Can't Miss Artist of the Week - Week Five

Annuals/Sunfold
Annuals MySpace, Sunfold MySpace, Annuals Official Website,


Sound Breakdown and Analysis

How can a band release a split EP with themselves? Well, if you're a part of the collection of members from Annuals and Sunfold, it's quite easy. They are basically the same group. Annuals are a band from Raleigh, NC who share the same basic members as the band Sunfold, but feature lead singer Adam Baker. Sunfold is the sister project of Annuals, and allow guitarist/vocalist Kenny Florence to sing lead vocals for this group. These two groups are the very same band except for the lead singer distinction, but Sunfold is supposed to be more "guitar-heavy sounding". If you can't decipher the idea here, don't worry. Both bands are worth your time and ears.


The Wet Zoo EP, which came out April 1st, includes five tracks, the first three from Annuals and the last two by Sunfold. Best put by Last FM.com, "Annuals transform pop paradigms into sweeping, luxuriant sonic landscapes while remaining faithful to a wholehearted emotional core." This basically means Adam Baker leads the Annuals' charge to stretch the noises and sounds of electronica, folk, and indie rock. Songs on Annuals last full length album, Be He Me, released in 2006 features "Complete, Or Completing", a folksy ballad complete with piano accompaniment, and "Chase You Off", which demonstrates a mix of their tastes and rock ability. Sunfold released their first full length CD, Toy Tugboats, on July 22nd. This disc includes the groovy, reggae guitared "Shrinking the Sphere" and "Gnosis", a softer indie rock jam filled with Kenny Florence's high pitched vocals.


Why You Should Be Listening

These band mates produce a unique sound, even in the indie arena. Some of their songs are hard to come by on the web, which is why there are limited links in this posting. Nonetheless, Annuals appeal to the Mars Volta-lite fans while Sunfold expresses the love for indie rock many other music fans may feel.

The Great Eight - July 27th

Today's songs feature a variety of tracks from the dance and pop sides of indie music. The sounds you will experience should bring you much joy and excitement, and in one particular case great "comfort". Look into finding out more about these bands if you like the sound of the songs featured here. Enjoy!

Tilly and the Wall - Beat Control
~ These five Omaha, NE natives show a love of "the same classic ’60s pop, boy/girl harmonies and Americana folk records", at least according to Last FM. Enjoy this very danceable beat, beat, beat!

Clinic - The Witch (Made To Measure)
~ Veteran Liverpool chaps dish out this indie jam from Do It! which came out earlier this year.

Axe Riverboy - Roundabout
~ Xavier Boyer, lead singer songwriter of French group Tahiti 80, is the force behind this track. Axe Riverboy is actually an anagram for his name. Have fun with this rockin' soulful tune.

The Gossip - Standing in the Way of Control
~ Beth Ditto shouts out the lyrics of this disco-sounding, dance punk song, truly capturing the energy of this band in their self-titled EP which came out in 1999. If you haven't seen or heard this band, you will be in for a treat.

The Comfies - Your Sunshine
~ Head-bobbing, groovy, infectious rock music from these Nashville dudes provide plenty to feel good about off their Close To Me EP.

Georgie James - Needs Your Needs
~ This D.C. based twosome cranks out the fresh melodic harmonies on this great song from their equally great LP, Places.

Monte Negro - Give Me Love (No Llores)
~ Bilingual L.A. band delivers this reggae infused diddy off their debut album, Cicatrix, coming out August 5th. This group is getting a lot of buzz from the industry side of the business, but their sound is undeniably indie . . . at least for now! Catch them before they are forced to sell out, j/k!

Black Kids - I've Underestimated My Charm (Again)
~ Jacksonville buzz band hits indie gold again with this 50's rock-sounding, new wavish tune. See my other blog posting for their first single.

