Lunar Testing Lab - Seashore Blvd.

Some very stoned and relaxing electronic tunes out of Pennsylvania. Tobacco of BMSR is a fan, which means you will be too. This EP is another release to add to my "listen to this shit next time you're at the beach" playlist. On par with Boards of Canada and Casino Versus Japan.

- Dan

Download Seashore Blvd.

Deastro - Keepers + Moondagger

It might sound like a backhanded compliment, but the reason I know Deastro's music is so goddamn good is because every time I listen to him I can't help but think to myself "fuck, I should hate this". The thing is, despite all the synth-poppy goodness (which undoubtedly will have some whispering Postal Service comparisons under their breath) I can't bring myself to even mildly dislike Deastro. I'll even go so far as to say he might be the most interesting musician pumping out tunes from Detroit currently, and the shining star of the well-respected Ghostly International label. All this and I don't even think the guy can drink legally in the states yet. Not bad. Keepers is a "best of" selection of sorts from Deastro's 4578237589234589234 bajillion unreleased/self-released tunes. Moondagger, his latest proper full length, takes Deastro's space pop symphonies to new heights. Just download and listen and friends, I promise you'll enjoy what you hear.

- Steve

Download Keepers

Download Moondagger

Pageants - s/t

Ben of Pageants was gracious enough to send us a copy of their debut EP. I'm not sure what's in the water in "Melbz", Australia, but I want some. This is some gritty good ol' fashioned garage goodness, with some elements of surf and shoegaze mixed in. This EP would make an appropriate soundtrack for a dirty and sweaty high school prom in the middle of the desert. I can also imagine it playing in the background just before Kill Bill's Deadly Viper Assassin Squad makes their move. In other words, it's fucking cool. www.myspace.com/pageantstheband

- Dan

Download Pageants

Wrugs - Braided Gas EP

A very organic and relaxing brand of psych folk out of Chicago. This three song demo floats along beautifully and drifts by all too quickly. The track "Body Should" is the shortest but most intriguing of the three songs. It's relatively formless structure and three note bouncing guitar line gives it a very hypnotic and meditative quality. Although it's certainly different, if you enjoyed the Stag Hare album I posted weeks ago, you'll dig this. Let's hug some trees.

- Dan

Download Braided Gas

Thee Oh Sees - Zork's Tape Bruise + Singles and Unreleased Tracks

We got a request a few weeks ago for this one/I picked up this LP w/ bonus CD earlier today from a vinyl only shop here in Richmond called Deep Groove Records. I was also able to pick up a copy of Boredoms' Soul Discharge LP for a friend as well. A pretty successful day, I'd say. Anyways, Zork's Tape Bruise is an album of incredibly good demo's from John Dwyer. Many of the tracks on the LP are much louder and more creative versions of tracks found on their recently released Help LP, with a larger variety of instruments and noise than used than in the final product. Alvin of Alvin and the Chipmunks also makes a quick appearance in "Enemy Dustruct". The bonus CD contains every track they've released exclusively on vinyl. A great record in its own right. A must-own LP/CD combo from Kill Shaman Records.


- Dan

Download Zork's Tape Bruise

Download Singles and Unreleased Tracks

Jeans Wilder - Antiques

Extremely personal bedroom pop from a dude that seems like he could use a hug. The slow-moving, hazy and nostalgic tone of this cassette release is a perfect lullaby after an exhausting day. It's a very subtle collection of songs, but it's just enough to satisfy whatever mood you choose to associate it with. There's a few additional tracks of his that I've really been enjoying, which I also included in the download, and from the sounds of it, this guy is only getting better. I've been listening to "Tough Guys" over and over. You're such a motherfucking tough guy.

- Dan

Download Antiques

Lord Scrummage - From the Future

The image above isn't actually the album cover for From the Future, just a random picture jacked from the group's Myspace. Even though I couldn't find the real artwork, I think this is a pretty good visual representation of what you're about to listen to. Lord Scrummage is part of Scrummage University, an art collective of sorts that has been releasing rad records and putting on amazing shows (with bands like Prussia) in the sketchiest parts of Detroit for several years now. Shit, when Jason Lytle of Grandaddy had a flight layover he came out to Scrummage where they cooked him dinner and he played an impromptu show. How cool is that? I won't get too deep into Scrummage-lore though. I'm too far removed from Detroit music at this point to even scratch the surface of what Scrummage is all about. I will say that they represent a strong DIY aesthetic and actually have fun with the great music they create. From the Future seems to be a culmination of those ideas. The music is primarily electronic, and recalls the sounds of groups like Animal Collective, but quickly veers off into uncharted musical territory. The songs are incredibly dense but at the same time so catchy that you'll find it difficult to keep yourself from dancing around the room. Make sure you check these guys out when they roll into your town so you can buy their record and tell them how fucking great they are.

