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Sand Band- "The Secret Chord"- Free Legal Download

2008-10-21T10:34:00.003-04:00

Influenced by Love & Loneliness (as indicated on their MySpace page), The Sand Band are an alternative/folk rock/blues band--think The Walkmen or Band of Horses.

They just released an EP The Secret Chord, from which you can download the title track "The Secret Chord" for free here from Spinner.com.

Made In China- "How Everything Works"- Free Legal Download

2008-10-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

"How Everything Works" by Made In China is similar to "Liar" by Built To Spill and "Gila" (free download here on Stereogum) by Beach House.

Free legal download of "How Everything Works" here on Spinner.

School of Seven Bells- "Half Asleep"- Free Legal MP3 Download

2008-10-12T23:58:00.003-04:00

School of Seven Bells is a Brooklyn electronic/experimental indie pop band with mostly female vocals much like Au Revoir Simone.

Here's a free legal download of their song "Half Asleep" from IndieFeed.

Similar songs:
Frou Frou- "Let Go"
Au Revoir Simone- "Sad Song"

Memorable songs from scenes in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-10-10T23:52:00.009-04:00

Music is the single biggest element of the Michael Cera/Kat Dennings movie Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist--a mix tape unknowingly draws the two main characters together; the setting is dominated by music venues (six that I can remember--including Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom); the main character is the guitarist whose band performs in the movie--and as such, the featured music/soundtrack was bound to be a big deal.

With such high expectations it would have been impossible to satisfy everyone, but the music does a good job of setting the mood with mostly popular indie rock acts (oxymoron?) and a few lesser known artists.

1- Devendra Banhart- "Lover"
This is Norah's "song", and turns out to be Nick's as well--they dance to it, including the blow dryer.

2- Paul Tiernan- "How To Say Goodbye"
This song plays during the love scene between Nick and Norah in the recording studio. It's a gentle, piano ballad similar to Joshua Radin or Cary Brothers.

3- Vampire Weekend- "Ottoman"
This song plays during the end credits of the movie. It's a perfect example of chamber pop--combining intricate guitar riffs, crisp violin and cello, and grand Freddie Mercury-esque vocals. Has a similar sound to Ra Ra Riot.

Senses Fail album review: Life Is Not A Waiting Room

2008-10-09T11:42:00.021-04:00

Artist: Senses Fail
Album: Life Is Not A Waiting Room
Label: Vagrant Records
Released: October 2008

In the new Senses Fail album, Life Is Not A Waiting Room, lead singer and songwriter Buddy Nielsen spends most of his time apologizing for mistakes and philosophizing the roots of his misguided identity. At times he seems to be making strides towards rejecting his past and starting anew, while at other times he seems to accept his fate to 'die unfulfilled and empty.' If one thing is clear, it's that Senses Fail have a strong poetic ability to fully probe issues of identity, finding happiness, and coping with pain.

The first track is an appropriate introduction, in the mold of Taking Back Sunday's "Ghost Man On Third", that sets the honest, morose tone that will be further explored by the rest of the album. "Garden State" sounds more like Motion City Soundtrack or Coheed and Cambria, and is punctuated by the lyric 'My regrets are what keep me alive/I need to make up for all the lies.'

The next song is the star single on the album, "Family Tradition", with powerful lyrics about fatherly issues, including 'I try to be the one that everybody loves/Where has that gotten me?' and 'My father taught me how to be set free, Give up and run away/I wish I could drain out his half blood in me, But I'd still have his face", ending with "I hope you're proud of me.'

In "Hair of the Dog", a catchy guitar riff echoes to the line 'This is my last goodbye/I've hurt you enough.'

"Four Years" sounds like more recent emo band Paramore, and refers to accepting a failed relationship by saying 'The best gift I could think to give was to set you free.'

"Yellow Angels" begins with a gentle keyboard and guitar intro, expressing identity issues with the lyrics 'I want to know myself so bad it hurts' and 'I'm surprised it's still so hard for me to see that I should start living my life or I will die unfulfilled and empty.'

In "Map The Streets" he expresses a misguided goal that he has apparently reached, but nevertheless doesn't help him achieve what he was striving for when he says 'I always thought I'd be happy if I was loved.'

The final song "Blackout" wraps things up by explaining that while 'I still have some old weight that I've got to shed...before I can find happiness", in the meantime he just wants to 'get some sleep'.

Grade: B+/A-
Sounds Like: Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Paramore, Finch, Motion City Soundtrack, Coheed and Cambria, Chevelle

Listen to tracks on Senses Fail MySpace page
Stream the full album on Ruckus

Tracy Shedd- "Never Too Late"- Free Legal MP3 Download

2008-10-07T23:30:00.005-04:00

Tracy Shedd is an indie pop/folk artist in the mold of Rilo Kiley, with distinct powerful vocals, clean electric guitar chords, and spooky distorted lead guitar hooks.

Free legal download of "Never Too Late" here from IndieFeed.

Other similar artists:
Cat Power, Au Revoir Simone, Cheese On Bread, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lightspeed Champion

Stars- "Take Me To The Riot"- Free Legal MP3 Download

2008-10-04T17:55:00.004-04:00

Canadian indie pop band Stars recently released EP Sad Robots. Get this free download of "Take Me To The Riot" from last year's release In Our Bedroom After The War.

It's an upbeat pop song with a fist-pumping/foot-tapping chorus that has a similar energy to fellow Arts & Crafts label mate Feist's "I Feel It All".

Joshua Radin- "I'd Rather Be With You"- Free Legal MP3 Download

2008-09-30T10:54:00.009-04:00

Download "I'd Rather Be With You" by Joshua Radin for free on Amazon here.

Joshua Radin is an acoustic alternative artist whose music has been used in movies and TV, especially those involving Zach Braff. "Star Mile" and "Paperweight" were featured in movie The Last Kiss. In Scrubs, "Winter" was featured in the episode 'My Screw Up' (Season 3- Episode 14) , while "Closer" was featured in 'My Best Laid Plans' (Season 4- Episode 19).