Dr. Dog Makes House Calls

Dr. Dog - Fate
Take some time to familiarize yourself with Philadelphia darlings Dr. Dog, Indieface's Artist of the Month. They have been and will continue to create amazing music that on its surface appears to be listener friendly, but is, in fact, very complex. With musical accompaniments that mimic a backyard orchestra, Dr. Dog does not roll over with boring straightforward arrangements. They have made no bones about being influenced by the harmonization and instrumentation of the legendary Beach Boys and Beatles, but this album signifies a departure from their earlier recordings and easily stands alone without the easy comparisons to those stalwarts of rock. The organic/grainy production that is heard on their other albums is not lost on this new album as some fans might observe: it is still there, but amplified. Without compromising their under-produced sound, Dr. Dog has captured that feeling in a higher resolution. Their set list on Fate could easily be shuffled into the Classic Rock station on your parents digital cable music channel and you would never know it, but don't dismiss the old style. Stylistically Dr. Dog feels retro, but it feels even better to know that it is real and accessible and new music. Experience this band while you can. Dance like an uninhibited fool to "The Rabbit Bat and Reindeer."

Links
www.myspace.com/drdog

Taste the Daytrotter Session and Interview
http://www.daytrotter.com/article/550/dr-dog-five-professional-life-specialists-filled-with-grandfathers-unafraid-of-dr-death

Don't forget to download the free session songs on page two!

Can't Miss Artist of the Week - Week Four

CSS

MySpace, Official Site

Sound Breakdown and Analysis

Cansei de ser Sexy, Portuguese for "I got tired of being sexy", is now a five piece band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their name reportedly came about after an off-the-cuff remark singer Beyonce made regarding her fame. The moniker captures the self-assurance of CSS and goes well with the feel and flow of the band. You already may be familiar with the iPod selling song, "Musk Is My Hot Hot Sex" from the self-titled first album which came out in 2006. This particular tune demonstrates the flair and tenacity of their production. They make fun, pop culture referenced, electrodance rock which falls into the indie pop realm as well.

Their second full length album, Donkey, dives into yet another area of sound. Donkey features a harder, 90's alt-rock edged feel, which lead singer Lovefoxxx explains came about despite touring almost nonstop for the past two years. She gives an in depth interview to Pitchfork Media here about the album making process. Even though the lead singles, "Rat Is Dead (Rage)" and "Left Behind", are in line with this alternative feel, CSS still knocks out the synth pop rock that made them so infectious in tracks "Move" and "How I Became Paranoid". All these songs are currently spinning on their MySpace page.

Why You Should Be Listening

Donkey shows the range this band can have beyond its sound inception. Besides the fact that CSS provides the dance and song beats to move along with, they have a very exciting live show which captures their energy levels. I speak on word of mouth here, since I have yet to see them live, eben though I had a chance at last year's Lollapalooza just to suffer from their flight to Chicago being delayed. :(

Listeners will also enjoy their recent cover versions of the Breeders' alt-rock classic, "Cannonball", on a "B-side of the "Left Behind" single which came out July 14th, as well as the new Bloc Party single, "Mercury". Look for these songs wherever available.

Release Date: July 22, 2008

Overall Artist Rating: 8.5 out of 10 for evolution of sound!

Must Know Artists

There are times when music comes out and you find yourself saying, "Who is that!?" or "What is this?". These instances provide opportunities to look up, into, and around the music you hear so you can find out more about it. A few artists you should be looking into, if you haven't already, are provided here for your listening and viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy these acts! Let me know what you think . . .

Bloc Party

~ British foursome who released Silent Alarm in February 2005 and A Weekend In The City in February 2007.

"One million people had bought the band's debut album . . . British music weekly NME made it their Album Of The Year in 2005 . . . in the UK album charts for a thumping 69 weeks. It wasn't just the London-based four-piece's home country that fell hard for their agit-jitter guitar pop. Bloc Party - Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes, Matt Tong - had received similar plaudits across Europe, and in Japan. They raced up the charts in 17 countries. In America, they were the only Nu Skool Brit guitar band that could sell out 8000-capacity venues." - Atlantic Records Website Bio

Get to know this band through Banquet (Silent Alarm) and Hunting For Witches (A Weekend In The City). Bloc Party has a sound that is infectious and good vibe-inducing. Their MySpace also currently features their latest single, "Mercury".

