Band of Horses - Is There A Ghost

There has always been something about the Seattle music scene. Nirvana, Soundgarden, anyone? The city is still producing some good bands and Band of Horses are one of them. They release their follow-up to 2006's Everything All the Time called Cease to Begin on October 9, 2007 on the Sub Pop label (home of the Postal Service and the Shins).

I just got a hold of their first single 'Is There a Ghost' and am very impressed. Its a stellar track. Absolutely fantastic. The song is available for download on their MySpace page, so head over there to get a hold of it while it is still available.

MySpace: Band of Horse

Band of Horses: Official Site

The Pipettes Announce North American Album Release + Tour Dates

The Pipettes have announced the North American release date of their debut album We Are the Pipettes. It was originally suppose to be stores this week but we can now expect the album on October 2, 2007 on the Cherrytree/Interscope label. On a side note, the cover for the US release is different than the UK. I'm not sure why, the other one was ten times better. Oh well.

I'm pretty excited about this album and I will be writing a lot about it (and the band) in the weeks to come but if you're a Pipette fan living in North America, such as me, you've probably already found a way of getting your hands on a copy or downloaded the 2006 UK release. So you might not be extremely psyched. But what if I told you that there are two new tracks on their US debut? Well there are! The songs are entitled 'Catch and Boogie' and 'Baby, Just Be Yourself .' Both were being streamed on the band's MySpace page. However, the songs seem to have mysteriously disappeared. Not sure why but both are provided below.

The Pipettes will also be touring North America in October and the beginning of November. I've never seen them play but most show reviews that I've read have been positive and I've heard that they are a live band more than anything and should therefore not be missed. So, if their coming to your city make sure to check them out.

The Pipettes North American Tour

02/10/07 Chicago, IL@ Park West

03/10/07 Detroit, MI@ Magic Stick

04/10/07 Cleveland, OH@ Beachland Tavern

05/10/07 Toronto, ON@ Opera House

06/10/07 Montreal, QC@ Petit Campus

08/10/07 New York, NY@ The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza

09/10/07 Boston, MA@ Paradise Rock Club

10/10/07 Washington, DC@ 9.30 Club

11/10/07 Philadelphia, PA@ First Unitarian Church

13/10/07 Pittsburgh, PA@ TBC

15/10/07 Nashville, TN@ Exit/In

16/10/07 Atlanta, GA@ Vinyl

17/10/07 Birmingham, AL@ WorkPlay Theater

18/10/07 New Orleans, LA@ The Parish @ House of Blues

19/10/07 Austin, TX@ The Parish

20/10/07 San Antonio, TX@ TBC

21/10/07 Dallas, TX - Cambridge Room @ House of Blues

23/10/07 Denver, CO@ Bluebird Theatre

25/10/07 Los Angeles, CA@ Avalon

29/10/07 San Francisco, CA@ Bimbo's 365 Club

31/10/07 Portland, OR@ Wonder Ballroom

01/11/07 Seattle, WA@ Crocodile Cafe

02/11/07 Vancouver, BC@ TBC

Download (mp3): The Pipettes - Catch and Boogie

Download (mp3): The Pipettes - Just Be Yourself, Baby

MySpace: The Pipettes

The Pipettes: Official Site

Kanye West ft. Chris Martin - Homecoming

Here's a new song off of Kanye West's upcoming album entitled Graduation. Its called 'Homecoming' and it features Chris Martin from Coldplay. I have to say (and I am in no way ashamed to admit) that Coldplay is one of my favourite bands. I've loved them since Parachutes, have bought/own their entire catalogue and have seen them three times in concert. However, I wasn't fond of the idea of Chris collaborating with Kanye West or any other artist for that matter.

That said, I actually like the song. For Coldplay fans, the song will at least kill some time until the band releases the follow-up to 2005's X & Y.

Download (mp3) - Kanye West ft. Chris Martin - Homecoming

Hard-Fi - Once Upon A Time In The West

Back in 2005 a little band from Staines, UK released one of the catchiest albums of the year called Stars of CCTV. That band was Hard-Fi and they aren't so little anymore. Stars of CCTV sold over a million copies and went to #1 in the UK. In the next two years the band played two huge shows opening for Green Day at Milton Keynes Bowl, they played five sold out shows at the Brixton Academy (they are one of only a few bands to do so) and were nominated for two Brit Awards. But wait, there's more! Hard-Fi was also nominated for the coveted Mercury Music Prize. They lost to Antony and the Johnsons but hey, there can only be one winner.