Similar artists/songs:
Brett Dennen- "Ain't No Reason"
Cary Brothers- "Blue Eyes"
Colin Hay- "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin"

Astronautalis- "The Story of My Life"- Hip Hop meets Indie Rock

2008-09-29T23:02:00.007-04:00

"The Story of My Life" by hip hop/indie rock artist Astronautalis is a pleasant mellow song with nicely contrasting vocals, strong lyrics, and simple percussion. The way it meshes hip hop with other sounds bears a striking resemblance to other genre-mashing trailblazers.

Hear the song here on NPR Music's Song of the Day.

It sounds like the following artists/songs:

"Handlebars"- Flobots
"Bullet And A Target"- Citizen Cope
"Cookie Jar"- Gym Class Heroes
"No Rest For The Weary"- Blue Scholars
"Ayo For Yayo"- Andrea Nickitina

Cold War Kids- "Something Is Not Right With Me"- Free Download- Song From Entourage Season 5 Episode 4 Ending Credits

2008-09-28T22:27:00.006-04:00

This song appeared on Season 5 Episode 4 ("Fire Sale"- September 28, 2008) of Entourage during the ending credits. The song is "Something Is Not Right Me With Me" by the Cold War Kids.

Get a free legal MP3 download of "Something Is Not Right With Me" from RCRD LBL here.

Telefon Tel Aviv- "Helen of Troy"- Free Download

2008-09-28T16:26:00.005-04:00

"Helen of Troy" is a techno/electronica/dance song by Telefon Tell Aviv. You can download it for free on RCRD LBL. It has an 80's pop/dance feel similar to that of "The Promise" by When In Rome--the end track playing during the final scene and credits of Napoleon Dynamite.

Combine A-Ha 80's hit "Take On Me" and Small Sins more modern "We Will Break Our Own Hearts"--both heavily showcasing synthesizers and keyboards--and you get "Helen of Troy".

Gavin Rossdale song featured in movie 'Nights in Rodanthe'

2008-09-26T23:46:00.003-04:00

"Love Remains The Same" by Gavin Rossdale (formerly of Bush) is the theme song in the new movie 'Nights in Rodanthe'. It's a love song for a romantic drama. The movie may not have gotten great reviews, but the song is solid.

"Who Killed Amanda Palmer"- Debut solo album from Amanda Palmer

2008-09-26T17:56:00.009-04:00

Amanda Palmer recently released a new album Who Killed Amanda Palmer, for which she received production help from Ben Folds. Piano shines through as the focal point on every track, along with a wondrous collection of full band instruments. The whole album is solid, with several tracks standing out:

1. "Ampersand"- A beautiful, delicate piano sound with equally impactful lyrics-- "I'm not gonna live my life on one side of an ampersand/Even if I went with you I'm not the girl you think I am. And I'm not gonna match you or lose my voice completely/No I'm not gonna watch you cause I'm not the one that's crazy".

2. "Runs In the Family"- Very fast paced--violin lifts it to the next level.

3. "Astronaut"

Simply put, if you like piano, you'll love Amanda Palmer. Fans of Patrick Watson, Basia Bulat , and Ida will enjoy. Amanda Palmer is a member of The Dresden Dolls.

Live free concert video stream of "Bruises" by Chairlift (Ipod Nano commercial song)

2008-09-25T13:13:00.005-04:00

Check out free streaming video on Baeblemusic.com of Chairlift performing "Bruises" (from the Ipod Nano commercial) in concert along with the rest of their set at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY in June 2008.

New Ben Folds

2008-09-24T16:58:00.005-04:00

On his MySpace page, Ben Folds describes his music as Melodramamatic Popular Song, which is just what it is. Everything he touches is doused with pop (in a good way), intense energy (even the slower songs), and comedic lyrics. This week he released a few real and a few fake/teaser tracks from his new album Way To Normal on his MySpace page.

These tracks stuck out:
1- "Hiroshima"- This track sounds like Elton John's "Benny and the Jets". It's a song about "absolute disaster!"...Ben Folds falling during a show in Japan, getting concussed, and not knowing how to communicate with the Japanese doctor attending to him.

Hiroshima

2- "You Don't Know Me" featuring Regina Spektor
Great track, if you like Spektor's "Fidelity", you'll like this one. Very similar piano.

You Dont Know Me (featuring Regina Spektor)

3- "Kylie From Connecticut"
This one's a simple, elegant, lovely piano ballad. Check it out on his MySpace player.

4- Before Cologne
Listen to it on his MySpace player. A delicate 30 second piano intro into the next track...

5. "Cologne"
Has full orchestra elements. About breakup with the lyrics "4,3,2,1...I'm letting you go/I will let go if you won't let go".

Cologne

Kings of Leon perform "Use Somebody" on Saturday Night Live (SNL)

2008-09-21T00:56:00.005-04:00

On the Saturday September 20, 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosted by James Franco, Kings of Leon delivered an amazing performance of "Use Somebody" from their new album, Only By The Night. With the background howling vocals, it sounds like a cross between U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and Coldplay's "Viva La Vida". Great, simple lyrics transitioning from the bridge to the chorus--"You know that I could use somebody...someone like you".

Damien Jurado- "Gillian Was A Horse"- Free Download

2008-09-18T21:42:00.004-04:00

Singer/songwriter Damien Jurado's "Gillian Was A Horse" (free download here on kut) is a pleasant acoustic piece with harmonized male and female vocals, like The New Pornographers.

Army Navy- "My Thin Sides"- Free Download

2008-09-17T18:43:00.003-04:00

Here's a free download (from Spinner.com) of "My Thin Sides" by Army Navy. It's layered with guitar melodies and has a 90's pop/rock feel to it that is reminiscent of "Sugar High" from cult movie "Empire Records".

Cold War Kids- "Something Is Not Right Me"- Free Download

2008-09-17T17:42:00.006-04:00

Here's a free download (from RCRDLBL.com) of "Something Is Not Right With Me" off the Cold War Kids new album Loyalty To Loyalty. It has lots of energy, and it grows on you. First you'll be saying "Ehh I don't know about this song"...Next minute you'll tapping your foot and humming along 'there's something not right with me, there's something....."

