Blahblahblah Science

Shimmering Stars – Hold On Magnolia (Songs:Ohia)

By Trevor Meyer

Shimmering Stars come to us from Merritt, British Columbia. “Hold on Magnolia” is an ambient slow burner that manages to shine as a bright light amongst the modern, oversaturated shoegaze scene. Originally written by Jason Molina, this tune draws inspiration from some of the classic early 60’s artists such as Del Shannon and The Everly Brothers. Shimmering Stars’ “Hold on Magnolia” channels the inventiveness of the past greats and transforms into a melancholic, yet hopeful piece. A perfect supplement for relaxation and contemplation.

Shimmering Stars – Hold On Magnolia

Shimmering Stars (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

02-04-12

Vacant Fever – Yeah Yeah

Rock Track Reviews

KILL KILL KILL is the new and forthcoming 45 RPM vinyl release from Vacant Fever. Bands like Vacant Fever have made parents hate rock and roll since the 90s… 80s, the 70s; shit, forever depending on when and where you’re parents are from and what your beliefs in rock and roll are. “Yeah Yeah” calls up the twilight years of popular grunge with the balance of KILL KILL KILL exploring more of that and many of the other great diy roots of influential indie rock.

VACANT FEVER – Yeah Yeah

VACANT FEVER (Offial)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

02-04-12

Moonlight Bride – Diego

Rock Track Reviews

By Chris Gedos

“Diego” is the opening track from Moonlight Bride’s upcoming Twin Lakes EP, set for release Feb. 28th, the day before leap year day. These Chattanoogans are adept at toeing the line between noise-pop and shoegaze, however faint that line may be. A lullaby acoustic and accompanying vibraphone provides a great intro for the rollicking beat, but when the acoustic returns after the noise pop verse and 90’s chorus, we begin to hear a method behind Moonlight Bride’s madness. Kinda like if the Gin Blossoms decided to play like MBV. Expect these cats to generate a stir at SWSX. Oh! And BTW, Super Bowl XLVI prediction: Giants 30, Patriots 21.

Moonlight Bride – Diego

Moonlight Bride (Facebook)

Rating 8.08

reviewed by b3

02-04-12

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Tapes & Money

Electronic Track Reviews

TEED, tonight, let go the premiere of his latest track “Tapes & Money” on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. Definitely feeling this subtle little headknocker after the first couple spins. Sample for yourself below. (DoML)

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Tapes & Money

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

02-03-12

Active Child – Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)

Pop Track Reviews

Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” is one of best pop songs of all time. Heavy is the song that wears a crown like that, as it’s often that the most iconic of songs are the most often targets of (really bad) covers. Active Child cut this version of “Sweet Dreams” while in Australia this week and while it’s maybe not our favorite all time version of the track, AC’s go does stand well enough on its own to merit a spin.

Active Child – Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)

Active Child (Facebook)

Rating 7.8

reviewed by b3

02-03-12

Jake Bugg – Trouble Town

Songwriter Track Reviews

So the influences here are obvious; Cash, Zimmerman, Don McLean, etc. You’ve heard this “Greatest Folk Heroes of the Western World” aping before. But you’ve probably never heard it pulled off quite like this and by a 17 YEAR OLD. Jake Bugg is a 17 YEAR OLD kid from Nottingham. If Jake can keep up the work ethic, think about what someone with his talent will sound like at 21, 25, and so on. Anyway, Jake is a pretty exciting discovery for us and we think you’ll be equally knocked out as well. Get started below with “Trouble Town”

Jake Bugg – Trouble Town

Jake Bugg (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

reviewed by b3

02-03-12

Freedom Fry – Earthquake

Pop Songwriter Track Reviews

By Jon Herriot

Remember when “Freedom Fries” started popping up on diner menus across America? That was funny. The fact that this duo consists of a girl from Paris and a guy from NY, brings an irony into their band name which is just great. Enough about that. Marie Seyrat’s vocals are right on the money, the way Bruce Driscoll shadows her is also very nice. All around a very smooth, catchy, pop sound.

Freedom Fry – Earthquake

Freedom Fry (Facebook)

Rating 7.9

reviewed by b3

02-03-12

RAVE’S FAVES: Dead Sara – Weatherman

In the Mix Rave's Faves Rock

By Bruce Rave

Dead Sara is a heavy LA band that absolutely shreds live. If you loved Wolfmother when they first hit the world stage a few years ago, I bet this is for you. They’re starting to gain some national attention, so keep an eye and ear on them.

Dead Sara – Weatherman

Dead Sara (Facebook)

Check out Bruce’s “Go Deep” show on Fridays 1-3 pm Pacific, 4-6 pm Eastern, 9-11pm GMT. Also listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.

reviewed by b3

02-03-12

Labyrinth Ear – Humble Bones (Giraffage Remix)

Electronic Track Reviews

b3sci fav Giraffage flips the script (and the altitude/gravity/planet) on Labyrinth Ear’s bouncy electro single “Humble Bones”. Selecting for a smooth, subtle, lighter-than-air mix, Giraffage pilots “Humble Bones” into a most comfortable and pleasing headspace.

Labyrinth Ear – Humble Bones (Giraffage Remix)

Giraffage (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

reviewed by b3

02-02-12

Galapagoose – One Who Can’t Move

Electronic Track Reviews

“One Who Can’t Move” from Australian producer Galapagoose has all the trappings and niceties of an accomplished electronic track; it skillfully melds several genres and styles and ably blends a complex (but compositionally tasteful) arrangement. The standout element of the track though, for us, is it’s great pop sensibility. Galapagoose’s use of the Sinatra “Send in the Clowns” sample in the context of the track is really A+ stuff. Listen.

Galapagoose – One Who Can’t Move

Galapagoose (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

02-02-12

Freddy Woods – Not Today

Electronic Pop Track Reviews

Freddy Woods is a young Swede to hone-in on for a minute. Tracks like “Not Today” and “Slow Down”, highlights from Woods’ What She Writes In Her Diary release, bring progressive elements of pop, electronic and hip hop production together with clarity.

Freddy Woods – Not Today

Freddy Woods – Slow Down

Freddy Woods (Bandcamp)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

02-02-12

Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

Pop Track Reviews

By Jon Herriot

Of Monsters and Men have nailed down a super catchy folkie-pop sound with “Little Talks”. The vocal banter in the song recalls Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros or even The White Stripes. I would be amiss if I didn’t also mention how great the brass section sounds in this song. Just a pleasant track with feel good vibes…

Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

Of Monsters and Men (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

reviewed by b3

02-01-12