Anyways, the band is back and are getting ready to put out their sophomore album, Once Upon A Time In The West on September 3, 2007 and September 18th in North America. Their first single, 'Suburban Knights', has been on UK radio for a while now and it shouldn't disappoint any Hard-Fi fan. It's catchy, about suburban life (hence the title) and pretty much sticks to their formula. However, I just recently listened to the entire album and I have to say Hard-Fi has really grown as a band. It's a lot darker than their previous stuff and definitely more mature.

At the moment you can listen to the new album in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. However, you should hurry as the preview is expected to last for only 24 hours.

Hard-Fi UK Tour Dates
31/08/07 Portsmouth@ Southsea Pier
01/09/07 Birmingham@ Irish Centre
03/09/07 Glasgow@ ABC
06/09/07 London@ Hippodrome
07/09/07 Coventry@ Coliseum
08/09/07 Bristol@ Trinity
09/09/07 Cardiff@ Cardiff University
10/09/07 Worthing@ Pavillion

Download (mp3): Suburban Knights
MySpace: Hard-Fi
Hard-Fi: Official Webpage

Pre-Order Once Upon A Time In The West

The Cinematics

So there was this band that I was obsessed with in March called The Cinematics. They are a Scottish band from Glasgow (a lot of great bands seem to be from Scotland lately, is there something in the water?). Anyways, I came across their music by chance, which seems to happen to me pretty often. I knew absolutely nothing about them but their name happened to appear on my computer screen, so I decided to give them a listen. I downloaded two songs, 'Chase' and 'Break' and I instantly loved what I heard. Then I bought their album entitled 'A Strange Education' and loved them even more. Honestly, I couldn't get enough this album and it will definitely be on my Best Of lists at the end of the year. Think of The Cinematics as a more toned down Editors. This is not a bad thing by any means. Their songs are catchy, have great hooks and are very melodic. They can even write anthemic rock songs such as the ridiculously good tracks 'A Strange Education' and 'Keep Forgetting.'

The band has toured with such bands as Snow Patrol, Editors and The Bravery. They will be playing a couple of dates in the U.S. and Europe. For those of you going to the Virgin Festival in Toronto, the band will be making an appearance, so make sure you check them out. I promise that you will not regret it.

30/08/07 Orlando, Florida@ University of Central Florida

31/08/07 Tallahassee, Florida@ Club Downunder, Florida State University

1/09/07 Atlanta, Georgia@ The Earl

2/09/07 Chapel Hill, North Carolina@ Local 506

3/09/07 Washington, Washington D.C.@ Rock n Roll Hotel

4/09/07 New York, New York@ Bowery Ballroom

5/09/07 Cambridge@ TT The Bear

7/09/07 Chicago, Illinois@ Hideout Block Party

8/09/07 Athens, Ohio@ Baker Theater at Ohio University

9/09/07 Toronto, Ontario@ Virgin Music Festival at Toronto Island Park

Download (mp3) : Break

MySpace: The Cinematics

The Cinematics: Official Webpage

Purchase A Strange Education

Festivals 2007: Carling Weekend: Reading and Leed

The Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds festival is happening this weekend in, where else, but Reading and Leeds. The line-up for this festival is ridiculously good. I can only dream about having a festival of this stature in Canada. Sure we now have the Virgin Music Festival. And yes, the line-up this year is fantastic. But check out the bands playing Reading and Leeds and you will be instantly jealous.

The main stage acts alone includes the likes of :

Razorlight, Kings of Leon, Interpol, Jimmy Eat World, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, The Shins, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails and Billy Talent.

Other bands.artists worth checking out are:

Klaxons, Peter Bjorn and John, Kate Nash, Cold War Kids, The Pipettes (<- Love Them!!!), The Horrors, Maximo Park, Hot Hot Heat, The Dead 60s, , We Are Scientists and the Pigeon Detectives.