Jun 14 2009 8:00P
K Records Den
Olympia, Washington

Jun 15 2009 8:00P
The Jolly Rogers
Portland, Oregon

Jun 16 2009 8:00P
Punk show
Roseburg, Oregon

Jun 18 2009 8:00P
Argus Lounge
San Francisco, California

Jun 19 2009 8:00P
House Party San Francisco

Jun 26 2009 8:00P
w/ Gary Wilson Location TBA
San Diego, California

Jun 27 2009 8:00P
MIA’s Lounge
Flagstaff, Arizona

Jun 28 2009 8:00P
The Hang Art
Tucson, Arizona

Jun 29 2009 8:00P
Help us get a show
somewhere New Mexico

Jun 30 2009 8:00P
Mountain House w/ Daughters of the Sun
Dallas, Texas

Jul 1 2009 8:00P
SuperHappyFunLand
Houston, Texas

Jul 2 2009 8:00P
Dragons Den
New Orleans, Louisiana

Jul 3 2009 8:00P
Greencup Books
Birmingham, Alabama

Jul 4 2009 8:00P
Spazzatorium
Greenville, North Carolina

Jul 9 2009 8:00P
Whartscape
Baltimore, Maryland

- Steve

Download From the Future

Mars - The Complete Studio Recordings NYC 1977-1978

For many, Mars is best known for their four track appearance on Brian Eno's No New York compilation, but they also released a 7" and EP in their brief two year existence. This compilation of all eleven recorded tracks has gotten a few releases from various labels over the last five years or so, but it still feels as if this band doesn't get the recognition they deserve. The progression of these eleven tracks and their approach to recording greatly embodies the relatively short-lived but hugley influential New York No Wave scene. The tracks start to slowly lose form, coherence, and convention as the band began to stretch the limitations of their instruments. Their sound eventually became far more primitive than many of the other bands of the same scene with uncontrolled Black Eyes/Boredoms-esque squeels and grunts, clunky drums, and messy distorted guitars.

- Dan

Download The Complete Studio Recordings NYC 1977-1978

That Fucking Tank - Tanknology

Tanknology is not quite as consistent as 2006's The Day Of Death By Bono Adrenalin Shock, but, then again, I did not fully appreciate that record until I blew out the speakers in my car listening to it, which I have yet to do with Tanknology. They've kept the same formula overall, with some pretty killer baritone guitar work and danceable rhythms, but the duo's classic rock influences shine through even harder now, incoporating some slightly familiar and straightforward guitar lines throughout the album (and a brief cowbell appearance). Good stuff. I'd love to see these guys live if they ever make it over to the States. Great album cover, btw.

- Dan

Download Tanknology

Dan Deacon/Adventure - Split 12"

A vinyl only release, limited to 1000 copies featuring tracks from hipster electro-messiah Dan Deacon and the 8-bit obsessed group, Adventure. The Dan Deacon tracks provide a nice bridge between the more pop oriented Spiderman of the Rings and the more mature sound of his latest release, Bromst. The Adventure tunes are just as good, and sound like a musical selection from the best NES game you've never played.

- Steve

Download Split 12"

Woven Bones - Janie 7" + With You Alone 7"

Austin's Woven Bones utilizes and exaggerates some of the greatest aspects of some of the greatest musical genres, resulting in a fuzzier shoegaze, a heavier garage, and a dirtier lo-fi. All of these things are executed so well that I'm convinced that they should become the first official "lo-shoegaraze" band. There's a healthy dose of rock and roll attitude as well. Looking forward to an LP.

- Dan

Download Janie + With You Alone

Thee Oh Sees - Tidal Wave 7"

Thee Oh Sees continue their dominance of my playlist. Side A definitely outshines the B, but both tracks are expectedly enjoyable. They're the go-to band on a warm summer day. This 7" is courtesy of Woodsist. Get one.

- Dan

Download Tidal Wave

Amen Dunes - Dia

I'm not sure if I've ever heard an album that gets so increasingly good the deeper you get into the record. The first half of the record is reverb-drenched melting psychedelia, and after your brain is turned into complete mush, he breaks into some incredible acoustic gems that will have you convinced this is some long lost record from the late 60's. Apparently when this guy locks himself in a cabin with a sole intention of creating an album he becomes a small god. Currently he's living in a small apartment in Beijing overlooking the Temple of Earth and watches old men fly kites and sing opera on a daily basis. I'd imagine this could only lead to another amazing record. One of my favorite records so far this year.