Ben Weaver- "White Snow"- Free Download

2008-09-17T14:39:00.003-04:00

Here's a free download of Ben Weaver's "White Snow" (download on left side of page). It starts off with stripped down guitar chords reminiscent of the intros of Modest Mouse's "The World At Large" (listen under 'Good News For People Who Love Bad News' album) and Bush's "Glycerine", then adds world music elements similar to Dave Matthews Band's "The Last Stop".

Check out more Ben Weaver here on his MySpace page.

Ipod Nano Commercial Song- September 2008- "Bruises" by Chairlift

2008-09-16T23:20:00.003-04:00

The song featured in the newest Ipod commercial, the nano-chromatic spot, is "Bruises" by Chairlift. It's similar to the light, pop songs used in previous Apple commercials, including Feist's "1234" and Yael Naim's "New Soul".

The Shaky Hands- "We Are Young"- Free Download

2008-09-16T22:07:00.004-04:00

Download "We Are Young " by The Shaky Hands on RCRD LBL. It's a jumpy indie rock song with simple electric guitar strumming and bold, complementary piano in the mold of A.C. Newman's "On The Table", Golden Shoulder's "What You're Proposing", and Voxtrot's "Rise Up In The Dirt".

=/-{Plus/Minus}- Free Download- "Snowblind"

2008-09-15T23:06:00.006-04:00

If you like alternative/indie rock, then you'll want to grab this free download of "Snowblind" by +/-{Plus/Minus} on Stereogum.
They sound something like Snow Patrol, The National, Maps, Vega4, The Fray, Nada Surf.

Their new album, xs on your eyes will be released October 21, 2008.

Alan Astor- Free Download

2008-09-15T18:36:00.002-04:00

For an upbeat power pop/electronica track, download for free Alan Astor's "Feeling Feelings" on RCRD LBL.

Rodriguez- Cold Fact- Re release, free download

2008-09-15T18:11:00.007-04:00

Browsing KEXP’s Song of the Day brought my attention to “Sugar Man”, the lead track off blues infused experimental Mexican folk rock artist Rodriguez’s re-release of album Cold Fact. The music stands still the test of time so well, and lyrics are so powerful, that I felt compelled to pour on the admiration for this 1970’s release. Rodriguez has an eerily similar sound both vocally and musically to Bob Dylan. The anti-establishment lyrics are a perfect complement to the folksy acoustic guitar, piano, percussion, heavy bass, and reggae elements.

In “Sugar Man”, the singer points to the title as being the answer to all his problems, or at least a temporary distraction, when he says ‘Won't ya bring back/All those colours to my dreams’ and ‘Sugar Man/You're the answer/That makes my questions disappear’. It sounds like one of the James Bond movie theme songs that would play in the opening credits, such as in Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough.

“Crucify Your Mind” is a slower reggae track chastising you for ‘Giving substance to shadows’ and for convincing yourself ‘You got something to offer’ if you really don’t.

“Hate Street Dialogue” is a strong acoustic number referencing a modern day gold digger who ‘Marry every trick they meet’.

In “I Wonder”, Rodriguez expresses his deep curiosity about his love interest, saying ‘I wonder, how many times you’ve been had, And I wonder, how many dreams have gone bad/ I wonder, how many times you’ve have sex, And I wonder, do you know who’ll be next’.

“Like Janis” mocks clueless ignoramuses who try to buy happiness, singing ‘And you measure for wealth by things you can hold/And you measure for love by the sweet things you’ve told/And you’re living the past of a dream that you’re in/And your selfishness is your cardinal sin’, as well as the seemingly obvious, yet no less poignant line ‘A monkey in silk is a monkey no less’.

For a modern comparison look to folk rock band The Decemberists.

All together, Cold Fact is a timeless folk rock album whose striking lyrics seem to ring especially true in today’s material, never-swallow-your-pride world.

Free Download of "Sugar Man" on label Light In The Attic Records website.

Phoenix- "If I Ever Feel Better"- Song from Entourage Season 5 Episode 2 Ending Credits

2008-09-14T22:42:00.012-04:00

This song appeared on Season 5 Episode 2 ("Unlike A Virgin"- September 14, 2008) of Entourage during the ending credits. The song is "If I EverFeel Better" by Phoenix.

They sound a lot like funk rock band Jamiroquai. Lyrics of the song include:

"They say an end can be a start/Feels like I've been buried yet I'm still alive/It's like a bad day that never ends" and "If I ever feel better/Remind me to spend some good time with you/You can give me your number/When it's all over I'll let you know"

"These Eyes"- Song Evan (Michael Cera) sings in Supeprbad, reappears in Burn After Reading

2008-09-13T23:29:00.002-04:00

"These Eyes", by Canadian classic rock band Guess Who, has again appeared in a movie, being sung (more of a hum) by George Clooney in Burn After Reading.

Check this article on Spinner to read more about Superbad Greg Mottola's choice of the song.

Evan (Michael Cera)- Superbad- Singing "These Eyes"
These Eyes

Guess Who- "These Eyes"

Free Download from Stars EP

2008-09-12T15:56:00.007-04:00

Song: "Going, Going, Gone"
Artist: Stars

The emotionally charged Canadian indie rock band Stars have released 'Sad Robots EP' through their label Arts & Crafts. "Going, "Going, Gone", a slow synthesizer heavy track with a complimentary, peaceful bass line is being given away as a free download on their website (click song link to be directed there).

Jolie Holland: Free MP3 Download

2008-09-12T13:30:00.004-04:00

Song: "Palmyra"
Artist: Jolie Holland

This is a catchy acoustic folk-pop song, in the mold of KT Tunstall/Feist--leaning more to the folk side (Feist- "1234") than to pop (KT Tunstall- "Suddenly I See").

