Garett Press
01/14/06, 11:00 PM
Hey guys! I'm joined today by forum member Kelley Nicole who offers some artists you don't see posted here every single week. Thanks Kelley! Have a great weekend and enjoy!
My Recs:
These are 3 less popular bands you should know. Each is making really spectacular rock music with a very unique edge. As well, each are looking towards amazingly bright futures. Creativity is in, and accessibility is always in. These 3 artists possess both qualities.
This Is Me Smiling (www.myspace.com/thisismesmiling) - I can only say it so many times, but these guys are not to be missed. A little bit of power-pop, a little bit of indie, a little bit of jazz, and lots of other stuff. Every song is special, between the unique chords they use and the always enriching keyboard parts, they have found a delicate balance that will make you want to move or that will move you. Think The Anniversary meets Weezer. I have heard some of the band’s new demos, and while their current Self Titled album is what you NEED to hear, their next effort is probably going to knock everyone out.
The December Drive (http://www.purevolume.com/thedecemberdrive) - I haven’t spent that much time with this band because they were just recently recommended to me by board member Calamity Records, but they’ve got the gift. They seem to be on to that Seattle sound. Think somewhat Gatsby’s, somewhat Forgive Durden on the EP, somewhat Clair de Lune, and you’ve got a band destined to do great things. I can’t wait to hear what the upcoming full length sounds like, because the demos on purevolume are beyond promising.
Cavil at Rest (http://www.purevolume.com/cavilatrest) - They aren’t a recommendation because we did an exclusive with them... they were an exclusive because I recommend them! The band’s first EP was amazing technical pop with a lot of bogus elements-- a must hear, and their new EP is a special blend of indie and pop that features superb harmonies and grooves that could inspire anybody to shake their ass. This is great toe tapping, varied, eclectic listening.
And then you MUST know the Seattle Elite (and probably already do):
Gatsby’s American Dream (http://www.purevolume.com/gatsbysamericandream) - The Greatest Band in the World
Forgive Durden (http://www.purevolume.com/forgivedurden) - Who Will Release One of the Top 5 Albums of ‘06 And Blow Your Mind
This Providence (http://www.purevolume.com/thisprovidence) - Who Will Also Kick Your Ass With Technical Pop Made to Be Loved
Rocky Votolato (http://www.myspace.com/rockyvotolato) - What a man can do with an acoustic guitar... spellbinding
Also,
Portugal. The Man (http://www.purevolume.com/portugaltheman) - Blending the likes of the Blood Brothers, The Mars Volta, and the "Seattle sound".... really impressive
The Elected (http://www.myspace.com/theelected) - If you like indie, then Sun, Sun, Sun will warm the blood in your veins
Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins (Let me lay this out on the table:) - The other staff will tell you, pure alt-country harmony bliss
Feist (http://myspace.com/feist) - You saw her open for Bright Eyes and forgot to check her out, well do it, she’s stunning
Sorry... I just LOVE all the music listed above
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Kelley's Nicole's Recs:
Frog Eyes (http://myspace.com/frogeyes)
I don't know how to describe Frog Eyes sound. All I can say is I went from thinking "What the fuck is this shit?" to "OH MY GOD THIS IS FUCKING GREAT!" It can certainly take some time to get into them, but it's worth it.
>>> Listen to: "Masticated Outboard Motors," "The Oscillator's Hum"
Get Him Eat Him (http://www.gethimeathim.com/)
Geography Cones is their first full length and is full of fun power pop (or whatever). This is one of the many albums I missed in 2005, and Matt LeMay proves with this record that people on the Pitchfork staff actually can successfully play music.
>>> Listen to: "Early Scarlet Globes," "Pardon my French"
Immaculate Machine (http://www.immaculatemachine.com/home.html)
This indie rock group from BC has Kathryn Calder, Carl Newman's long-lost niece and new New Pornographer, on vocals and keyboard, which is why I decided to check them out. Ones and Zeros is their latest release and my favorite missed album from 2005. …Speaking of A.C. Newman, play The Slow Wonder on repeat for a while, too.
>>> Listen to: "Invention '77," "Phone No."
Islands (http://www.secretunicornsforum.com/index1280.php)
Anyone who cares probably already listened to them back when "Flesh" and "Abominable Snow" were posted online last year, but these ex-Unicorns are releasing their fantastic debut album Return to the Sea sometime this year. If you liked the Unicorns and for whatever reason still haven't checked out Islands yet, do so soon!
>>> Listen to: Anything!
Little Red Rocket
Little Red Rocket is Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink's old pop band that released two albums, the first being on Geffen. This shit's poppy. Very poppy. If anyone's interested in hearing them and is having trouble finding anything, let me know.
>>> Listen to: "Light is Everywhere," "I'm a Fake, "I Believe in What You Do"
Whispertown 2000 (http://myspace.com/whispertown2000)
If you listen to Rilo Kiley, this is the Morgan who is often mentioned in their songs. Her debut album should be coming out in March on Brute/Beaute, at which point she'll also [supposedly] be opening for Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins on their spring tour. She has one song up on her myspace, and you can download an old live acoustic set of hers here (http://www.rilokiley.net/whispertown2000/).
>>> Listen to: "Restless," "Intentions"
Also, don't forget to pick up The Greatest by Cat Power (http://www.matadorrecords.com/cat_power/) on January 24th. There are some other wonderful releases that day, but they've been recommended enough already.