Editors

~ These Birmingham mates have a "dark" sound with a melodic guitar riffs and synth added in. They have drawn comparisons to Echo and the Bunnymen and even Joy Division, but Editors insist their style of indie rock contains too much of a modern feel to accurately be put along side of those classic British indie rockers. They honor the past while looking towards the future with their two albums 2005's The Back Room and 2007's An End Has A Start. Whatever you hear in this band, you're sure to be pleased with the tracks "Munich", "Bones" and "An End Has A Start".

Belle and Sebastian

~ A decade's old band who has only relatively recently gotten their due. The enthusiasm of the group's fans through a word of mouth campaign has garnered Belle and Sebastian much deserved props. I have to admit I only learned about these musical geniuses in late 2006, but I'm glad I did. The group's members have taken on many a side project throughout the years including participation in V-Twin, The Amphetameanies, The Gentle Waves, and Snow Patrol; nonetheless, the essence that is Belle and Sebastian sounds like groovy indie pop with a Scottish/British-influenced flow. Their official MySpace has all the songs that make them so good, including "For The Price of A Cup of Tea" (2006's The Life Pursuit) and "Like Dylan In The Movies" (1996's If You're Feeling Sinister). I also really enjoy the slightly more rockin' "We Are The Sleepyheads", also off The Life Pursuit.

Iron & Wine

~ Samuel Beam is Iron and Wine. Iron and Wine is Samuel Beam. Samuel Beam is a man! The stage name of Mr. Beam represents his indie folk rock gone groovy. Iron and Wine offers solid, yet slick music (like iron) but the tunes go down smooth (like wine) and satisfy your insides. OK, he didn't purposefully name himself that because of these reasons, but it makes sense to me. Just listen to "Naked As We Came", a mellow, folksy love song, and the equally as sweet "Sunset Soon Forgotten", both of Our Endless Numbered Days. He jumps to a slightly more upbeat tempo with "Pagan Angel and A Borrowed Car" and "Boy With A Coin" off The Shepherd's Dog. He really gets to the folk music lover in you.

The Great Eight - July 18th

There are songs that stick in your head, stay there for a while, and repeat over and over again until you find yourself humming, buzzing, or all-out singing them aloud in front of strangers. The following are a few songs I have maybe, probably engaged in these activities . . . but man are they worth it! Some are older songs, and a couple are fresher to the scene, but as it goes with sing-a-longs, we can't choose our favorites, our favorites choose us. Enjoy!


Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Y Control
~ Live performance from Cochella 2006 provided by my friend at 1,2,3 . . . Calabaza!

The Bird and The Bee - Polite Dance Song
~ I've posted a link to this song before but it really benefits from a bad ass video!

The Flaming Lips - She Don't Use Jelly
~ Classic song no one can resist singing, while using magazines . . .

Muse - Time Is Running Out
~ Glad to be an Entourage fan; first heard this tune on out credits after an episode and have been hooked on the band since!

Kings of Leon - Fans
~ "Homegrown . . . Rock to the rhythm and bop to the beat of the radio". If you don't, you're dead inside!

Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
~ What happens when the girl gets over the guy's BS? She writes this song.

Born Ruffians - Badonkadonkey
~ Song is much more than the name. It makes you get up and groove.

Miniature Tigers - The Wolf
~ "Everybody's looking at you like they wanna go home with you". What more do you need to know? (link is to the band's MySpace, and yes I just blogged about this song but it's stuck in my head!)

Can't Miss Artist of the Week - Week Three

fire Zuave
MySpace, Own Page on Reverb Nation

Sound Breakdown and Analysis

How to identify the sound that is fire Zuave . . .

