Let's Pretend It's Friday Five

The good ol' Friday Five:

Grand Archives - Silver Among the Gold

This new track from Grand Archives bodes well for their forthcoming sophomore release Keep In Mind Frankenstein. Last year's The Grand Archives was one of my top albums of 2008; Frankenstein will be available September 8th.

Phil and the Osophers - We Have All Summer

Slightly shambolic jangle pop from Brooklyn-based Phil and the Osophers.

YACHT - Psychic City (Voodoo City)

You've likely heard of YACHT already. This is one of my favourite songs of this summer.

Think About Life - Sofa-Bed

Another cut from the fantastic new album Family. Think About Life are from Montreal and deliver some of the best live performances I've ever seen. They won't be a jealously guarded Canadian secret for much longer.

Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others

Grizzly Bear's Veckatamest is a shoo-in for inclusion in many a 2009 best album list.

Friday Find

Here's a small tribute to a legend. Life was hard on him, and the weird years outnumbered the sane ones. But nonetheless, he was a genius and will be missed. Cheers MJ.




Now, for something awesome and completely different, albeit still animated:



Eugene McGuinness, circa 2007. How had I never seen this??

Feathered Friends

Fans of quirky, catchy indie rock will be pleased to hear that after a 3-year hiatus Montreal's The Lovely Feathers have released their second LP. Recorded with Dan Lagace (Dears, Stars, Death From Above) Fantasy of the Lot contains all the charm and energetic zeal of the band's previous releases, and then some. Alternating between straight-up, insanely hook-laden if slightly eccentric synth pop ('Lowiza', 'Long Walks') and sweet melancholy ('Gifted Donald', 'Fantasy of the Lot') Fantasy is already a strong contender for a place in my top 10 albums at the end of this year.

Canadian iTunes users have been able to purchase the album since June 2nd but our yankee friends will have to wait until August 18th. I'm not sure why. There's a way to circumvent the system, though. Anyone, anywhere with a PayPal account can pick this gem up for $10 Canadian via the band's own website.

The Lovely Feathers - Long Walks

The Lovely Feathers - Lowiza

The Lovely Feathers - Ossified Homes

The Lovely Feathers playing 'In the Valley' at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern earlier this month:

Spencer Krug's True Calling: Sunset Rubdown

The spastic opening riff off Sunset Rubdown's Random Spirit Lover will forever be one of the greatest album intros. That, coupled with the deeply experimental-pop that Spencer Krug conjures in every track has cemented Sunset Rubdown as one of my favourite groups.

Needless to say, anticipation built as the release of Dragonslayer approached. One of his many projects, Krug truly comes to life in Sunset Rubdown. In this collection of tracks, Krug's presence is nothing short of monumental. Easing patiently into the crescendo of this album with tracks like "Silver Moons" and "Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Ohh!", Sunset Rubdown have crafted a fine balance between the obscure and beautiful. Fine contrast to those are the tracks "Idiot Heart" and "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II) that chug through verses without restraint and launch into anthemic choruses. When the album wraps-up, you'll want it all over again.

Sunset Rubdown's Dragonslayer is triumphant in its candidacy for album of the year. The most satisfying part of this album is Krug's obvious creative freedom and his ability to command each track without diluting any aspect of the record.

Sunset Rubdown - Silver Moons

Sunset Rubdown - You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)

SUP SUMMER JAM?

- dead label.

Music for Distracted Drivers Everywhere

As seen in Poole Park, Dorset.

First post in a while, I've been globetrotting since mid January. Saw Handsome Furs in Frankfurt, Soulwax's 2 Many DJs in Manchester, dreadful Chicks on Speed set at Fabric in London, and some South Indian men playing traditional song to hippies and yuppies alike on the beaches of the Arabian Sea. Neato.

Here are some songs that have had more play riding the rails in India and Europe. They won't do shit for your parking ability.

Black Lips feat. GZA - The Drop I Hold
Glasser - Glad (Dolorean Remix)
Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars
Phosphorescent - Wolves
Damn Arms - Destination Pt. II
Lower Heaven - Knife
Simian Mobile Disco feat. Chris Keating (Yeasayer) - Audacity of Huge
(Amazingly random lyrics - Bill Murray and Peter Tosh namechecked??)

