by tunmer

Radio Department to Release Singles Compiliation

The Radio Department comes out with a selection of their latest (of the past eight years) and greatest (of those eight years) work: Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010 for release on January 25^th, 2011.

This “best hits” compilation of sorts of at least their time thus far with Labrador Records is complete with a double disk and some B-sides and rarities mixed in. The Swedish indie label is boding this release as a result of the success of their best selling band. Such success does not come without its obstacles, however. The Radio Department are undoubtedly rock stars, but hesitant – or at least coy – ones at that. Considering their popularity, it seems strange that they have consistently been hesitant to sign contracts, expose themselves to the media and generally skeptical of their acceptance by fans, critics and the rest of the musical community they – whether or not they believe they do or should – belong to.

Until their tour of said album, satiate your need for The Radio Department with the dream-pop track “Never Swallow Fruit” off their just released EP, Never Follow Suit, accompanied perhaps by a candle lit room with an uncontrolled drug of the green variety.

Look out for their tour celebrating this album, including the upcoming New York shows on 11/30 and 12/01 at the Knitting Factory and Bowery Ballroom, respectively.

11.19.10

by tunmer

The Cordelier Club Reveals Debut Song on December 6th

The Cordelier Club’s December slated single, “Don’t Let It Go By” from the London based ensemble is fused with bouncy guitar, dance-synth keyboards and percussion that you can clap your hands to. The music has a similar effect as many of their contemporaries today but with a style almost evoking disco and vocals influenced by 70’s rock singers, merging that current sound with an older generation’s. The Cordelier Club has created a refreshing new take on what’s popular right now.

The brother-sister vocal effort from the core of the band – Richard and Alice Smith – comes through with charming harmonies and an echo throughout the chorus from Richard after Alice implores “is any body out tonight?” Alice’s vocals are more prominent and powerful and are the melody to Richard’s cool rhythm.

It’s a great dance song and a perfect debut for a band on the verge of breaking out. If they don’t manage to blow up the scene, well then it’s one perfectly pleasant song to be proud of. The latter seems to be less likely especially with the help of the likes of Mike McCarthy, the man responsible for the production of Spoon and …Trail of Dead.

Look for “Don’t Let It Go By” on December 6^th.

11.18.10

by tunmer

The Good Old War Release Video For “That’s Some Dream”

The Pennsylvania indie-folk male trio, Good Old War, follows up their debut album Only Way to be Alone with the self titled offering featuring a music video from the single “That’s Some Dream.”

The dream, the song and the video all hold a simple theme: living, dying, and being alright with both. The video tells the story of a self discovering journey with like-minded companions. In this case, the journey is a tour and the companions are band mates, and it’s as straightforward as it is poignant.

It’s damn hooky and with a little Paul Simon inspired non-lyrical vocal addition to the chorus (you’ll have to listen to hear what I mean), the song is so damn likeable that you’ll be listening to it more than once in a sitting. As far as the video journal that is the accompanying music video, the personal and endearing nature will make you feel all warm inside.