One might hear tinges of acoustic classic rock, another may say that was a twang of Nashville I just heard. How does indie alternative country sound? Well if it represents a slice of Americana and it goes down smooth with guitars a-blazin', you may just have what fire Zuave offers. This collection of musicians from Cleveland, West Palm Beach, and Detroit got together to independently release Sand Fastened, a 9 song LP, in May of this year.

Marya Summers of the New York Times described their sound as "a mashup of their own 'if the Beatles were born in Nashville'". Songs like "Starving Like A Pack of Wolves" definitely back up this claim. Once you get your twang on, you move on to the more indie rock sounding "Different Day" complete with electric guitar riffs, melodic pacing, and of course meaningful grit-filled lyrics sung by lead vocalist/guitarist Chuck Andrews. "Emily", on the other hand, starts out with Chris Cartrett's bass leading into a rousing love lost song gone rustic. The ear-pleasing incessant drumming of Jason Hermes on the track sounds more like the groundwork for a battle cry to get the girl's attention before she's gone forever.

Why You Should Be Listening

fire Zuave is just different enough to garner worthwhile attention from admirers of the band of Montreal and those who enjoy early Rilo Kiley. As it works out, Andrews' cousin, Kevin Barnes, is a member of the band of Montreal and has helped fire Zuave sculpt its performance and has offered recording session advice as well. This merry mesh of musicians molds the sound of their instruments into an ear-to-the-ground grassroots rockin' good time. Even if your not originally a fan of the style of music these guys perform, you should invest in listening to Sand Fastened to make sure you're not missing something.

Release Date: May 2008

Overall Artist Rating: 7 out of 10 for their first outing means they can only improve!
*Special thanks to Chris for hooking me up with all the band info!*

Indie Pop Well Represented In Newish Releases

Little Beirut

This Portland-based foursome produce a variety of poppy rock beats and head bobbing songs on their first commercial release, High Dive, which was self-released on April 1st. Those in the mood for pop rock done indie style should feel like they have found something to cheer about here. Little Beirut is a bit off the main indie rock/pop road, but there is something in the songs that grabs your attention and is worth listening to. So here's the skinny on the name (the story has been told numerous times all over the web, but for the sake of my loyal visitors here's the scoop): Little Beirut came from the mouth of former President Bush, who after visiting Portland, OR during his time in office was met with resistance and drew the ayre of liberal-minded locals; Bush bestowed the nickname on the Oregon city due to their outspoken, protesting ways. This band has gladly picked up the flag for the moniker.

Lovers of lyrical manifestations should find the lyrics on this album pleasurable, searching for the intent of the words and how they fit together within the song itself. Written in 2004 but contained on this album, "The Lottery" features the vocal range of lead singer/guitarist Hamilton Sims topping the catchy guitar strumming and backing vocals of Edwin Paroissien. However, the phrasing of certain lyrics in this song may get lost in the shuffle if you don't pay attention. Is this the point? Well it's certainly part of the plan. Either way it pleases the ear. Another tune, "Love During Wartime", is a mellowed out, trumpet-dotted political jab at the Bush administration, and more specifically Condoleezza Rice who according to Sims in order "to become the most powerful woman in the history of U.S. politics" became "completely desexualized to make it okay. Hence why a love song to her seems so absurd.” Whatever the point of each song may be, Little Beirut seems to embrace its ironic cryptonym with sass and pride.

Some may find High Dive on the "sounds like the other thing" side, but if you're in the mood for hooky, rhythm-based, less mechanic sounding rock pop give it a try!

Mates of State

Around since their 2000 debut, My Solo Project, Mates of State, a married, child bearing couple originally from San Francisco who moved to New Haven, Connecticut to have a baby girl, have also developed some of the catchiest indie pop in the last few years. Their latest full-length CD, Re-Arrange Us, via Barsuk Records contains organic piano and synth sounds in place of the traditional organ Kori Gardner used to play. Both Gardner and her husband, Jason Hammel, who still provides the drum beats, no longer solely harmonize but each sing with a more established lead vocal style not seen previously. The different way these two go about their business appropriately lends itself to set Mates of State apart from other indie pop; they are different!