-brad

New Music Monday: We Were Promised Jetpacks

Ever since hearing the gritty track "Quiet Little Voices", many of us at BTA have been anxiously awaiting the release of Glasgow's WWPJ's full length, These Four Walls. Now that it's here, I've been listening to it non-stop. It's brit-rock with an edge, something that's been lacking in the mainstream for a while. Aside from having one of the most creative band names out there, these guys fill a void that many bands couldn't fill. The tracks are empassioned and blunt, without being brash. Melodic rock that was slaughtered by the emergence of "nu-metal" makes a strong return with WWPJ.

The album's holistic goodness only increases this bands appeal. Standout tracks include the aforementioned "Quiet Little Voices" and "Thunder and Lightning". Looking forward to seeing these guys on tour in the future.

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Quiet Little Voices

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Thunder and Lightning

Guilty Pleasures

With a distinct lack of time to explore our usual undercurrent of new musical discoveries, here are a few of the best tracks on rotation on UK radio stations at the moment:

Think About Life

Several BTA contributors have been anticipating Montreal's Think About Life's follow-up to their erratic infectious self-titled release.

May 26th TAL released Family.  With the success of Graham's Miracle Fortress, I was curious as to what Family would sound like.  The result is more aesthetically pleasing; an intriguing mix of dance/soul/hip-hop samples and Martin's satisfyingly less-aggressive vocals (the man can sing!).  Inviting the use of melodies, TAL have matured into crafting songs instead of performance pieces.

Having seen the majority of these tracks performed live, it's evident that there is an element of performance in everything these guys produce.  You will never fully understand TAL until you've experienced them live. 

Still the best live act I ever seen!

Think About Life - Havin' My Baby

Listen to the whole album here

New Music Monday: The Sounds

The Sounds are known for gigantic guitars amplified by synths and danceable beats.  The new album, Crossing the Rubicon was crafted on these foundations, dare I say, taken up a notch.  There's no getting around it, this group is solid and I always look forward to a new release.  whether you've enjoyed The Sounds in the past or just discovering them, you'll love this.

The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I'm Awake

The Sounds - Dorchester Hotel

Berlin Calling

I only recently learned of the German film Berlin Calling after hearing the track Sky and Sand, by Paul & Fritz Kalkbrenner. It's the title track to the flick, directed by Hannes Stoehr. It's about a real musician (Paul), but rather than being a biopic "...draws a ficticious portrait of a muscian in todays Berlin." Heres the official synopisis...

Berlin electronic music composer Martin (Paul Kalkbrenner), known as DJ Ickarus, is touring with his manager and girlfriend Mathilde (Rita Lengyel) from club to club around the globe and is about to release their biggest album to date. However, all of his plans are thrown out of kilter after Ickarus is submitted to the emergency ward of a psychiatric clinic high on drugs after a gig- A tragicomedy in Berlin of today.

The film is already in it's 35th week of screenings around Europe, and will soon be headed to North America. I'm looking forward to checking out another story about a drug riddled musician..along with co-star favorite Ableton Live.

Paul and Fritz Kalkbrenner - Sky and Sand (Extended Version)

New Music Monday: Balmorhea

I recently stumbled across a great music-related social media site entitled theSIXTYONE, a great site where users promote the music they enjoy and discover music enjoyed by others.  For the time being, the majority of the music is independently released, so thesixtyone serves as another vehicle for exposing these artists.

One such artist I fell in love with, Balmorhea, are not necesarilly new, but new to me.  Their latest album All is Wild, All is Silent, as well as the previous, Rivers Arms, are incredibly soothing musical adventures.  Think about Sigur Ros, stripped down to keys, acoustic guitar, and strings.

Balmorhea - Settler

Balmorhea - Coahuila

Balmorhea - San Soloman

Free ticket for Shearwater/The Cave Singers @ Union Chapel

BTA has a free ticket to give away for The Cave Singers and Shearwater tonight at London's lovely Union Chapel. Simply email bridgingtheatlantic@gmail.com to claim it. First come, first served.

Shearwater - Leviathan, Bound
The Cave Singers - Dancing On Our Graves

The Cave Singers - Dancing On Our Graves (Live @ The BBC):

European Music Festivals 2009

My stay in Norway over the past few months has been great so far. Good weather, a better scooter (despite minor complications) and the fact that soon enough there will be several great summer festivals practically at my doorstep to attend. Here’s a little preview of some of Europe’s 2009 festivals which myself and other BTA correspondents hope to cover.

