Not quite new, but new to me. Straight up outta the Northwest–apparently where all good music comes from–these guys, called The Microphones, have a very uniquely mellow style. The album i just got, called “The Glow, Pt. 2,” has captured my attention, especially this song (Called “Headless Horseman”):

It’s a shame that it took me 9 years to discover this album. The Microphones have since become known as Mount Eerie, whom I listened to and do not like as much. That’s okay though, I’m glad to have found this album. Let me know what you think.

Find them in this vast expanse known as the internet:

KEEP LISTENING!

Chris Varela

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I decided to confront my “album A.D.D.” by spending some quality time alone with my iPod. Now that finals are over and summer is here, how glorious it has been to dive into the giant pool of music that stands un-listened to on my ipod.

One such band whom I have indeed grown to love during this intimate time of bonding between my ipod and me is the Kings of Convenience.
It’s hard to pin this musical duo down to one genre because their style varies widely.

They’ve got some more upbeat, pop songs like this one:

They also have some super slow and mellow songs (Especially on their album “Quiet is the New Loud”, like this one:

The contrast is crazy. That’s why I like them. Give them a shot and let me know what you think.

KEEP Listening!!
Chris Varela

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1. You wouldn’t know that I’ve written about this artist before. Read what I wrote about him by clicking HERE. For that matter, you wouldn’t know that I used to have another blog!
2. You also wouldn’t know where to find this guy. Here’s where you can find him:



3. You’d also miss out on this little tidbit of info:

One of my favorite artists of all time just came out with this one. Folky, Bob Dylan-esque, banjo player (on occasion), and lyrical genius can all be used to describe Mr. Kristian Matsson on “The Wild Hunt.” Building on his widely successful–and critically acclaimed–album, “Shallow Graves,” TMOE sings some more unique songs. One warning, there’s a bonus track featuring the piano.. not his best work, but surely a valiant effort.

WARNING: The Tallest Man on Earth is an acquired taste, and no doubt, many of you won’t give this guy a chance because of the way he sings. Trust me though, listen to this song a few times instead of casting him to the wayside.

I’m about to share with you my favorite song on his new album, but before I do, I’d like to thank you for sticking with me to the end. For those of you who didn’t, but for some reason are reading this sentence, please know that our friendship is over… Just kidding.

Without further ado, here’s your youtube video:

Final Verdict: If you liked “Shallow Graves,” you’ll love “The Wild Hunt.”

KEEP LISTENING.
Chris Varela

PS – New Band of Horses album comes out this week!

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Delorean is their name, and they recently came out with a new ablum titled “Subiza.”

If you liked Animal Collective’s “Strawberry Jam,” chances are that you’ll like Delorean as well.

Catchy beats, unique synth melodies, and smooth harmonies are all put together in this fantastic piece of indie electronic work. Pitchfork.com actually reviewed this album. They thought it was good.

Here’s a good one, called “Stay Close”

Get your hands on this album! you won’t be disappointed! Download the mp3 version here.

Keep Listening, friends!
Chris Varela

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You just might be a fan of Ms. Marling’s music if:

1. you like folk, indie, singer-songwriter, or females
2. you like Noah and the Whale, The Rakes, Mystery Jets, or Mumford and Suns
3. you like this song: Laura Marling – “Ghosts”
4. you like these sites:

Keep listening!
Chris Varela

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Watch this video:

Other notable songs (Youtube links!):

A.Skills and Krafty Kuts – “Little Things”
All Good Funk Alliance – “Pete’s Sake”
Nas – “Nas is Like”
Fort Knox Five – “The Brazilian Hipster”
The Soul Searchers – “Ashley’s Roachclip” (A sick oldie for good measure!)

It’s a little out there, I know. If you’re not down with it, it’s all good.. At least you explored it.

Keep Listening, my friends!

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1. Listen to these two tracks (on myspace).

‘Wide Eyes’
‘Airplanes’

2. Explore the Local Natives! Here are some good places to look. (The blog is legit.)

3a. Buy Their album online (it’s not out in the US yet!) HERE

3b. Youtube the Local Natives. There’s a ton of stuff of them there, like live performances, music videos, and other stuff. Their profile has some random funny videos too.

4. If you’ve made it this far, show your dying allegiance to them by becoming their facebook fan.

5. By now you’d be a hardcore fan, so you should be telling everyone about them! Or if you don’t want to do that, just tell everyone about this post and send them here. I could always use some traffic.

Until next time, keep listening!

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(That’s her!)
I gave her one listen and I was sold. What’s not to like about this woman’s music? She’s from Argentina, has a beautiful voice, and plays super low-key music that is so easily absorbed.
I don’t want to confine her style to a specific genre, but if I had to describe it, I would say that it’s a combo of the folk-like Simon and Garfunkel and subtle hints of electronic effects.
Last.fm puts her under the tag Folktronica, but don’t let that deter you! Explore her album called “Segundo,” have I ever led you astray?

Her most recent release is titled “Un Dia,” but I have yet to listen to it. Sad day.

FIND HER! NOW!

(She’s bilingual!)

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Anyway, there’s a website out there called lablogotheque.net. Really cool site with lots of cool stuff, but the thing this site is known for are its Take-away shows, which are basically videos of bands playing their songs on the street. There’s over a 100 videos of bands taking the streets playing their songs in front of passersby. It’s tight.
Actually, one of my very first posts on my tumblr blog was of Beirut doing a Take-away show. Check that one out here. It’s one of my favorite Take-away shows.

So yeah, Phoenix did three separate take-away shows with lablogotheque. This one’s my favorite:

Aren’t they great.? I love this band. and this video. You should too.

Hunt Down Phoenix

(their myspace page is sick!)

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This music video ought to moisten your musical pallet:

Has your pallet been moistened?? If so, you can stream his whole set of xmas songs here!

Find Sufjan Stevens:

(He seems to be pretty anti-internet; he’s not on twitter OR facebook!)

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