Department of Eagles – “No One Does It Like You”
formerly The Whitey on the Moon UK, Department of Eagles are comprised of NYU roomates Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and Fred Nicolaus. October 2008 saw the release of their second LP In Ear Park with lead single “No One Does It Like You”. its simple stompy beat, minor harmonies and refined but messy reverb tones deliver refreshing, ambitious and innovative pop. digginz the eerie gospel meets barber shop quartet feel.
rating: 7.75
Florence and the Machine – Cosmic Love
when we first learned of uk artist florence and the machine, we though, oh yeah, this must be a cool new band or summat, right? WRONG FUCKERS! naw dude, florence and the machine is actually just one person. wild, right? and that one person is london, uk artist kate bush. so yeah, it’s pretty dope to have ms. bush back on the scene and we’re psyched on the upcoming release of her ninth LP “lungs”, due july 6 on island.
rating: 8.3
swede girls liechtenstein provide soundtrack for the next bard college rave party. “survival strategies in a modern world” (breaking face, i’m guessing!) is in stores now.
rating: 7.5
The Tallest Man On Earth – I Won’t Be Found
Swedish folk from Montezumas frontman Krille Mattsson. he toured in 2008 with Bon Iver and we’re look forward to catching him this time around with John Vanderslice. “I Won’t Be Found” is the lead track of his first full length Shallow Grave. melodymelodymelodymelody..
rating: 7.5
Mos Def – History (Feat. Talib Kweli)
everybody act according to the season they were born in/ventura highway in the sunshine.
rating: 8.0
a song like “Ramblin’ Home” shows a glimmer of hope that Alberta Cross could be bound for great things… and word is that their first full-length is due sometime this month, so we’ll see.. their 2007 EP The Thief & The Heartbreaker was re-issued after selling out, and they have been on the road since. per Noel Gallagher’s personal request, they supported Oasis’ UK dates in ’08, performed at this year’s Coachella and Bonnaroo festivals, and are heading back across the pond for a string of live dates and festivals including Glastonbury and Hard Rock Calling with Neil Young… before they head back to the states for Lollapalooza and ACL. busy busy bees
Rating: 9
The Everybodyfields – Lonely Anywhere
wow, what a beautiful song. slow and honest alt-country that tugs at your heart strings. wait till that violin kicks in, as the song would wish, tears will come like the first time you lost something you loved. the saddest thing of all, The Everybodyfields have just broken up as of last week. they state on their myspace that they will be pursuing solo careers. perhaps Nothing (was) Okay? bummer either way, best of wishes to them..
Rating: 8
White Rabbits – Percussion Gun
“Percussion Gun” is the first single off White Rabbit’s anticipated sophomore release “It’s Frightening”. Cold War Kids could have used a solid track like this on Loyalty to Loyalty. percussion. guns. anyone?
“evil man make you kill me, evil man make me kill you. even though we’re only families apart”
White Rabbits rating: 7.4
Method Man & Mary J. Blige – I’ll Be There/You’re All I Need To Get By
remember when method man did that song with fred durst? can you believe limp bizkit played their first show with the original line up in 8 years… i think it was in latvia last week? can you believe i’m talking about limp bizkit? but in all seriousnessnesness zombie marvin gaye is gettin it on with zombie tammi terrell this very moment..
rating: 8
Print – Reserved for the Cool Kids
the mickey rourkes of ’09 it’s so time. “reserved for the cool kids” (except not really b/c the actual cool kids are sorta boring!) puts print up on a nice beat. we dig it. ups to tri state on production.
rating: 7.7
Jason Lytle – Yours Truly, The Commuter
Grandaddy’s front man goes solo. substance abuse, band breakups and record companies couldn’t hold Jason back from doing what all great musicians yearn for… yes moving to montana. “Yours Truly, The Commuter” proves yet again that sadness is an emotion that evokes some of the most inspiring art. “I may be limping, but I’m coming home”. brilliant lyrics and a great melody. grandaddy, please come home?
Rating: 7.6