Roskilde Festival
Roskilde, Denmark
July 2nd – 5th

One of Europe’s biggest festivals, known for the great atmosphere and greater line-up. The best part about these massive three days is the fact that the ‘warm-up’ begins on June 28th, with bands gearing up for the event by performing right in the campgrounds. Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, First Aid Kit, Mars Volta, and the list goes on and on…

SUMMERJAM Festival
Cologne, Germany
July 3rd – 5th

If the laid back islander vibes and hip-hop are more your thing. Germany has a great few days lined up the same week. For more than 20 years this festival has been bringing the good vibes, this year with artists such as Buju Banton, Bunny Wailer, Atmosphere, Ozomatli, and BTA favorites from down under Hilltop Hoods.

Oya Festival
Oslo, Norway
August 11th - 15th

With over 200 bands performing on four stages and in 30 venues, Oslo is sure going to be the place to be come August. Arctic Monkeys, Royksopp, Datarock, Band of Horses, Crystal Castles. Need I say more?

...So just a taste of things to come this summer. Hopefully us BTA folk will get a chance to cover them all! If you are planning to be in the area this season. You know what to do.

Let's Pretend It's Friday Five!

Five tracks that have been rocking my world lately:

Evangelicals - Party Crashin'
The Oklahoma band's second LP The Evening Descends was released way back in January but until now I've neglected to share anything with you guys. My bad - Evangelicals have crafted one of my favourite albums of '09.

The Gossip - Heavy Cross
The Gossip's fourth album Music For Men will be out next month; 'Heavy Cross' is the first single and I like what I hear so far.

Kurt Vile - Freeways
I don't know much about Kurt Vile, except that he's from Philly and Pitchfork seem to like him a lot. This cut is from last year's Constant Hitmaker.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like This
This first single from their forthcoming debut I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose continues to raise hopes that BBC will create one of this year's finest albums.

Basement Jaxx - Raindrops
Basement Jaxx just keep on going and going. A tour of the whole wide world is currently underway in support of the as-yet-unreleased Scars and the album is rumoured to feature contributions from Lightspeed Champion, Yo! Majesty, Santigold and Yoko Ono. They've still got it - first single 'Raindrops' is so damn catchy it hurts.

Live Review: Tom Brosseau

Entering the lavish surroundings of the Bush Hall auditorium, with its glistening chandeliers and circular tables protected by rouge tablecloths, BTA feels more like we've stumbled into an awards ceremony than a gig. Taking our seats, we settle down for an evening of high culture. Proceedings kick off with the charming Gaelic folk of Alasdair Roberts and the neo-classical Essie Jain, leaving us struggling to recall the last time we were in a room containing both a grand piano and a cello.

The main attraction for tonight though is to hear Tom Brosseau showcase tracks from his soon to be released LP, Posthumous Success. Our relationship with this bewitching blues-folk album has unfolded over time ranging from initial indifference to absolute submission by tonight. In person the impact is more immediate, where his uniqueness and eccentricity comes to the fore. Looking terrified on stage, dressed head to toe in blue denim, he appropriately plays "Favourite Colour Blue" early on in the set. Two versions of the song bookend the latest album, although sadly he chooses not to divulge the explanation behind this tonight. The song's most memorable for the subject matter, focusing around a dream involving a certain ex-Nirvana drummer being trapped in chains and forced to drum for Hole. The set is peppered with similarly entertaining lyrics, such as on the biting yet uplifting "Axe and Stomp":

See that one over there thinks he rules the roost / Little devil's got the nerve to call himself bruised / And I'm running around in circles like the world's biggest chump / Oh just wait till I get you between the axe and the stomp

This combination of poignant lyrics with delicate guitar arrangements and Tom's fragile croon lie at the heart of his appeal. As a finale he ventures among us, standing on chair to sing a captivating acoustic Tom Waits cover. With the talent on show tonight, the lyrics to his latest single deserve to be prophetic:

Winds of fortune / Are present every step I climb / I'm ready for the big time

Posthumous Success is released 11^th May on FatCat Records

Tom Brosseau - Favourite Colour Blue

Inbox Wednesday: Army Navy

Introducing Army Navy and their track "My Thin Sides" that caught my attention upon first listen.  Toe-tapping, hip-shifting pop music, it's infectious grooves are sure to tickle any ear.