Anyways, the NME is going to be covering the festival all weekend as well as the BBC. Actually, you should head over to the BBC webpage because they are going to have tons of interviews, podcasts and video coverage over the next three days.

BBC - Reading and Leeds

NME

On the Road: COLD WAR KIDS

Cold War Kids are hitting the road beginning in September and will tour all the way through mid-December. They begin by opening shows for the White Stripes. Here are some dates:

09/13/07 Albuquerque, NM @ Kiva Auditorium
09/16/07 Austin, TX @ Stubb's BBQ
09/18/07 Chula Vista, CA @ Coors Amphitheatre
09/19/07 Inglewood, CA @ The Forum
09/21/07 Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre
09/24/07 Anchorage, AK @ George Sullivan Sports Arena
09/26/07 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
09/27/07 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
09/28/07 Nampa, ID @ The Idaho Center
09/29/07 Salt Lake City, UT @ The E Center of West Valley
09/30/07 Jackson Hole, WY @ Snow King Convention Center
10/02/07 Rapid City, SD @ Rushmore Plaza Civic Ctr Arena
10/03/07 Fargo, ND @ Fargo Civic Auditorium
10/04/07 Lincoln, NE @ Pershing Auditorium
10/06/07 Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
10/07/07 Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom

The group then headline their own tour with the following dates:

11/17/07 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
11/23/07 Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre
11/27/07 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/28/07 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/29/07 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of the Living Arts
11/30/07 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
12/01/07 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
12/04/07 Boston, MA @ The Roxy
12/11/07 Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater

No Toronto date to announce.

For anyone heading over to the Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festival, the band play Leeds on Friday and Reading on Sunday both on the NME/BBC1 stage.

Download (mp3): Hang Me Up to Dry
MySpace: Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids: Official Webpage

Buy Robbers and Cowards

Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight

'Under the Blacklight' is the new offering from LA indie band Rilo Kiley. The album is the first release since members, Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennet, released solo projects (Lewis with 'Rabbit Fur Coat' and Sennet with 'Sun. Sun, Sun' with The Elected). In fact, it has been a solid three years since the band released More Adventurous, gained critical acclaim and opened some dates on Coldplay's North American Twisted Logic tour back in 2005. Taking time off to pursue solo projects can be upsetting to fans, especially if it turns out to be a flop (not here mind you). But the time away from each other seems to have paid off.

Rilo Kiley is back with a fresh new sound. Now. I know that hearing someone say that one of your favourite bands has a 'new sound', has the tendency to make some music fans nervous, while critics will proceed to sing the praises of the group. But I am happy to report that in Rilo Kiley's case, the critics have it right.

'Under the Blacklight' is a good album. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how greay it really is. The band released 'The Moneymaker' as their first single. The song is a great departure from any Rilo Kiley song I have ever heard and I think it's quite different from the other songs on the album. Its one of those songs that Rilo fans will either love or hate. Personally I think it's a great song but I'm thrilled that the group is set to release 'The Silver Lining' as their second single. I heard the first 30 seconds of this song and knew that I loved it and that never happens to me. It has a cool bluesy-country-alt-rock vibe to it. Another song that is quickily becoming a favourite of mine and is worth checking out is called 'Dreamworld.' On it, Sennet takes the role of lead vocalist, while Lewis sings back-up.

The band are currently playing some dates in Europe and then begin their North American tour in September. Here are some select dates (visit their MySpace page for a full list of dates):

Sept. 6, 2007: San Francisco - The Warfield

Sept. 7, 2007: Portland, Oregon - Crystal Ballroom

Sept. 15, 2007: Chicago, Illinois - Riviera Theater

Sept. 18, 2007: Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Theater
Sept. 19, 2007: Montreal, Quebec - La Tulipe

Sept. 21, 2007: Boston, Mass. - Avalon

Download (mp3): The Silver Lining
MySpace: Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley: Official Website

Buy Under the Blacklight

M.I.A. - Kala

The much anticipated second studio album from Mathangi 'Maya' Arulpragasam, also known as M.I.A., is released today. Kala (named after her mother) is the follow-up to 2005's hugely successful Arular (named after her father) for which she was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in the UK.

