This week's playlist features some of the best new and unreleased music out there. In addition, I've thrown in a couple of tracks that you might not have heard when they were originally released last year. Also, make sure to check out the LG MusicPlayer on the homepage. It's updated monthly with new music.
1. Bloc Party - This Modern LoveI tried to hate this band. I told everyone that they were over hyped, a "cookie-cutter" Franz Ferdinand rip of current musical trends and a result of the London press up to its usual tricks. I hate when I am wrong. Bloc Party are the real thing, and they prove it with a record that starts out strong and never lets up. The record is out in the US on March 22, but you can download some songs here. The track I have featured is not yet available for download. It's appears later in the record and probably won't ever be a single, but it's still an amazing song...and that's why Bloc Party are worth the hype.
2. Johnny Boy - You Are The Generation That Bought More Shoes & You Get What You Deserve (Crews Against Consumismo Extended Mix)So this single came out way back in August, but I have heard more people talking about it the last couple of weeks then I did all of last year. This leads me to believe that people just didn't hear it last year. Well shame on you. This is the closest thing to a perfect pop song that has been released in a long time. The Phil Spector "wall of sound" comparisons are unavoidable, but there is much more to this band than their influences. I couldn't find a download, but be sure to go to their site and stream the song. Then buy the single for this remix.
3. Local H - ToxicChicago duo Local H have done what many bands have attempted, but few actually deliver on. They have turned a "pop" song into a "rock" song. This is not a parody of Britney's version, but a full-blown remake. You can download it here.
4. On The Speakers - Sweet DreamsOn The Speakers are the new project of former Creeper Lagoon co-frontman Ian Sefchick, and they pick up right where his former band left off. A lot of press has been giving the band slack for this reason, but I think it's awesome. I am of the school of thought that you can't have too much of a good thing. Since Creeper Lagoon is no more, I am glad I can still get my fix of intricate guitar work, catchy vocal melodies and HUGE anthemy choruses. iTunes Download
5. Caribou - YetiThis is the first single off of The Milk Of Human Kindness, which is the first official album for Caribou, but the third for the man behind the mask, Dan Smith. You see his last record was released under the guise of Manitoba, but there were some legal issues hence the name change. But fans of the band need not worry, because if this single is any indication the sound is still as undescribable as ever. No official download is available yet, but there might be some songs floating around on the Internet. The record is due to be released in early April.
6. The Veils - The Tide That Left and Never Came BackThe Veils are a hard band to find information on. I know that their debut record, The Runaway Found, came out on Rough Trade way back in April of 2004, but then they seem to just disappear. It's always sad when a group with this much talent fails to break into the indie mainstream, or even stick together long enough to have a chance to do so. The rumor is that the force behind the band, Finn Andrews, is going to release new material with a different group of musicians sometime this year. Let's hope it's more of the same Suede, Verve and The Smiths influenced song writing. iTunes Download
7. Electric Six - Radio Ga GaI give these guys credit just for sticking around long enough to make a second record. Yeah their songs are funny, and occasionally make you want to jump up and down and scream "Fire in the Taco Bell" in a Jack White voice, but do they really have enough gags for another record? Well, as the saying goes, when you run out of your own songs cover Queen. No download, but you can buy the single here or buy the new record, Senor Smoke.
8. Lady Sovereign - RandomThis is the song that all the hipsters in NY are talking about right now, and for once they are actually (kinda) right. It is definitely a jam, especially considering the fact that Ms. Sovereign is only 18 years old...an 18 year old that has already worked with Basement Jaxx, the Streets, Dizzee Rascal and D12. Not a bad resume, huh? In any case the best word to describe her music is, umm, random. This song has elements of Grime, Garage and R&B. Don't know if I could deal with an entire album, but that's what singles are for. Listen to the track on her site.
9. The M's - Big Baby BottomsThe M's have been wowing Chicago audiences for over two years now, and I thought it time the rest of the world hears them. This track appears on their self-titled debut on Brilliante Records. Their sound has elements of T-Rex, the Kinks and Mott the Hopple. This song is the kind of song you play really, really loud with all of your windows open while driving home from a late night out. Know what I'm saying? iTunes Download
10. Your Favorite Band or Song Here
While I claim to know everything about everything music related, I sometimes overlook a great new band or song. So if you have a recommendation, please let me know by posting a Comment to this entry. cheers.