Broken West album release: Now or Heaven: Listen/Stream the whole album + free downloads

2008-09-11T11:49:00.008-04:00

For a great alternative album that exhibits elements of uptempo Apples In Stereo indie rock, Nirvana-esque power chords, and Thom Yorke’s powerful vocals—turn to Broken West’s recent release Now or Heaven.

The highlight is without a doubt the second track, “Auctioneer”, which begins with a steady piano riff, seamlessly blends in vigorously strummed chords, and reaches a climax in the chorus with high pitched vocals from lead singer Tom Flournoy that are delicately balanced out with backup harmonies.

Another great track is “Perfect Games”, which at first listen alludes to The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside”, but ultimately differentiates itself with lyrics questioning why “We waste our time/When we could be righting every wrong” and “We chase heartbreak/Where we can see heartbreak don’t belong”.

The album strays slightly when synthesizers and other elements overshadow the melodies and words, such as in “Got It Bad”, and the music become somewhat garbled. Now or Heaven is best when basic guitar chords and piano melodies lead the way, allowing for the great lyrics and harmonies to shine through.

Free legal downloads: "Auctioneer" and "Perfect Games"

Stream the album here on their label site Merge Records

You Say Party! We Say Die!- New remix album, free MP3 downloads

2008-09-10T17:02:00.009-04:00

The electronica/experimental/dance band You Say Party! We Say Die! has released 'Remik's Cube', a remix of their 2007 album 'Losing All Time'. The album was released in Late August through their label Paper Bag Records.

The album has a lot of energy, and makes heavy use of keyboards, synthesizers, and electronic drumbeats.

The best tracks are "Opportunity (Montag's I Love Her Remix)" and "Monster (RAC Remix)", whose spacey keyboard riffs and female vocals remind one of The Knife.

Free download: "Opportunity (Montag's I Love Her Remix)" and "You're Almost There (DJ Rexford Remix)" on IndieFeed.

Bon Iver: Free album download on MySpace Transmissions

2008-09-10T15:48:00.005-04:00

Bon Iver recorded a MySpace Transmissions session, and is giving away the 4-song download for free.

The set included:
Bon Iver - "For Emma" from MySpace Transmissions

Bon iver - "Flume" from MySpace Transmissions

Bon Iver - "Lump Sum" from MySpace Transmissions

Bon Iver - "Blindsided" from MySpace Transmissions

Matt Wertz: Free album download

2008-09-10T13:13:00.004-04:00

Matt Wertz is giving away a free album, Where We Started EP. It's available on Amazon.com for free until September 15.
Download the album here- Matt Wertz- Where We Started EP.

The track list for the album is as follows:

Someone Like You
Everything's Right
Carolina
5:19
The Way I Feel
Summer Skin
Lord Knows How Hard I've Tried

Wertz is a singer-songwriter in the acoustic alternative genre.

Free 'Tokyo Plice Club' MP3 download

2008-09-10T12:54:00.004-04:00

Song: "Juno" (Ra Ra Riot Remix)
Artist: Tokyo Police Club

Ra Ra Riot remixes Tokyo Police Club's "Juno", adding a faster, more pronounced plucking to the verse along with their namesake violin and cello.

Hear the original version here.
Tokyo Police Club - Juno

Free Music MP3 Download: Sebastien Grainger

2008-09-10T12:43:00.005-04:00

Song: "American Names"
Artist: Sebastien Grainger
Pure indie rock. Think The Killers or Strokes.

Ida- "Road To Ruin"- Free Download

2008-09-02T21:53:00.007-04:00

Ida, an indie folk rock band whose music has been played on public radio show This American Life, recently released an EP, My Fair, My Dark. The standout track, "Road To Ruin" (link to download), is being given away for free. The song starts with a tambourine and simple clapping pattern. Gentle piano notes and violin are slowly mixed in along with Elizabeth Mitchell's concern of how to possibly take full advantage of a beautiful day, as the opening verse begins "The sun was red and the sky was blue/And I went rolling on the road to ruin. How do you make a day like that?/How do you make it real?"

Laura Gibson- "Hands In Pockets"- Free MP3 Download + remake

2008-09-01T12:12:00.007-04:00

NPR Music's Song of the Day from last Thursday featured Portland Cello Project teaming up with Laura Gibson to remake her song "Hands In Pockets". Portland Cello Project has been described as an "indie cello orchestra", while Laura Gibson is a folk singer-songwriter. Their remake of "Hands In Pockets" combines simple acoustic picking and Gibson's soft yet powerful voice to the backdrop of soothing cello. Listen to "Hands In Pockets" on NPR Music here.

Get a free MP3 download of Laura Gibson performing her original solo version of "Hands In Pockets" here from KEXP Blog.

Free MP3 Download: Land of Talk- "Some Are Lakes"

2008-08-31T20:27:00.005-04:00

Here's a free download of the track "Some Are Lakes" from new rock band Land of Talk, who will be releasing their debut album October 7 on Saddle Creek Records. They have an indie rock sound with a dash of folk. Imagine Rilo Kiley meets Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Golden State song "All Roads Lead Home" featured in new film

2008-08-30T18:13:00.007-04:00

Golden State's new song "All Roads Lead Home" is featured in Luke Wilson's new movie "Henry Poole Is Here". Listen to the track below.

Free MP3 Download: Grampall Jookabox

2008-08-30T17:35:00.005-04:00

Grampall Jookabox, from label Asthmatic Kitty, have put out a free digital album, Rill Bruh EP, on their web site. It has an experimental sound similar to Animal Collective and Tut Tut, and a dash of Beastie Boys beat box beats and Dispatch harmonies.

The standout track is easily "Air Penance", a synthesizer based A capella jam that sounds like a mix of Digitalism electronica and Guster percussion and layering of vocals.

Download Grampall Jookabox's full free digital album 'Rill Bruh' here on label Asthmatic Kitty's website

New Release: Jonatha Brooke: "The Works"

2008-08-29T23:54:00.005-04:00

Review of Jonatha Brooke's new album "The Works"
Stream the full album here on AOL Music

The best tracks on Jonatha Brooke’s most recent album give listeners a sense of calm and joy. The problem is those few songs are mixed in amongst a larger number of bland songs devoid of emotion. Overall, The Works underwhelms, but there are a couple songs worth giving a listen.