There is really no way to categorize M.I.A's music. It doesn't fit under any specific genre. It everything from hip-hop to electro-pop to worldbeat to bhangra to ragga to....the list can go on and on. And Kala definitely touches on all of these elements and more. The album even uses samples from classic bands such as The Clash, New Order and The Pixies. The multi-talented rapper-producer-singer-songwriter and visual artist debuted Kala's first single 'Boyz' back in April 2007. It's a great track that contains soaring synths and a killer beat. Another song that has a lot of people talking is 'Jimmy' which has a bit of a disco-pop feel to it. And for good reason. The song samples a classic Bollywood disco hit called 'Jimmy Jimmy Aja.'

Kala, as a whole, is a great album. It deserves to be listened to from start to finish as it exemplifies great music ideas and artistic ability that seems to be lacking in music today. And with that, lets make one thing clear: there is no one in music presently doing what M.I.A. is doing. If anything, you should at least appreciate her uniqueness.

Kala will surely be on many 'Best of...' lists at the end of the year. And rightfully so.

Download (mp3): Jimmy

MySpace: M.I.A.

M.I.A.: Official Website

Thirteen Senses: Not Just Another Piano-Driven Band

Thirteen Senses are a band from Cornwall, UK. In April 2007 they released their follow-up to 2004's 'The Invitation' entitled 'Contact'. While the band has had some success I really don't feel as if they have been given their fair chance. It seems very easy for some to write them off as just another Coldplay rip-off band and to never actually give their music a chance. But this would be a mistake. Most importantly because you'd be missing out on some really great music. Don't think for a second that Thirteen Senses is a second-rate Keane who write mediocre songs. This couldn't be further from the truth.

All 11 tracks off Thirteen Senses' latest CD 'Contact' are perfectly and beautifully crafted. There are no fillers here. The album's open, also called 'Contact' was released as the first single and should leave no doubt in your mind that Thirteen Senses have some great music in them. Also check out the singles 'All the Love in Your Hands' and 'Follow Me' if you need more proof. And they offer more than just upbeat piano-driven tunes. Case in point, the closing song off 'Contact' called 'Ones and Zeros.' Its dark and haunting and will leave you wanting more.

'Contact' has been available in the UK for a while now but for some reason I can't seem to find a release date for North America. However, US fans can download it off iTunes. Canadian fans, you are out of luck as it does not appear to be available on iTunes Canada. However, I will be sure to let you know the moment it is.

Download (mp3): Contact

Thirteen Senses: Official Web Site

MySpace: Thirteen Senses

The Perishers - Free Download

Swedish band The Perishers are offering a free download of their new single 'Carefree' on their official website. (Just go to their official website and click on 'Download') The group just celebrated the release of their album entitled 'Vitorious', the follow-up to 2005's Let There Be Morning (2003 outisde of North America) on July 30, 2007. Both albums are worth checking out. While it may be tempting to categorize them as just another guitar-based band, please don't. The Perishers have been gaining momentum for a few years now and are quite different from the likes of, say Snow Patrol. The melodies are subtle but this doesn't stop songs from getting stuck in your head. Listen to 'Carefree' or even a song like 'Sway ' off Let There Be Morning and you'll know what I mean.

Here is one of my favourite Perishers songs called 'Weekends.' It pretty much sums up weekly life in general.

Download (mp3): Weekends

MySpace: The Perishers

The Perishers: Official Website

New Babyshambles Song

Terrific new tune by Pete Doherty and Co. called 'Delivery.' Its off their forthcoming album Shotter's Nation to be released on October 1, 2007.

You can also download a demo of this song as well as others on the band's MySpace page.

Download[mp3]:Delivery (radio rip)
MySpace: Babyshambles

Idlewild: Make Another World

Idlewild is one of those bands that I came across by chance. Actually its pretty embarassing. I opened up iTunes one morning and a promotion for their latest album 'Make Another World' came up. Anyways, I thought it was interesting that the band had a similar name with that movie (you know, the one with the guys from OutKast). I haven't seen the movie (and probably never will) but this was enough for me to sample their single 'No Emotion', which reached #36 on the Uk Singles Chart. I'm glad I did. The 30 second clip was enough for me to download the song and shortly after, buy the album.