- Dan

Download Dia

Black Orphan - Circuits 7" + Video Kids 7"

(Request)

No-fi electro-punk from the bowels of Michigan. This reminds me a bit of Wavves at times, however the distinct baritone vocals of Black Orphan make a direct comparison difficult. I'd love to tell you more about the band, but their catalog is rather limited and they rarely play out. There seems to be a lot of mystique surrounding this band. People around here talk about these guys like they're gods or serial killers or something. Either way, these are both solid little records.

- Steve

Download Circuits 7"

Download Video Kids 7"

Wildcatting - How to Survive a Sneak Attack

Very solid rock-the-fuckage-outage out of Michigan. Heavy bass, two riffing guitars, and driving rhythms. The guitars alternate between delivering late 60s/early 70s MC5ish riffs to refined interludes that progressively increase your anticipation for the next explosion. Not quite as straightforward as OXES and not as calculated as Don Cab. It's just the right amount of instrumental testicle-rock to satisfy your musical aggressions. I haven't had too much time with this record, but I'm looking forward to more listens.

- Dan

Download How to Survive a Sneak Attack

Crawling Through Her Ghosts - Sleeping Soundly Below Zero

Sleeping Soundly Below Zero is the debut solo outing from Matt Massuch, former guitar player/whiskey drinker/heartthrob of Kalamazoo shoegazers Crash City Saints. While Crash City Saints relied on an ear drum shattering sonic wall approach to songwriting, Crawling Through Her Ghosts explores a far more subtle and nuanced side of the post-rock/shoegaze realm. Sleeping Soundly Below Zero plays like a love letter of sorts to past likeminded bands. Don't expect to play air guitar and throw the rock horns up while listening to this album. Most of the tracks build slowly and intricately and cut out just before they wear out their welcome. In a sense, this is the perfect ambient rock record for people with short attention spans. Not great for partying, but damn near flawless for your morning after. Download and enjoy.

- Steve

Download Sleeping Soundly Below Zero

Floating Action - s/t

(LINK REMOVED 05/17/2009)

The internet is a cruel, cold hearted mistress. I thought I had snagged a copy of Animal Collective's new vinyl only live compilation, but it turned out to be a fake. If you're one of the 1000 lucky dorks with an MA in comparative literature and 90 spare bones to drop on a single record that sold out in minutes (thanks pitchfork), do the world a favor and rip that shit to your computer ASAP. Share the wealth friends. While I don't have the most sought after album of 2009 to offer up to you, I do have this Floating Action album which is pretty damn good in its own right. This album just screams to be played on a beautiful summer day. Hints of motown and 60's bubblegum pop dipped in a healthy bath of reverb. You know the drill. Turn this one up and dance around your house in a bathing suit.

- Steve

The Go - Tracking the Trail of the Haunted Beat

I unsuccessfully scoured the internet for months when this was released last year, and randomly came across it yesterday when I wasn't really looking for it. Go figure. Apparently The Go were feeling guilty for 2007's extremely polished and pretty much flawless Howl on the Haunted Beat You Ride, and felt it necessary to release an album in 2008 comprised of demos and alternate/original versions of certain tracks. The first of the two LP set is supposedly the original version of the album. Overall I would say it's more enjoyable instrumentally, with some great guitar work, but some of the harmonies are less satisfying and even awkward at times. There's 3 great tracks that were cut from the final version of the album that I've been really loving, and the original version of "Caroline" entitled "Our Love's Alive" has a preferable chorus. The second of the two LP set is made up of acoustic tracks and demos. Some previously unreleased, and some eventually evolved into tracks found on Howl. To be honest, when I'm in the mood for some The Go action, which is fairly often, I'll probably rely on this release more so than the final version. The acoustic tracks are great, and alternate versions and demos are equally enjoyable as the more polished versions. Anyways, because of the length of this review, it's clear I love this band way too much.

- Dan

Download Tracking the Trail of the Haunted Beat

Nerve City - Hell

A one man lo-fi noise-pop-making-machine out of Richmond, VA. His Catholic School demo has been receiving quite a bit of buzz across blogs like this one, and, after downloading this, I suggest tracking down a link for that as well. This one is a quick listen and will have you craving more. If you enjoy the Sore Eros or Gary War albums I've posted, you'll sploodge on this one too. I have a feeling you're going to be hearing a lot more good music coming out of Richmond, Va in the future.

- Dan

Download Hell

Monoshock - Walk to the Fire

Unfortunately this band out of San Fransisco called it quits in the mid 90's, but they were creating swirling psych rock/punk jams before (and are a likely influence of) Comets on Fire. This double LP was released in '96 and is an absolute mind-melt. It's a little overwhelming at first, but if you dig the first Comets on Fire album, you're guaranteed to love this.

- Dan

Download Walk to the Fire