“All You Gotta Do Is Touch Me” is a nice jazz piece that perfectly blends keyboards, acoustic finger picking, and great slide guitar tones. “Madonna On The Curb” shows promise with a nice acoustic riff, but seems to lack a certain energy, serving as a microcosm of the album as a whole.

The next track worth a listen is “Taste Of Danger”, a keyboard and bass heavy number that’s a mix of Sheryl Crow country/pop and Brandi Carlile down to earth folk.

The best track is “Coney Island Intro”, an accordion piece to which one could gently and peacefully fall asleep. The fact that this amazing work of art is only 35 seconds long is the biggest disappointment of the album. It does lead into another great track, “King of My Love”, which shares a toned down accordion riff from “Coney Island Intro”, along with a melancholy piano piece.

The Works is best when it stays simple, as witnessed on the peaceful, stripped down “Coney Island Intro”, but too often is rather bland, and doesn’t effectively showcase the talent of Jonatha Brooke.

Free Download: Bound Stems- "Happens To Us All Otherwise"

2008-08-28T20:48:00.003-04:00

Song: "Happens To Us All Otherwise"
Download on top left of page under Media
Artist: Bound Stems
Sounds Like: Black Kids, The Go Team!, Arctic Monkeys, Alberta Cross

Free Download: Passion Pit- "Sleepyhead"

2008-08-27T18:55:00.002-04:00

Song: "Sleepyhead"
Artist: Passion Pit
Sounds Like: Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line

2008-08-25T22:55:00.010-04:00

Artist: Ra Ra Riot
Album: The Rhumb Line

Even without its distinct violin, cello, and passionate sweeping vocals, Ra Ra Riot’s The Rhumb Line would still be one of the best indie rock albums of recent memory. What those unique elements do is form a rich, layered, new sound that indie rock die hards will love, and even listeners outside the genre will appreciate and embrace. It’s rare that a young band, any band for that matter, shows such a clear understanding of the sound they want to produce, and executes it so well, but Ra Ra Riot have done it.

The album begins with the one of its best songs, the up tempo rock track “Ghost Under Rocks”, in which you immediately experience the exuberance of the quartet’s violin and cello, along with lead singer Wes Miles’ striking vocals. Next we hear the first of the album’s several mellow tracks with “Each Year” and “St. Peter’s Festival”, the latter whose chorus sucks you with its increasingly louder chants of ‘Come on’, eventually reaching crescendo, ending with ‘and let us in’.

The next track, “Winter ‘05”, an ode to someone no longer around, with the lyric ‘If you were here/winter wouldn’t pass quite so slow’, is a throwback to the Beatles’ ballad “Blackbird”.

“Dying Is Fine”, the first single off The Rhumb Line, is easily the best track, boasting an extremely catchy finger picked guitar melody reminiscent of Vampire Weekend and Ted Leo, to the backdrop of bittersweet cello and violin and a quick hi-hat drumming pattern.

The album is rounded out with a few mellow tracks such as “Can You Tell”, whose sweeping guitar and capsizing vocals will sound familiar to Voxtrot and Flaming Lips fans, as well as the synthesizer heavy “Too Too Too Fast”, a throwback to 80’s pop.

FREE DOWNLOAD OF "Dying Is Fine" here on Spinner

"Ghost Under Rocks"

Free Download: Neon Hitch- "My Book"

2008-08-24T15:30:00.002-04:00

Song: "My Book"

Artist: Neon Hitch

Sounds Like: M.I.A, Santogold

Heineken Commercial Song- Walter Meego- "Forever"- Free MP3 Download

2008-08-21T21:11:00.004-04:00

Artist: Walter Meego
Song: "Forever"
FREE DOWNLOAD of "Forever" here on KEXP blog

Free MP3 Download by The Broken West

2008-08-20T11:12:00.002-04:00

Song: "Auctioneer"
Artist: The Broken West
Sounds Like: Nada Surf, Apples In Stereo, The Wombats

Kristoffer Ragnstam new album- 'Wrong Side of the Room'

2008-08-19T13:08:00.006-04:00

Artist: Kristoffer Ragnstam
Album: Wrong Side of the Room
Best Songs: "Swing That Tambourine", "Sorry For Being The Man of 1000 Questions", "Disco Fiasco", "Mee, If You Were A Melody", "May I Admire Her", "Of All Summers"
Sounds Like: Beck, Keane, The Strokes
FREE DOWNLOAD of "Swing That Tambourine" here on CMJ

"Swing That Tambourine"

Lykke Li

2008-08-18T20:59:00.005-04:00

Artist: Lykke Li
Album: Youth Novels
Best Songs: "Let It Fall", "Tonight", "Hanging High"
Sounds Like: Au Revoir Simone, Peter Bjorn & John, Rilo Kiley, Cat Power
FREE DOWNLOAD of "Tonight" here from lykkeli.com
Go to 'Secret Chapter' link

Stream the album for now at Spinner here

Free Download: Kristoffer Ragnstam- "Swing That Tambourine"

2008-08-18T17:25:00.002-04:00

Song: "Swing That Tambourine"
Artist: Kristoffer Ragnstam
Sounds Like: Beck, Keane, Shout Out Louds

Free Downloads from new Jennifer O'Connor Album

2008-08-18T15:10:00.005-04:00

Artist: Jennifer O'Connor
Songs: "Here With Me", "Valley Road '86"
Sounds Like: Aimee Mann, Rachel Yamagata
Download songs here on Matador Records' website

Free Song: Brazilian Girls- "Good Time"

2008-08-15T13:55:00.003-04:00

Song: "Good Time"
Artist: Brazilian Girls
Sounds Like: Tokyo Police Club, Ratatat, Stars

Free Legal Downloads: Red Light Company, Elliott Brood, The Gaslight Anthem

2008-08-14T22:27:00.007-04:00

Song: "Fine Fascination"
Artist: Red Light Company
Sounds Like: MGMT, The National, Interpol