My Recs:
These are 3 less popular bands you should know. Each is making really spectacular rock music with a very unique edge. As well, each are looking towards amazingly bright futures. Creativity is in, and accessibility is always in. These 3 artists possess both qualities.
This Is Me Smiling (www.myspace.com/thisismesmiling) - I can only say it so many times, but these guys are not to be missed. A little bit of power-pop, a little bit of indie, a little bit of jazz, and lots of other stuff. Every song is special, between the unique chords they use and the always enriching keyboard parts, they have found a delicate balance that will make you want to move or that will move you. Think The Anniversary meets Weezer. I have heard some of the band’s new demos, and while their current Self Titled album is what you NEED to hear, their next effort is probably going to knock everyone out.
The December Drive (http://www.purevolume.com/thedecemberdrive) - I haven’t spent that much time with this band because they were just recently recommended to me by board member Calamity Records, but they’ve got the gift. They seem to be on to that Seattle sound. Think somewhat Gatsby’s, somewhat Forgive Durden on the EP, somewhat Clair de Lune, and you’ve got a band destined to do great things. I can’t wait to hear what the upcoming full length sounds like, because the demos on purevolume are beyond promising.
Cavil at Rest (http://www.purevolume.com/cavilatrest) - They aren’t a recommendation because we did an exclusive with them... they were an exclusive because I recommend them! The band’s first EP was amazing technical pop with a lot of bogus elements-- a must hear, and their new EP is a special blend of indie and pop that features superb harmonies and grooves that could inspire anybody to shake their ass. This is great toe tapping, varied, eclectic listening.
And then you MUST know the Seattle Elite (and probably already do):
Gatsby’s American Dream (http://www.purevolume.com/gatsbysamericandream) - The Greatest Band in the World
Forgive Durden (http://www.purevolume.com/forgivedurden) - Who Will Release One of the Top 5 Albums of ‘06 And Blow Your Mind
This Providence (http://www.purevolume.com/thisprovidence) - Who Will Also Kick Your Ass With Technical Pop Made to Be Loved
Rocky Votolato (http://www.myspace.com/rockyvotolato) - What a man can do with an acoustic guitar... spellbinding
Also,
Portugal. The Man (http://www.purevolume.com/portugaltheman) - Blending the likes of the Blood Brothers, The Mars Volta, and the "Seattle sound".... really impressive
The Elected (http://www.myspace.com/theelected) - If you like indie, then Sun, Sun, Sun will warm the blood in your veins
Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins (Let me lay this out on the table:) - The other staff will tell you, pure alt-country harmony bliss
Feist (http://myspace.com/feist) - You saw her open for Bright Eyes and forgot to check her out, well do it, she’s stunning
Sorry... I just LOVE all the music listed above
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelley's Nicole's Recs:
Frog Eyes (http://myspace.com/frogeyes)
I don't know how to describe Frog Eyes sound. All I can say is I went from thinking "What the fuck is this shit?" to "OH MY GOD THIS IS FUCKING GREAT!" It can certainly take some time to get into them, but it's worth it.
>>> Listen to: "Masticated Outboard Motors," "The Oscillator's Hum"
Get Him Eat Him (http://www.gethimeathim.com/)
Geography Cones is their first full length and is full of fun power pop (or whatever). This is one of the many albums I missed in 2005, and Matt LeMay proves with this record that people on the Pitchfork staff actually can successfully play music.
>>> Listen to: "Early Scarlet Globes," "Pardon my French"
Immaculate Machine (http://www.immaculatemachine.com/home.html)
This indie rock group from BC has Kathryn Calder, Carl Newman's long-lost niece and new New Pornographer, on vocals and keyboard, which is why I decided to check them out. Ones and Zeros is their latest release and my favorite missed album from 2005. …Speaking of A.C. Newman, play The Slow Wonder on repeat for a while, too.
>>> Listen to: "Invention '77," "Phone No."
Islands (http://www.secretunicornsforum.com/index1280.php)
Anyone who cares probably already listened to them back when "Flesh" and "Abominable Snow" were posted online last year, but these ex-Unicorns are releasing their fantastic debut album Return to the Sea sometime this year. If you liked the Unicorns and for whatever reason still haven't checked out Islands yet, do so soon!
>>> Listen to: Anything!
Little Red Rocket
Little Red Rocket is Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink's old pop band that released two albums, the first being on Geffen. This shit's poppy. Very poppy. If anyone's interested in hearing them and is having trouble finding anything, let me know.
>>> Listen to: "Light is Everywhere," "I'm a Fake, "I Believe in What You Do"
Whispertown 2000 (http://myspace.com/whispertown2000)
If you listen to Rilo Kiley, this is the Morgan who is often mentioned in their songs. Her debut album should be coming out in March on Brute/Beaute, at which point she'll also [supposedly] be opening for Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins on their spring tour. She has one song up on her myspace, and you can download an old live acoustic set of hers here (http://www.rilokiley.net/whispertown2000/).
>>> Listen to: "Restless," "Intentions"
Also, don't forget to pick up The Greatest by Cat Power (http://www.matadorrecords.com/cat_power/) on January 24th. There are some other wonderful releases that day, but they've been recommended enough already.