Los Angeles' Army Navy play pleasing 60's-inspired music, simplistic and sincere.  Band leader Justin Kennedy's CV boasts a side project with Ben Gibbard; in today's indie-cred war, that's pretty solid.

Admittedly behind the times on this one, there's no shame in discovering good music.

Army Navy - My Thin Sides

Army Navy - Saints

Let's Pretend It's Friday Five!

With tracks this great all wrapped up in one simple download, hopefully you'll forgive our tardiness...

Download Here



Golden Silvers - True Romance
These guys have been an ever-presence inside the London hype machine for well over a year, and I finally understand why. This is as close to 80s throwback indie dance perfection as you can get.

Local Natives - World News
This band keep reappearing on the write-ups of those lucky enough to attend this year's SXSW and for once the buzz sounds justified. They've got the harmonies of Fleet Foxes, with the accessibility of Vampire Weekend or Born Ruffians. Oh and they've associated themselves with Simon & Garfunkel which is an instant ticket to success at the moment.

Screaming Lights - GMN
Even though excessive consumption will no doubt rot my teeth, I'm completely hooked on this. When it first caught my ear I was convinced it was the new Pendulum release which probably tells you all you need to know.

Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard - Broken Broken Broken Heart
"Em Are I"hosts by far the most musically palatable creations so far from the New York anti-folker. This is my favourite track due to it's touching emotional insecurity compared with the optimistic soundtrack, epitomised by the handclaps and immediate chorus.

Bill Callahan - My Friend
Bill's latest LP"Sometimes I Wish I Was An Eagle" was my first introduction to the former "Smog" artist. I'm a sucker for gravelly Jonny Cash esque vocals like these and Bill's have a unique quality of making life play in slow motion as I listen transfixed. A remarkable feat.

Friday Five

2009 is shaping up to be a banner year musically. Some selections from noteworthy recent releases:

Fever Ray - Seven
Sure, Sweden's The Knife may currently be "on hiatus", but for me Karin Dreijer Andersson's debut solo album as Fever Ray is The Knife's new album.

Metric - Waves
Although I really enjoyed Emily Haines' 2006 solo effort Knives Don't Have Your Back I've had high hopes for a new Metric LP for almost 4 years now. Released this Tuesday, Fantasies was worth the wait. 'Waves' is not actually on the album itself but was made available as a bonus when ordering from www.ilovemetric.com.

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Cold Spring
Yet another NYC indie rock band, Cymbals Eat Guitars released their debut album Why There Are Mountains independently in January and have since received praise from just about every indie music media outlet and countless comparisons to Modest Mouse and Pavement. They deserve the praise (if not the comparisons) - the album is fantastic.

Junior Boys - Work
Album number three from Hamilton-based electro duo Junior Boys was released on March 24th and after a few cursory listens is standing up pretty well in comparison to 2006's excellent (and Polaris Prize nominated) So This Is Goodbye. 'Work' is easily my favourite track.

Camera Obscura - Honey in the Sun
My Maudlin Career, the fourth album from Glasgow's Camera Obscura, will officially be available on April 20th but unsurprising leaked a few weeks ago. The single (and first track) 'French Navy' has already been getting decent exposure here in the UK and is set for release on Monday. It's stellar, but then the album is filled with highlights including the title track, 'You Told A Lie', and closer 'Honey in the Sun'.

Inbox Wednesday: HotKid

We receive several submissions for Inbox Wednesday everyday and sometimes it's tough to sift through them all.  After listening to a few it's interesting to see what pops out. 

HotKid is one of those groups that stuck out.  Maybe it's the lack of synths, beats, or anything electronic; could it be that we've forgotten what rock sounds like...I think not.  

It seems that it's less common to come across bands this raw.  HotKid is a two-piece; guitar and drums is all they need to make an impact.  After listening to the few tracks forwarded to BTA, I can't wait for the chance to see this group live.

Check out a couple tracks here and their new video shot by Matt Finlin of Finkle Films.

HotKid - Southern Rock

HotKid - The One You Hold