I was also surprised to realize how late I was at discovering Idlewild's music. The Scotish band formed all the way back in 1995 and have released a total of 6 albums. Now I realize that many of Idlewild's fans have been wavering on the groups previous releases before 'Make Another World.' But if there is any time to give this band another chance, it is definitely right now. 'Make Another World' is a brilliant album. I simply cannot get enough of it. And neither will you if you give it a chance. Trust me. The song 'No Emotion'

As a side note: the band are releasing a Best Of Compilation entiltled Scotish Fiction on October 1, 2007. So if you like what you hear be sure to pick it up.

Favourite Song: Once in a Life
Download (mp3): No Emotion

MySpace: Idlewild

Mew - A Dreamy Space Pop Band?

That's the caption under the band's official webpage when looking them up using Yahoo as your search engine. But don't let that deter you. Mew write terrific indie pop songs. The band themselves describe their music as pretentious art rock but I like to consider them as more of an upbeat Death Cab for Cutie (please excuse the use of comparisons, I hate it too). The Denmark-based band released their album 'And the Glass Handed Kites' in the US in July of 2006 and have steadily been gaining steam ever since. However, Mew are not new to the music scene. They formed back in 1995 and have released four albums since (including 'And the Glass Handed Kites'). Be sure to check out the songs 'Special' (provided below), as well as "The Zookeeper's Boy."

The band are also re-releasing 'Half the World is Watching Me' which sold all 5000 of its original printed copies back in 2000 and which has been unavailable ever since. It contains some of their most popular songs ans is a must-have for any Mew fans.

Download (mp3): Special
MySpace: Mew

The National

The National hail from Brooklyn, New York and formed back in 1999. I have to admit that I didn't hear about them or come across any of their music until a couple of weeks ago. Better late than never I guess. Anyways, their latest album Boxer was released in May 2007 and you should check it out if for nothing else but the song 'Fake Empire'. Its the opening track and it is definitely worth a listen. The song has soaring pianos that you think will eventually reach a dramatic climax but instead maintains its tempo. It is absolutely perfect songwriting and shows that not every song has to be large and anthemic to be great. Other songs you should check out are 'Slow Slow' and 'Gospel.'

The band are currently touring North America and will then hit Europe in the fall. Here are some select dates:

August 17, 2007: New York @ South Street Seaport

September 22, 2007: Chicago @ Vic Theatre

September 28, 2007: Los Angeles @ The Wiltern

September 29, 2007: San Francisco @ Grand Ballroom

October 3, 2007: Vancouver @ Commodore Ballroom

October 6, 2007; Boston @ Roxy

October 8, 2007: Toronto @ Phoenix Concert Hall

Download (mp3): Fake Empire
MySpace: The National

Album of the Month #1: Interpol - Our Love to Admire

I know this album came out last month but since this blog did not exist then I am selecting it as one of my albums of the month for August. Our Love to Admire is the third helping from this New York based band and I would say their most solid. Now I've read quite a few reviews for 'Our Love to Admire' and while most are positive, many believe that the band has not changed their "sound." I would strongly disagree. Listen to the last track on the CD called "Lighthouse" and you'll see what mean. Interpol could not have had a better comeback. Paul Banks' lyrics are as dark and haunting and beautiful as ever. Musically, the band are seamless together. It is definitely one of those Cds that you can listen to from beginning to end and get totally lost in it for 45 minutes or so.

Our Love to Admre is also Interpol's first release on a major label as they were signed to Matador Records and are now with Capitol. But to be honest, it really doesn't matter, so don't judge it (I'm talking to all the pretencious indie fans, which sometimes include me) until you at least give it a listen to. And listen to it you should.

Current Single (mp3): Heinrich Maneuver.
Favourite Song: Pace is the Trick
MySpace: Interpol.

Introducing.......

My random thoughts of nothingness. Ok not really. In all seriousness I hope to use this blog to introduce people to music that I am listening to at the moment (old or new), review shows I've been to or CDs I'm listening to, etc. and maybe even occasionally diverge and discuss some interesting happenings in life.

And of course I will always do my best to include some random thoughts of nothingness.