Song: "Write It All Down For You (W.I.A.L.F.Y)"
Artist: Elliott Brood
Sounds Like: Helio Sequence, Islands, Rogue Wave, The Hold Steady

Song: "The '59 Sound"
Artist: The Gaslight Anthem
Sounds Like: Bruce Springsteen, Drive-By Truckers, Kings of Leon, Plain White T's

New Release

2008-08-14T02:31:00.007-04:00

Artist: Peter Bradley Adams
Album: Leavetaking
Sounds Like: Augustana, Matt Nathanson, Damien Rice
Best Songs: "Song For Viola", "Keep Us", "The Longer I Run", "Under My Skin", "Always", "Ohio"
FREE DOWNLOAD OF "Always" here

Free Legal Downloads

2008-08-13T14:20:00.007-04:00

Song: "Lost Coastlines"
Artist: Okkervil River
Sounds Like: Vampire Weekend, Flaming Lips, Spoon

Song: "Night Vision Binoculars"
Artist: /Passenger
Sounds Like: James Blunt, The Fray, Voxtrot, Brett Dennen

Song: "The Real Damage"
Artist: Frank Turner
Sounds Like: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Format

New Release

2008-08-12T13:22:00.003-04:00

Artist: Brazilian Girls
Album: New York City
Sounds Like: Tokyo Police Club, Ratatat, Stars
Best Songs: "Good Time", "L'Interprete"
Stream the full album on last.fm here
Free Download of "Good Time" here at Spin

New Release

2008-08-12T00:05:00.007-04:00

Artist: /Passenger
Album: Wicked Man's Rest
Sounds Like: James Blunt, The Fray, Voxtrot, Brett Dennen
Best Songs: "Wicked Man's Rest", "Night Vision Binoculars", "You're On My Mind", "Needle In The Dark", "Walk In The Rain"
Stream the full album on Indie911 here

FREE DOWNLOAD OF "Night Vision Binoculars" here

"Wicked Man's Rest"

Free Downloads

2008-08-11T13:54:00.004-04:00

Song: "Say Hey (I Love You)"
Artist: Michael Franti & Spearhead
Sounds Like: Ben Harper, Rusted Root, Citizen Cope, State Radio

Song: "Daddy's Gone"
Artist: Glasvegas
Sounds Like: My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Spoon, Editors

New Release

2008-08-11T13:32:00.005-04:00

Artist: Pierre De Reeder
Album: The Way That It Was
Sounds Like: Rilo Kiley, Jens Lekman, Lightspeed Champion
Listen To: "That's The Way That It Was", "Never Thought"
Stream the album on Spinner here

Free New Music

2008-08-10T17:31:00.003-04:00

Song: "Id Engager"
Artist: Of Montreal
Sounds Like: Apples In Stereo, Black Kids

Song: "House of Regrets"
Artist: Wild House Orange
Sounds Like: Decemberists, Taking Back Sunday

Sprite Commercial Song- Hugh Wilson- "Falling Away"- Free MP3 Download

2008-07-26T03:12:00.018-04:00

Artist: Hugh Wilson
Song: "Falling Away"
Sounds Like: Incubus, The Fray, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Free Download here on German Sprite site: www.sprite.de
-To download, click "GEWINNSPIEL & DOWNLOADS", then click "Song Download", then click the version you want (Original is the one in the commercial), then click "MP3 HERUNTERLADEN" to download.

New Release + Free Song

2008-07-23T18:19:00.011-04:00

Artist: CSS
Album: Donkey
Sounds Like: Nada Surf, Lemonheads, The Go! Team
Listen To: "Rat Is Dead (Rage)", "Beautiful Song", "How I Became Paranoid"
Free Download: "Rat is Dead (Rage)"

Free iTunes Song of the Week (go to iTunes store frontpage)
Song: "Waling On Air"
Artist: Kerli
Sounds Like: Evanescence
Also Listen To: "Love Is Dead"

New Release: Julie Doiron

2008-07-22T19:08:00.010-04:00

Artist: Julie Doiron
Album: Loneliest In The Morning
Sounds Like: Feist, Amber Rubarth, Au Revoir Simone
My Favorite Songs: "Sorry Part 1", "Sweeter", "So Fast", "Dance Me", "Le Soleil"
Free Downloads: "Explain", "Le Soleil", "So Fast"

Album originally released by Sup Pop Records in 1997
Re-released July 22, 2008 by Jagjaguwar

New Release: Brendan Canning

2008-07-21T11:20:00.004-04:00

Artist: Brendan Canning
Album: Something For All of Us
Sounds Like: Broken Social Scene, Rogue Wave, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Islands
Listen To: "Chameleon", "Possible Grenade", "Hit The Wall"

Artist Spotlight: Slow Runner

2008-07-20T14:39:00.005-04:00

Artist: Slow Runner
Sounds Like: Mike Costa, Ben Lee, Built To Spill, The New Amsterdams
Listen To: "Deep End", "The Stakes Were Raised",
"Love and Doubt", "Make You Love Me"
Stream music here on indie911

Free Legal Downloads

2008-07-20T13:34:00.004-04:00

Song: "I Want It To Get Out"
Artist: Hospital Ships
Sounds Like: Radiohead, Interpol. Muse

Song: "The Birthday Wars"
Artist: Oxford Collapse
Sounds Like: Blink 182, Green Day

Free Legal Downloads

2008-07-18T18:06:00.010-04:00

Song: "It's About Time"
Artist: Barcelona
Sounds Like: Keane, Beck

Song: "Dying Is Fine"
Artist: Ra Ra Riot
Sounds Like: Vampire Weekend, The Flaming Lips, Voxtrot

Song: "Year of the Dog"
Artist: The Lovely Sparrows
Sounds Like: The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, The Shins, Band of Horses

Song: "Detroit"
Artist: Black Gold
Sounds Like: Nada Surf, Apples In Stereo, The Strokes

Song: "Home in the Woods"
Artist: Core Chisel
Sounds Like: Bon Iver, David Gray, Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz

Song: "Gfc"
Artist: Albert Hammond Jr.
Sounds Like: My Morning Jacket, The Strokes, Cold War Kids, Muse

Song: "Gobbledigook"
Artist: Sigur Ros
Sounds Like: Animal Collective, Arcade Fire, Okkervil River

Song: "Rat Is Dead (Rage)"
Artist: CSS
Sounds Like: Nada Surf, Rilo Kiley, Gwen Stefani

Song: "Brandy Alexander"
Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Sounds Like: Okkervil River, Jens Lekman, Sea Wolf, The New Amsterdams

Song: "Coming Out Again (The Sunshine Song)"
Artist: Kanser
Sounds Like: Santogold, Wyclef Jean, Gym Class Heroes

Song: "The One I Love"
Artist: Greg Laswell
Sounds Like: R.E.M., Coldplay, The National

New Nas track + Free Download + The Coast

2008-07-17T10:54:00.016-04:00

Song: "Hero"
Artist: Nas
Sounds Like: Kanye West, Dr. Dre

Song: "Light of Love"
Artist: Music Go Music
Sounds Like: Rilo Kiley, Adele
Free Download here

Artist: The Coast
Album: Expatriate
Sounds Like: Third Eye Blind, Death Cab For Cutie, Tokyo Police Club, Vega4, Maps
Favorite Songs: "No Secrey Why", "Ceremony Guns"
Released: April 2008; goes on sale on iTunes August 19 this year
Stream the full album here on last.fm

Madden 09' Soundtrack

2008-07-16T21:43:00.023-04:00

Airborne- "Stand Up For Rock 'N Roll"
Busta Rhymes feat. Linkin Park- "We Made It"
Disturbed- "Inside The Fire"
Franz Ferdinand- "Lucid Dreams"
From First To Last- "Worlds Away"
Gym Class Heroes- "I'm Home"
Hollywood Undead- "Undead"
In Flames- "The Mirror's Truth"
Innerpartysystem- "Don't Stop"
Izza Kizza- "Millionaire"
K'NAAN- "ABC's"
Kardinal Offishsall feat. Lindo P- "Burnt"
Kidz in the Hall- "Blackout"
KOVAS- "Wax On, On Off"
Mindless Self Indulgence- "Never Wanted To Dance"
Rev Theory- "Hell Yeah"
Senses Fail- "Wolves at the Door"
Shinedown- "Devour"
The All-American Rejects- "The Real World (Demo)"
The Fashion- "Like Knives"
The Offspring- "Hammerhead"
Trivium- "Into the Mouth of Hell We March"
Tyga- "Diamond Life"
Underoath- "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures"
Wale feat. Southeast Slim- "Breakdown
Young Dre the Truth feat. Good Charlotte- "Workin' "

New Release: O.A.R.

2008-07-15T16:49:00.008-04:00

Artist: O.A.R.
Album: All Sides
Sounds Like: Matt Nathanson, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Mraz, Counting Crows
Favorite Songs: "This Town", "Shattered", "Try Me", "Whatever Happened", "One Day", "Something Coming Over", "On My Way"
Download "Shattered" for free here on Amazon.com

New Release: Ron Sexsmith

2008-07-14T13:46:00.004-04:00

Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Album: Exit Strategy of the Soul
Sounds Like: Okkervil River, Jens Lekman, Sea Wolf, The New Amsterdams
Listen To: "Brandy Alexander", "Ghost of a Chance", "Traveling Alone"

New Release: Black Kids

2008-07-13T13:37:00.005-04:00

Artist: Black Kids
Album: Partie Traumatic
Sounds Like: MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Ghostland Observatory
Listen To: "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend", "Hit The Heartbreaks", "Listen To Your Body Tonight"
Stream the full album on indie911 here

New Releases: Windmill, Feral Children

2008-07-12T15:54:00.007-04:00

Artist: Windmill
Album: Puddle City Racing Lights
Sounds Like: Band of Horses, Beach House
Listen To: "Talking Moon", "The Planning Stopped", "Asthmatic"
Stream the full album on last.fm here

Artist: Feral Children
Album: Second To The Last Frontier
Sounds Like: Modest Mouse, Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, Okkervil River
Listen To: "Zyghost", "Billionaires vs. Millionaires"
Stream the full album on last.fm here

New Releases: Beck, Mirah

2008-07-11T16:30:00.008-04:00

Artist: Beck
Album: Modern Guilt
Sounds Like: Keane, Wolf Parade, Muse
Listen To: "Gamma Ray", "Modern Guilt", "Walls"

Artist: Mirah
Album: The Old Days Feeling
Sounds Like: Tristan Prettyman, Au Revoir Simone, Feist, Kimya Dawson, Amber Rubarth
Listen To: "Lone Star", "Slighted", "Dreamboat", "Don't"

New Release: The Main

2008-07-10T13:28:00.004-04:00

Artist: The Maine
Album: Can't Stop, Won't Stop
Sounds Like: All American Rejects, Cute Is What We Aim For, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
My Favorites: "We All Roll Along", "Girls Do What They Want", "I Must Be Dreaming"
Stream the full album here

Free Downloads

2008-07-09T16:57:00.025-04:00

Song: "Lone Star"
Artist: Mirah
Sounds Like: Au Revoir Simone, Feist, Kimya Dawson, Amber Rubarth

Song: "Tokyo Moon"
Artist: Windmill
Sounds Like: Spoon, Shout Out Louds, The Go! Team

Song: "Sky Opens Up"
Artist: The Watson Twins
Sounds Like: Rilo Kiley, Cat Power, Ingrid Michaelson

Song: "Zyghost"
Artist: Feral Children
Sounds Like: LCD Soundsystem, TV On the Radio, MGMT

Song: "No Ordinary Caveman"
Artist: Head Like A Kite
Sounds Like: Wilco, Beck, The Notwist

Song: "Born To Be Your Man"
Artist: Birdmonster
Sounds Like: Kaiser Chiefs, Modest Mouse

Song: "Wooden Horses"
Artist: The Plagiarists
Sounds Like: Kings of Leon, The National, Nada Surf