The new album, released on May 20th, infuses many sounds into each individual song. "Now" features synthisizer-driven poppiness with a throwback vocal style, while "Jigsaw" uses piano-based fusion to turn out the fun. "My Only Offer" adds a trumpet backing at times. The melodic nature of Mates of State allows this pairing to establish themselves as indie pop divas complete with the uncustomary delivery of sound. Check them out and enjoy the feeling you get when they make you dance and smile.

The Great Eight - July 12th

Today's great eight songs come from six "the" bands and two bands that are "the $*!+". It just worked out that way, so enjoy these feel good, foot tapping jams. Comment me up and tell me what you think about them! Piece

The Young Knives - Turn Tail
~ a head bobbing, 80's-feel video diddy from these UK boys off Superabundance via Trangressive Records
The Vibrants - First Move
~ another UK band heavy on the indie pop with this rock out song from the Incoming EP released independently
The Hold Steady - Sequestered In Memphis
~ these Brooklyn rockers deliver a Springsteen-inspired rock tune from Stay Positive via Vagrant Records
The Song Corporation - Just Like Us
~ one of the two mp3's available on their website from the hoppy, danceable, trumpet rock on Pirates! via their website
The Lodger - The Good Old Days
~ a jaw-jabbin', UK band who preaches "positive soul vibes" in this song from Life Is Sweet via Slumberland Records
The Weakerthans - Civil Twilight
~ a Winnipeg folk rock band with punk rock roots delivers this song from Reunion Tour via Epitaph
CSS - Rat Is Dead (rage)
~ off new album Donkey via Subpop Records; if you haven't heard of this awesome Brazilian band, check out their MySpace.
Republic Tigers - Buildings and Mountains
~ the Kansas City crew strums its way to this grooviliscious folksy tune from Keep Color via Chop Shop Records

Who Is Raine Maida?

Remember the 1990's? Remember all the great one hit wonders? How about "Superman's Dead"?

The lead singer of the alternative rock group responsible for this hit and other diddys, Our Lady Peace, has reemerged with his first solo record, The Hunters Lullaby, due out August 26th from Canada's Kingnoise Records. Raine Maida goes on his self-professed "quest to be a decent human being" on this acoustic-laden, hip-hop influenced, indie folk-styled album.

Sounds like a mindfull, huh? Well you get a little of it all from this very creative musician/producer who revels in the fact that for the first time he owns and completely controls the music he has created. All songs were said to have been recorded with acoustic instruments only, so the quality of sound produced in tracks like, "Yellow Brick Road" and "Careful What You Wish For", comes across as a mesh of musical cultures (as demonstrated by use of a snake charmer flute) and spoken word over piano, guitar, and drum beats with high hats.

This album is different from most Our Lady Peace music you may be accustomed to; however, if you find yourself intruiged by what you've heard so far, check out Raine Maida's MySpace or his official website. Be on the lookout for The Hunters Lullaby, available next month.

(Photo courtesy of www.rainemaida.net/)

Can't Miss Pick of the Week - Week Two

Fleet Foxes
MySpace, Artist Page on Sub Pop Records
(Photo Credit: http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k595/k59575y35wt.jpg)

Sound Breakdown and Analysis

Brooding their Neil Young and Zombies-inspired classic rock style in Seattle, Fleet Foxes combine vintage folk and modern indie rock to produce a sound reminiscent of the feel of the music in the 1960's in their self-titled full length debut album. Robin Pecknold (lead vocals, guitar) harmonizes through cleanly produced lyrics, but the delivery of his words resonate throughout each song and haunt your ears. The musicality of this band truely creates the realm of classic folk rock they aim to replicate while developing a fresh form of the style of rock by which they are so obviously influenced.

