by summer826

Deerhoof Says “Hey I Can”

As part of a unique way to gain exposure for their upcoming album Deerhoof vs. Evil, Deerhoof has been releasing tracks as part of a “Global Album Leak” giving audiences a chance to hear one track at a time each week until the album is officially released on January 25^th.

Their track-dropping world tour embarked in October with the track “The Merry Barracks” in Chicago and they have since released them in places like Spain, England and as far as Australia. This week, Deerhoof leaked their next single “Hey I Can” in Japan which was a perfect setting for a song with hints of Asian flair mixed into the positive lyrics of vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki.

Satomi mentions that she wanted to write a positive song and say “I Can” as many times as she could and that is exactly what she did. Accompanying her light and energetic voice, the song ranges from an Asian tribal feel with clanging chimes to a modern rock song with deep lying bass lines and thrashing drumbeats and ever changing tempos. And with Matsuzaki’s mixture of English and Japanese lyrics everything on this song blends together to form a fun and funky treat for your ears.

Listen to Deerhoof’s latest track here.

You can take your own journey and treat your ears to more delightful sounds of Deerhoof’s latest album here.

12.07.10

by summer826

Surf City Gives ‘Kudos’

It has been a long time since a band could combine elements of early ‘80s alternative with the velvety guitar melodies of ‘90s college rock to the poetic lyrics of many indie bands of today, but New Zealand’s Surf City has managed to do all of that and still sound original and on the edge of something truly spectacular.

Surf City was formed by guitar mavens Davin Stoddard and Josh Kennedy. They quickly added Josh’s brother Jamie on bass and Logan Collins on drums and from there the group was complete. Driven with a passion to create some of the best psychedelic pop music around, they sought out Steve Keene who had previously worked with bands Pavement and Silver Jews to produce their self titled EP. Upon the release of their first EP, Surf City immediately gained momentum which did not go unnoticed as they impressed music Web sites Stereogum and All Music.

Surf City released their long awaited debut album Kudos on Fire Records on November 30^th to a lot of buzz with the band being hailed as New Zealand’s most hyped and possibly best indie band to emerge in a very long time. The first two singles, “Crazy Rulers of The World” and “Kudos” have already whet the palettes of music lovers everywhere leaving them all wanting more.

12.06.10

by tunmer

Jimmy Eat World Take on Conan and the planet

Jimmy Eat World is fun, accessible, easy, and their name sounds like a comic book. No wonder they’re widely popular and live up to fans’ expectations time and time again. The same holds true for their new album, Invented featuring the single “Coffee and Cigarettes.” It puts you in a good mood just by hearing it. It’s not groundbreaking or mind blowing; it’s just really good, like Jimmy Eat World itself.

The chorus line “Coffee and Cigarettes/As Simple As it Gets” off the track pretty much sums it up. The lyrics are straightforward and modest with westward-bound self discovery and romantic nostalgia themes, while the melody and music are masterful pop creations. In conjunction, it’s a simple pleasure that needs no further explanation.

Catch them play “Coffee and Cigarettes” on the triumphant revival of Conan O’Brien December 13^th on TBS or on their many tour dates including New Years Eve at the Fiesta Bowl Rock Party in Tempe, Arizona and international shows in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

12.06.10

by wesleyambrecht

Free Energy Set to Join Weezer on Tour

Over the last 8 weeks or so, DFA’s Free Energy have been rolling out a series of videos entitled “Free Energy’s Power Hour.” An odd mix of comedy and music, the the series was written and directed by the band with help from director, producer and friend Ben Nabors.

Lest we forget what the Free Energy boys are actually known for, they’re currently in the midst of a SPIN Magazine sponsored tour with Foxy Shazam. And, later this month they’ll join Weezer for a handful of shows. A full list of dates can be found down below.

Free Energy Tour Dates

12/07: Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theater Buy Tickets #
12/08: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews – Buy Tickets#
12/09: Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose Tap – Buy Tickets #
12/14: Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre – Buy Tickets ^
12/15: Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre – Buy Tickets^
12/17: New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom – Buy Tickets^
12/18: New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom – Buy Tickets^

* = Foxy & Free Tour, Sponsored by SPIN Magazine
^ = w/ Weezer (Memories Tour)
# – Headlining Date
$ = w/ Hollerado

12.06.10

by Justin Sarachik

Arcade Fire Given the Nod for Three Grammy Awards

Does Arcade Fire have what it takes successfully win their nominated categories? Having a great year musically, Arcade Fire is up for: Album of the Year, Best Alternative Music Album, and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.