New Releases: Albert Hammond Jr., Ratatat

2008-07-08T22:10:00.008-04:00

Artist: Albert Hammond Jr.
Album: Como Te Llama?
Sounds Like: The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Muse, We Are Scientists, Cold War Kids
Best Songs: "Gfc", "Bargain of a Century", "In My Room", "Spooky Couch", "Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Peter Sellers"

Artist: Ratatat
Album: LP3
Sounds Like: The Knife, Daft Punk, Digitalism
Best Songs: "Mirando", "Falcon Jab", Shempi"

New Songs

2008-07-07T21:04:00.005-04:00

Song: "Gfc"
Artist: Albert Hammond Jr.
Sounds Like: The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, We Are Scientists, Cold War Kids

Song: "All Over You"
Artist: The Spill Canvas
Sounds Like: The Ataris, Alkaline Trio, The Academy Is

Song: "I Ain't Sure"
Artist: Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong
Sounds Like: Voxtrot, Jens Lekman

New Release: Mardeen

2008-07-06T19:24:00.007-04:00

Artist: Mardeen
Album: Read Less Minds
Listen to the whole album on their last.fm page here
Sounds Like: Vega4, Snow Patrol, Plain White T's, Mayday Parade
My Favorites: "We're Moving Eyes", "City Lights"
Released: June 10

New Release: Electric President

2008-07-05T15:41:00.002-04:00

Artist: Electric President
Album: Sleep Well
Sounds Like: Stars, Tokyo Police Club, Digitalism
Listen To: "Lullaby", "Robophobia", "We Will Walk Through Walls"

Free Downloads

2008-07-04T10:42:00.008-04:00

"Everybody Say"- Takka Takka
Sounds Like: Vampire Weekend, The Flaming Lips

"Powerlines"- The Interiors
Sounds Like: The Walkmen, Shout Out Louds

"DOA"- Jon Sonnenberg
Sounds Like: Jens Lekman; Peter, Bjorn, & John

"Oh!"- Eric Hutchinson
Sounds Like: Gavin DeGraw, John Legend

"My Only Offer"- Mates of State
Sounds Like: Ladybirds, The Go! Team, The Hush Sound

"Damien"- The Sons of Sancho
Sounds Like: Less Than Jake, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys

New Releases: Alkaline Trio, Sigur Ros, Hey Rosetta, Watson Twins

2008-07-02T20:08:00.024-04:00

Artist: Alkaline Trio
Album: Agony & Irony
Sounds Like: Less Than Jake, We Are Scientists, Say Anything
Listen To: "Calling All Skeletons", "Help Me", "Over and Out", "I Found Away", "Ruin It"

Artist: Sigur Ros
Album: Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly)
Sounds Like: Animal Collective, Arcade Fire, Okkervil River
Listen To: "Gobbledigook", "inní mér syngur vitleysingur ", "við spilum endalaust", ára bátur, "illgresi", fljótavík

Artist: Hey Rosetta
Album: Into Your Lungs (and around your heart and on through your blood)
Sounds Like: Ted Leo, The National, Built To Spill
Listen To: "New Goodbye", "There's An Arc", "Handshake A Gangster", "Red Heart", "Tired Eyes"

Artist: The Watson Twins
Album: Fire Songs
Sounds Like: Rilo Kiley, Ingrid Michaelson, Cat Power
Listen To: "How Am I To Be", "Just Like Heaven"

Best Music: June 2008

2008-07-01T10:35:00.010-04:00

"Wild and Young"- American Bang

"Girls"- Walter Meego

"Lovers In Japan"- Coldplay

"Lost!"- Coldplay

"There's An Arc"- Hey Rosetta

"Red Heart"- Hey Rosetta

"Forever"- Chris Brown

"Tie My Hands"- Lil Wayne

"Mr. Carter"- Lil Wayne

"Black Tears"- Miss Deringer

"I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend"- Black Kids

"I Kissed A Girl"- Katy Perry

"How Am I To Be"- Watson Twins

"Just Like Heaven"- Watson Twins

Songs of the Week- June 29, 2008

2008-06-30T10:06:00.003-04:00

"There's An Arc"- Hey Rosetta!

"Forever"- Chris Brown

"Tie My Hands"- Lil Wayne

"Mr. Carter"- Lil Wayne

Songs of the Week- June 22, 2008

2008-06-21T18:25:00.003-04:00

"Crysanthemum Song"- Amber Rubarth

"Forever"- Walter Meego

Songs of the Week- June 1, 2008

2008-06-01T13:34:00.000-04:00

"Mirando"- Ratatat

"After Hours"- We Are Scientists

"Gobbledigook"- Sigur Ros

Narrow Stairs presents a confident Death Cab For Cutie at the top of their game

2008-05-28T00:05:00.000-04:00

Album Review: Narrow Stairs by Death Cab For Cutie

Released May 9, 2008

Label: Atlantic Records

In one of the most anticipated albums of the year for indie rock fans, Narrow Stairs shows Death Cab for Cutie as a group that is confident and unrelenting in its efforts to be true to its musical soul. As such, they have delivered a catchy collection of tunes that is sometimes melancholy, often sad, but always powerful.

The album begins with the haunting voice of lead singer Ben Gibbard on “Bixby Canyon Bridge”, which develops into a forceful combination of rock and pop similar to the entrance of “Marching Bands of Manhattan” on their previous release Plans. Narrow Stairs bounces masterfully back and forth between hot and cold, with somber tales of love and grief in “Talking Bird”, “Grapevine Fires” and “The Ice Is Getting Thinner” mixed in with the deceiving summer pop beats “No Sunlight”, “Your Twin Sized Bed”, and “Pity and Fear” that are sure to be stuck in your head.

The first single, “I Will Possess Your Heart”, is a slowly building grand ballad that you never want to end, and is symbolic of their unique ability to stay true to their indie rock roots even after their second major label release with Atlantic Records. It’s a grower, so be sure to give it several listens, as each time you will discover a magical melody or lyric you previously missed.