Fleet Foxes was released this summer after a five song EP, Giant Sun, came out in April 2008. Their first full length album contains all new material and furthers the "close, pristine harmonies and spare arrangements" on their EP, whcih All Music.com heralded as a breath of fresh air.

Why You Should Be Listening

If you're a fan of classic rock and/or folk, you will be quite surprised at the novelty in sound of this rock style as done by Fleet Foxes. Don't think of them as a revival band or a concept project. This group of musicians seem to believe what they write, play, and sing is a reflection of the music that's within them. Fleet Foxes is the kind of album to put on when you want to chill and need to feel that the music cares about you. It's the kind of album you groove to if you're in a good mood and drink to if you're feeling "blues-y". If you already enjoy the style of rock this band generates, you should find a place for this band in your hearts.

Release Date: June 3, 2008

Overall Artist Rating: 7.5 out of 10, 8 if you love Dylan, man!

The Great Eight - July 6th

Today's great eight are songs from bands already somewhat established in the indie world and have crossed over in some way, shape, or form into the mainstream. A few have had songs featured on popular television shows or in trendy commercials, others received airplay on Top 40 stations and became known for their uniqueness in a bland world. Some have been around longer than others, but they all rock and are worth checking out, if you haven't already done so. Enjoy!

The Black Keys - I Got Mine (from Attack and Release, April 2008)
[Link is of 2007 Lollapalooza performance which I saw live!]

CSS - Alala (from Cansei De Ser Sexy, July 2006)
[Video is a must see! Song will hook you onto new CD coming out soon, review to come as well!]

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (from full length album Cross, also self-titled EP, June 2007)
[This video's style makes you want to see videos again]

The Strokes - You Only Live Once (from First Impressions of Earth, January 2006)

Silversun Pickups - Well Thought Out Twinkles (from Carnavas, July 2006)

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (from We Started Nothing, May 2008)

Tokyo Police Club - In A Cave (from Elephant Shell, April 2008)

Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma (from Vampire Weekend, January 2008)
[Video link shows creativeness, we need more of this from our music!]

Celebrate "Indie"pendence With These Summer Indie Jams

Happy 4th! In the spirit of summer, here's a few songs to make you feel like staying in the shade, chillaxing with a cold beverage, jamming out to the music . . . Enjoy!

Sunny Day Sets Fire - Teenagers Talking
Miniature Tigers - The Wolf
Built to Spill - Kicked It In the Sun
Spank Rock - Bump
Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today
The Beautiful Girls - I Thought About You
The Wedding Present - Don't Take Me Home Until I'm Drunk
(Link is to band's MySpace but this song not featured at time of posting. You can search it though!)

Need to Hear Recent Releases

Since this site has appeared after many artists have already released much buzzed about albums, I will attempt to promote those albums you may have not heard too much about yet. All will be from artists and/or bands who have released albums in '08.

The Watson Twins - Fire Songs (released June 24)

These gals most recently teamed up in 2006 with Jenny Lewis of the group Rilo Kiley on her first solo project, Rabbit Fur Coat. The LP had a decisively alt-country sound, not out of the range of Jenny Lewis, who Rilo Kiley fans know can spin a mean country lyric. The backing vocals provided by identical twin sisters, Chandra and Leigh Watson, on that disc lead them into producing an EP of their own later that year titled, Southern Manners.

The girls spent the remainder of 2006 and the beginning of 2007 touring festivals and and concerts around the world. They settled in to record Fire Songs in September of last year. (www.thewatsontwins.com)

The indie feel of these sisters hits home on their full length disc with opening track, "How Am I To Be", a groovy guitar riffed, xylophone riddled diddy. Sweet, but rich voices carry the track along the message that these girls can fend for themselves. Other standouts on the album include the reflective ballad, "Fall", a sing a-long foot tapper in "Bar Woman Blues, and a cover version of The Cure classic "Just Like Heaven" . . . hold your judgement until you hear it. Expectantly it sounds like a slowed down country-edged take on the goth alternative bouncy dance track Robert Smith and the boys put together, but isn't that what cover songs are for? Any way you look at The Watson Twins, they present an album worthy of a listen for both modern alt-country music fans and indie pop fans alike.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.myspace.com/thewatsontwins)

