Midlake
Label: Bella UnionGenre: Pop, Rock
Midlake's debut album, Bamnan and Slivercork, has spent the last two years flying well below the radar. Not as quirky as Grandaddy and less pretentious than Radiohead, Midlake gently nudged their way, sonically and alphabetically, between those two bands in my music collection. With the recent unveiling of their new album, The Trials of VanOccupanther, in stores July 25th, Midlake won't be able to avoid the spotlight for much longer. For the most part they've ditched the keyboards replacing them with more guitars, acoustic and electric, as well as more vocals. The resulting sound boldly embraces the country/folk rock of the mid-70s as Midlake channels the likes of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Midlake wears their influences on their sleeves while managing a classical, button-down sound all their own.
*A note on the downloads: with the exception of "Roscoe" all links point to .zip files containing the MP3s so you won't be able to preview them directly. They're all worth downloading. Trust me.
from The Trials of VanOccupanther (2006):
Roscoe [MP3, 6.7MB, 192kbps]
from Bamnan and Slivercork (2004):
Balloon Maker [MP3, 5.9MB, 160kbps]
Kingfish Pies [MP3, 5.1MB, 160kbps]
Some of Them Were Superstitious [MP3, 6.9MB, 160kbps]
Moppers Medley [MP3, 5.8MB, 160kbps]
from Milkmaid Grand Army EP (2002):
Paper Gown [MP3, 4.2MB, 128kbps]
Excited But Not Enough [MP3, 4.0MB, 128kbps]
Roller Skate (Farewell June) [MP3, 3.3MB, 128kbps]
Buy from iTunes
www.bellaunion.com
www.midlake.net
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Jetscreamer
Label: Bella UnionGenre: Rock
A friend and I were talking about The Walkmen appearing on the OC (Thursdays on Fox!) recently, and he brought up a conversation he had with some teens about a band selling out cause some big corporation used one of their songs in a commercial. He pointed out to the kids that, actually, a kid like them had grown up, landed a job at an ad agency, and had the power to place a favorite song in a big commercial. Speaking of The Walkmen, I have Saturn to thank for helping me discover that some members of my beloved Jonathan Fire*eater were back in action as The Walkmen. And how about the odd couple of Fischerspooner and Hummer? So take Jetscreamer and their song "Black Hole" being used in a Nissan commercial. Sellout? Listen to their blend of Sonic Youth and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and make your own decision.
Black Hole [MP3, 3.0MB, VBR]
Je Ne Sais Pas [MP3, 2.8MB, 128kbps]
Meow!!! [MP3, 3.1MB, 128kbps]
Catatonic Film Star [MP3, 3.5MB, 128kbps]
www.bellaunion.com
www.jetscreamertx.com
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Devics
Label: Bella UnionGenre: Slowcore
On their site, Devics name-drop Johnny Cash, Arab Strap, Iron and Wine, and Sparklehorse. If those bands float your boat, chances are you'll be happy you found Devics.
In Your Room [MP3, 5.7MB, 160kbps]
Stars at Saint Andrea [MP3, 5.2MB, 160kbps]
www.devics.com
www.bellaunion.com
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