout the day. 

For all of you celebrating Valentine’s Day or not, best wishes to you all. Make the best of whatever time you have with those you love, even if you’re alone. Be safe. 

Frankie Rose - The Fall

“The Fall” by Frankie Rose // Interstellar (2012)

It’s far too early in the year to tell anything of note, but if i had to choose the one album that’s received more plays from me than any other, it’s without a doubt, Interstellar by Frankie Rose. I’ve already done my fair share of hyping this wonderful new release, but I figured one more track on a slow day wouldn’t hurt anyone. “The Fall” is the closing note of Interstellar and it’s an ethereal beauty. Like some of the best ambient/drone work done by Grouper, but more accessible. The haunting layered vocals and lo-fi synth pop production make it one of my absolute favorite single songs so far this year. I could live inside of “The Fall” and be absolutely content. It’s perfect. 

(stream) The entire album Interstellar by Frankie Rose (via PrettyMuchAmazing)

Bowerbirds - In the Yard

“In The Yard” by Bowerbirds // The Clearing (2012)

This haunting, slowly-building, new track from Bowerbirds is just the kind of right way to kick of a week. A dark, melancholic piano and drum combo lead the track through tempo changes that ultimately build to something all together wonderful. Most of this album was recorded at Bon Iver’s Wisconsin production studio and the close proximity might have worn off on Bowerbirds, because there’s something about this that reminds me of the Blood Bank EP. Then again, I might just be reading into it. Definitely a must listen. 

(download) “In The Yard” by Bowerbirds (via Pitchfork)

The Men - Open Your Heart

“Open Your Heart” by The Men // Open Your Heart (2012)

Here’s a blast of that noisy, post punk infused power pop that keeps the blood flowing. The Men are back on Sacred Bones with a new album that’s less dark, foreboding, and more (as Pitchfork put it) Westerberg-ian. Fine be me! It’s been my desire lately to hear more of this - straight forward, well played throwback indie rock sounds, and The Men have pegged me dead bang. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but a must listen for fans of The Replacements, The Fresh & Onlys, and The Wrens (and maybe even a little Rocket from the Crypt).