Jamie Lidell - Jim (released April 29)

A man of many interests, Jamie Lidell got his big break touring with Bjork and Beck in the late 90's and early 2000's, two acts known for their eclectic choices in both music and performances. His first album, Multiply, covered the gamut of electrodance and soul infused stylings. He even had the title track from that album featured on the medical romantic drama, "Grey's Anatomy", a strange connection he shares with The Watson Twins . . . not an intentional connection, btw.

The second album by this British born soul singer features Stevie Wonder-inspired stylings and clap happy songs worthy of use when a friend is down. Jim captures the funk, soul, electronica mess that is Jamie Lidell. Standouts include the harmonica spiced homage to Mr. Wonder, "Little Bit Of Feel Good" and the gospel singer backed, groove-fest that is "Another Day". Listeners should note that Jamie Lidell is singing his ass off as a British White man member of the soul brigade.

(Photo courtesy of www.myspace.com/jamielidell)

The Great Eight - July 1st

Eights songs to immediately look up and download, right now . . . no seriously. Some old and some new diddies for ya. Enjoy!
All of the following have MySpace Pages as well.
The Mae Shi - Lamb and Lion
(from HLLLYH released February 2008)

Tapes 'n Tapes - Hang Them All
(from Walk It Off released April 2008)

The Bird and The Bee - Polite Dance Song
(from Please Clap your Hands EP released September 2007)

Sunny Day Real Estate - The Prophet
(from How It Feels To Be On Something September 1998)

The Thermals - Returning to the Fold
(from the body the blood the machine released August 2006)

BUZZ: Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (from Partie Traumatic released May 2008)

Stepsonday - Same Difference
(from Little Light released June 2008)

Video Extra: Frightened Rabbit - Heads Roll Off
(from The Midnight Organ Fight released April 2008)
Follow this link for an awesome video!

Can't Miss Pick of the Week - Week One

Does It Offend You, Yeah?
http://doesitoffendyou.com, http://www.myspace.com/doesitoffendyou

Sound Breakdown and Analysis
Described as "an obnoxious, dizzying, perfectly of-the-moment blend of Daft Punk, Justice and a little Rage Against the Machine (Rolling Stone, April 3, 2008)", Does It Offend You, Yeah? has plenty of substance to ride the wave of popularity garnered in the buzz community to offer an indie sound worthy of all the praise. The indie alternative dance music lover might not be offended by what he hears, but he sure be groovin' to the beats!

The debut album by these synth-dance rock fellas from the UK, You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into, has also drawn sound comparisons to LCD Soundsystem and performance comparisons to !!! (pronounced "chick, chick, chick") among others.

Brian Hiatt, of Rolling Stone.com recognizes their live sound to be "inspired by a love of Rage: 'It's the only band where the audience has to compose themselves before they clap,'" says James Rushent, who along with Dan Coop, Morgan Quaintance, and Rob Bloomfield formed DIOY,Y? in 2006.


Why You Should Be Listening
Does It Offend You, Yeah? mixes synth rock with British dance beats to relay a sound not solely produced by a drum machine and keyboard. The musicality of the group adds that extra layer of guitar lick and fun not seen all the time in this type of music. If you enjoy the artists to whom they have been compared, you may be in for a treat with this band. All reviews of their live show point to an upbeat, raucous, hellava-good-time dance party infused with enough spark to keep the good times a-rollin'. If that's not enough, you can download a free mp3 from their website! Check out "Dawn of the Dead" and "We Are Rockstars".


Release Date: February 2008. It's out already! Go get it!


Overall Artist Rating: 7 out of 10
Check out the album . . . then try to catch them on tour!