If you’ve been reading this blog since the start you know that we must be peeing our pants with the excitement of the up coming release of Screaming Females new album “Ugly.” A few months back they released the single “It All Means Nothing” which got me so excited that I listened to “Castle Talk” all week long.
“Ugly” is set to drop April 3rd and I’m chomping at the bit to get my hands on it. Check out the video for “All Means Nothing” below. If you’re a cat lover it may be hard for you to swallow.
After five years one of our favorite bands The Morning Bendershave decided to change their name to POP ETC. Along with the name change they have also released a nice little mixtape which you can listen to below.
At first we were mighty confused with the name change but after the explanation they posted on their former website we can totally respect why they chose to do so. We’re not sure if we can get used to the new name. What do you think?
Full Explanation:
“When we started this band in 2005 we had no expectation.” However, with success came tour dates abroad and the band eventually discovered the word “bender” is a slang term for “homosexual” in the UK and Europe.
“We were told our band name was the equivalent of ‘The Morning Fags’ in America. We had been called The Morning Benders for 5 years, and we were just finding this out now? It was shocking. And quite sad, to say the least,” Chu explained. “We had spent those years touring night and day, championing our name everywhere we could, only to find out that the name had an alternate meaning- one that made us look hateful, or at best, ignorant.”
“At the time we didn’t really have many options; we had already booked several tours as The Morning Benders and had just released our new album. We couldn’t very well change the name right then and there. We had unwittingly gotten ourselves into a problem with no immediate solution, it was extremely disappointing. But that’s all said and done. Now it’s 2012. We are at the tail end of making our third album, and we have been given the opportunity to change our band name. We’ve decided to seize that opportunity, and here’s why–
1. We simply cannot go on using a name that is demeaning to the gay community. The reason we are making music is to reach and unite as many different kinds of people as possible, and the idea that our name may be hateful towards anyone makes us sick.
2. In the UK and many parts of Europe the name has simply become too distracting. The MUSIC has always been our number one focus, and we want to present that to people in as pure a way as possible.”
Exactly seven days ago the Royal Baths released their garage rock 60’s psych inspired album Better Luck Next Life on Kanine Records. The dangerously provocative video above was created for the third track on the album “Faster Harder.” Think of it as a naughty Valentines Day treat.
Stream the full album below and if you love their seductive dark rock and roll as much as I do then you can grab it right here.
As a huge Brother Ali fan I’m excited to announce the release of his newest seven track EP, The Bite Marked Heart. Artists like honte, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Nikki Jean and Aby Wolf have come on board to collaborate on a bunch of the tracks. Brother Ali is currently working on his sixth studio album, Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color which should be coming very soon.
You can stream the full album below and download is for free right here!
While reading another awesome Tumblr blog, Ghost FM I came across some easy breezy pop that could really only come from one place, San Francisco.
Adios Amigo released their self titled five track EP this past August which you can stream in full from their bandcamp page. Their sound is mellow, yet full of joy. The SF Chronicle describes them perfectly when they say, “Adios Amigo’s music is like taking a happy pill; their pop melodies are like a loving hug.” So prepare your self for a bear hug size serving of indie pop bliss!
I’m pretty sure that Amy Klein has more energy than seven shots of espresso and three five hour energies combined. Although she recently departed from Titus Andronicus she’s been juggling projects Amy Klein and The Blue Star Band, Hilly Eye and Permanent Wave.
Below is the first track off her 2010 EP Fireworks. From what I hear they killed it at Ladyfest Boston. Stream the full EP on their bandcamp page.
Every week I get a beautiful email from Ghostly’s listening service Drip.fm. It’s currently in beta, but I would highly suggest requesting an invite. About a month ago they sent me over this gorgeous EP and I’m sad to say I haven’t had the chance to write about it even though I’ve been listening non-stop. I think “Exhale” is my favorite track, but the whole EP is perfection from start to finish.
Beacon is currently on tour with another Ghostly artist who I’m sure you’ve heard all about, TYCHO. That’s a show I would love to see. Beacon is mellow ambient electro the rolls and dips with a melodic R&B inspired falsetto. One listen and you’ll be hooked. You can download the full EP for $4 on bandcamp. Grab it. It’s worth every penny.
Wilhelm and the Dancing Animals: The Forests Have No Name
For the last few years indie pop/rock has been dominated by keyboards, synth and a bunch of innovative recording techniques. However, Spain’s Wilhelm and the Dancing Animals have decided start fresh, back to basics infused with acoustic spanish style guitar riffs and simple upbeat percussion. Can you say refreshing? I know I can.
