Spectrals Feel the Love from Critics

This isn’t much of a news story, more so another outlet to herald Louis Jones’ project, Spectrals — but this time with some stamps of approval.  Yes, people are currently digging the UK band’s coyly titled debut EP, Extended Play.  Spectral’s dreamy, romantic 60s pop could be well-received nearly anywhere (including your parent’s prom).  Your parents wont be telling you to turn this shit down.  If you’re new to Spectrals, here is a salvo of tracks and a video to whet your palate.

“I Ran With Love But I Couldn’t Keep Up”

“Chip A Tooth (Spoil A Smile)”

“7th Date”

“Peppermint” (video)

Happy New Year Receives Gift in “Hotel” Video


Yay for privacy! We complain about not having enough of it, but when artists can retreat to make-shift studios in condemned 19th century breweries to record solo projects, it’s time to count your amendment blessings.

Eleanor Logan of Adult Themes released a 7″ of vengeful pop songs receiving critical acclaim (as if anyone else would take the time) under the name Happy New Year.

UK Director, Rob Heppell created the enticing video for “Hotel” which you can view once you’ve finished reading this sentence.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- HOTEL from rob heppell on Vimeo.

Lower Dens Plays a “Yours Truly” Session, and Releases First Single, ‘Batman’


Female fronted Indie rock band from Baltimore, Lower Dens, has announced their 2011 tour dates. Starting on January 3rd in Washington DC, they will finish March 15th in Norman, Oklahoma.

Previously releasing their first album, Twin-Hand Movement, the new single “Batman” is off the upcoming EP of the same name to be released January 18th. They recently performed the single for a “Yours Truly” Session that you can watch here.

Listen to previous single, “Blue and Silver

Tour Dates

01/03 – Washington DC – The Kennedy Center
01/12 – Carrboro NC – Cat’s Cradle $
01/13 – Atlanta GA – Variety Playhouse $
01/14 – Asheville NC – Grey Eagle Tavern $
01/15 – Nashville TN – Exit In $
03/11 – Washington DC – Black Cat !
03/12 – Chapel Hill NC – Local 506 !
03/13 – Atlanta GA – The EARL !
03/15 – Norman OK – The Opolis !

$ = w/ The Walkmen
! = w/ Wye Oak

Check out their Myspace for more information.

Soda Shop Jerk a 7″ and a Video

Not to take anything away from Soda Shop, but they sound exactly like their name would lead you to believe.  Imagine an Utopian 50’s diner, where half a decade of hindsight has allowed Soda Shop to go back and doctor up the ideal atmosphere with “Farewell” — where everyone is smoother than the Fonz, with even the next generation’s hippies wishing they could be this chill.  Washed out Chuck Berry guitar licks go a long way to accomplishing this lofty vision.  Add bells, a tambourine, and kind vocals awash in reverb and Soda Shop make it seem natural and fun.  The Brooklyn duo features Drew Driver from Horse Shoes and Maria Usback from Selebrities.  Look for the “Farewell” 7″ out January 18th and pick up the song at this link.  The accompanying video puts the archetypal images in place to round out the experience.  Enjoy!

Eternal Summers Premiere Video and Remix of “Pogo”

The Virginians of Eternal Summers are taking over the Internet with their single “Pogo,” off their album Silver, out now on Kanine Records. They premiered the lo-fi, psychedelic video for the song on the almighty Pitchfork, while an Allen Blickle remix of it made its appearance on the equally revered mp3 blog Stereogum. And while the flashing colors and image overlays of the video match well with the song’s retro-pop feel, the electro arrangement Allen Blickle put together for the remix, with its powerful bass puts forth Yun’s voice.

So, to watch the video, click HERE. And to listen to the remix, click HERE.

Band of Horses Hit Up Austin City Limits

Band Of Horses played Austin City Limits this past October as part of the Austin City Limits festival. The performance was recorded and now has a date to air.

You can see the Grammy-nominated band on January 15th on local PBS stations. The performance is one of the last to be played on the original Austin City Limits stage and features material from all three of the band’s albums: Cease To Begin, Everything All The Time, and the Grammy-nominated Infinite Arms.

Look for Band of Horses on ACL this January. In case you haven’t heard this song (it’s been everywhere) enjoy.