2011 So Far

I have been doing a lot of traveling this month so that has given me tons of time to listen to new material, but not a lot of time to blog about it. So far I have been listening to Cloud Nothings, Toro Y Moi, Cut Copy, Tennis, James Blake and Smith Westerns. Cut Copy's new album 'Zonoscope' has floored me. This could have staying power like Toro y Moi last year and Beach House. Zonoscope is dancy, catchy, retro, just perfect. I was blown away after my first listen and it has been getting constant play since. I just want to dance every time I put it on.

I also really like the new Smith Westerns LP 'Dye It Blonde'. They really nailed the right tone for that album. Whatever they are using for their electric sound works out perfect for them. They are going to blow up this year. I really enjoy the new Tennis album despite it getting some beatings on the internet. It's a minimalist album...it's just so soothing to me.

Cloud Nothings and Toro y Moi had two of my favorite albums from last year, but I fear they may have hit the sophomore slump. Cloud Nothings album is still good, overall their lyrics are too repetitive. Their new song Should Have does kick major ass though. Toro teased me with two amazing new tracks 'New Beat' and 'Still Sounds' the two videos I posted before this. They are instant pop gems that I can't stop listening to. The only problem is, they are the only two tracks on the album I am completely in love with.

People have some serious hard ons for the James Blake album, but I don't see it. Maybe I'm not deep enough or I need to listen to it a few more times, but I'm not sold on him. There is one song that I really like on it. 'Wilhelms Scream' is a great track. Well I am off to the Dirty D for the weekend, download this playlist! It's what im jammin to.

Best of 2011 Playlist http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LLCO0S6P

Shell Games

Bright Eyes is getting back together and there is a lot of hype surrounding their return. Their new album 'The People's Key' is said to leave the folk behind and be much more of a rock album. I'm looking forward to what Conor has in store for us,  I hope it's a dark album. There is a lot more electric which you hear on our first look at the new album. 'Shell Games' is heavy with electric guitar riffs, not the fluffy acoustic we are used to hearing. There is a touch of synth in there too, just the right amount. I really like the sound of this track even though it is very different then anything from Conor. I am looking forward to this album coming out. Free Download http://www.mediafire.com/?swehx58i6se5eo0

True Panther Tracks

I've got two new tracks from one of our favorite labels True Panther Sounds. Cloud Nothings who will be playing with Fucked Up at Toads on Sept 7th (Be There!) the song is 'Leave You Forever' another fuzzy, jangly, perfect song from this band. Every song they release ups the ante, these are true rockers from Ohio. Be sure to see them when they come to town.
Leave You Forever by truepanther

The other song is from Real Estate, who just recently played a show here in the Cut. This song is soooooooo Real Estate. Lofi beach haze and this band does it best. You can buy both of these tunes on upcoming 7'' releases. Stream them for now, grab them and throw them on your Autumn Playlist
Out Of Tune by truepanther

Altered Zones

Hey yall, longest time in between blog posts here...like I said, I am outside enjoying the warmth of summer. Today the rain has finally arrived and hopefully we can break this heatwave that the east coast has been experiencing this week. I wanted to let you all know about a website, http://www.alteredzones.com/ It is a culmination of 14 music blogs that I read on the reg anyway, dedicated to exploring music involving psych and drone to electronic and underground pop. Their mission is to highlight the most notable and adventurous new artists, and to serve as a one stop shop to finding the best new music out there. They have already covered 'Teen Daze' and 'Memoryhouse'.

So when there may be a week in-between posts here at OA, you can check out Altered Zones because you know that's what I will be reading daily and downloading mp3's from. I am hoping to put together a playlist of all the great mp3s Ive been jamming to over the last two weeks so be ready for that :).

Here We Go Magic - Collector

The indie rock group Here We Go Magic is releasing their second album 'Pigeons' on June 8th via Secretly Canadian. It leaked last month, and the album is fantastic. Upbeat, catchy, guitar driven, clean vocals... a nice change to the fuzzy lo0finess we have all been listening to of late. The lead single off the album is 'Collector' best described using all the adjectives I stated above. The track got 'Best New Music' from Pitchfork, and here is the music video for it. They took a step back for the music video. Extremely retro, fuzzy, and lofi... completely opposite of the music