The Company We Keep

I'm currently obsessed with this song called "Steadfast Strine" by The Company We Keep. The Company We Keep was started by Brian Southall, formerly of Boys Night Out and The Receiving End of Sirens.

The song "Steadfast Strine" is a cover of Seattle band Seaweed's original version. I don't know too much about Seaweed, however, I have heard their version of this song and The Company We Keep's cover is vastly different, mixing elements of the electronica and ambient genres, with Kenny from Moneen lending himself for the vocals. This version is definitely if not in the same vein, an artery close by, of Thrice's Alchemy Index Volume 2 (Water)...which rules!!!!

"Steadfast Shrine" can be found in the player to the left. Hope you enjoy!

JMMP.

New Music and Some Updates

Hello. It has been a while. I've been recharging and trying to find some quality music to discuss. Lucky for me, a couple of my favorite bands recently released some news, so here it goes...

Anthony Green: I talk about it him way too much on this blog. However, now, as opposed to previously just telling you what bands he has been in and how awesome he is, you can check him out for yourself. His new album, Avalon, is coming out August 5th and he has posted a couple songs to check out (Dear Child and Devil's Song). The songs are available in the player to your left. I'm very excited for this album, and to see him live w/ Good Old War and Person L in September.

The Sound of Animals Fighting just updated their MySpace page with some information about their upcoming release, The Ocean and The Sun. It'll be released on Sept. 9th. The album art is in this post. I need them to post a new song already.

A couple bands I'm listening to right now are Homesick for Space, The Receiving End of Sirens, The Fall of Troy, A Northern Chorus, and obviously Anthony Green. There are some songs in the player to the left.

JMMP.

The Sound of Animals Fighting

The Sound of Animals Fighting is a progressive, hardcore, emo super group of sorts. Compromised of members of RX Bandits, Circa Survive, Finch, Days Away, Chiodos, and The Autumns, the group was started by Rich Balling (formly of RX Bandits) a couple years ago and has since grown into a cult phenomenon for those who follow the progressive music scene. Their story is really interesting; how they came to collaborate, their writing process, the monikers they've given themselves. It is certainly worth checking out. A few links are:

Interview w/ Rich Balling
Wikipedia
MySpace

TSOAF has released to two albums so far, and plan to release a third, The Ocean and The Sun, in the coming months. A release date hasn't been set yet, but as soon as one is, I'll be posting it here. From what has been written, fans of The Mars Volta will be in for a treat (per Rich Balling, The Mars Volta is the inspiration for the band).

Also, here's a video from one of four live shows they've played. The song is called Act I: Chasing Suns. There is a bit of an intro in the video, so be patient until about 1:30 in. You won't be disappointed.



JMMP.

Dance Son!

I've been having a difficult time finding new music lately and I'm not altogether sure why.  Let's hope that trend doesn't continue.  In the meantime, here are a few songs that I've got shuffling through my iTunes...

The Fratellis: Flathead. Yep, from the iTunes commercial, still awesome though. This dance indie/pop trio lend themselves toward the mainstream far more than I normally venture; I just can't seem to get enough. Dancing shoes pls.

The Steers: Julia. Bloc Party reincarnated. This is a good thing! Julia is their new single which they are releasing sans an accompanying album. This reeks of a label move...mainstream labels rule.

Tides of Man: Not My Love. We're back to the progressive, experimental jams that I enjoy so. I'm really happy to say I stumbled upon another band I can lump in with Circa Survive, The Receiving End of Sirens and The Mars Volta...well, they aren't their yet, but it seems like they have tools and the talent. Keep on the lookout as they're currently working on a new album (or you could check back here as I'll be following them obsessively).

Hope you enjoy the jams, and remember, never cross the streams.

JMMP.

Keep It Slow

I feel like it is time to slow it down.  Keep it slow, if you will.  I'm not talking about slowing it down for the ladies; I'm talking about slowing it down for yourself...and if you are a lady, well, this notion still applies.

I, personally, am all for rocking out, as if the bands I have previously posted aren't enough evidence.  It's not even that I like rocking out just in the car, or at the gym...I like rocking out at work.  Whether it's to drown out that one co-worker who eats lunch at their desk, chomping, with an open mouth, or not, it's just how I do it.  However, there comes a time when I like to get my ambient on.  

Here are some of my favorite slower songs and the bands that write them.

Jimmy Eat World - Table for Glasses: when people hear or read the name Jimmy Eat World, they immediately think about this band's absurdly catchy pop hits.  What many people don't know is that before the Bleed American album (you may be used to hearing the song "The Middle" in your favorite bar), Jimmy Eat World was gaining a cult flowing for their raw, indie records.  The song Table for Glasses is my favorite song of all time, and their album Clarity is my favorite album of all time.  It is only fitting that I start this post with this song.  I urge you to pick up this album.

The Postal Service - Recycled Air: Death Cab for Cutie's front man Ben Gibbard's electronic side project.  Think Death Cab, but slower and electronic.  How can it not be good?

Sunny Day Real Estate - Tearing in My Heart: Sunny Day Real Estate is considered one of the bands that started the emo movement back in the early '90s.  After a short break up in the mid '90s and a line up change, Sunny Day came back with a couple albums in 1998 and 2000, including The Rising Tide, where Tearing in My Heart was plucked.

Modest Mouse - Blame It On The Tetons: I have a very fond memory of driving to Vegas while I was living in LA with this album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, on repeat.  It does have some songs I feel don't really fit, nonetheless, it is a really good album.  An interesting side note: I heard the lead singer of Modest Mouse is kind of a masochist.  Apparently during a show, he cut himself on stage.  Weird.  Can you say veiled emo?  Just listen to the lyrics...

The Most Serene Republic - Stay Ups: I am really into this band right now.  They are a seven piece band comprised of 3 guitars, trombone, piano, violin, bass, drums and a couple vocalists...they provide an interesting, intricate sound.  I wouldn't go as far as saying their music is very accessible, but give it a chance.  It'll grow on you for sure.

Thrice - Silver Wings: I've made it a point to mention Thrice's Alchemy Index albums, so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail here.  Just check this song out, it's amazing.

Right Away, Great Captain - Right Ahead, Young Sailor: RAGC is the concept side project of Manchester Orchestra front man, Andy Hull.  If you don't know Manchester Orchestra, you will.  I have a song coming from them shortly.  This band was contrived as a three part story, told over three albums, about a mid-17th century fictional sailor.  Andy Hull explains the whole story here if you care to find out more.  Anyways, it's very interesting and creative. 

The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Heretic: I love this band.  Unfortunately they aren't a full-time band.  TSOAF is comprised of members of Circa Survive, RX Bandits, Good Old War, Chiodos, Finch, The Autumns and others, each contributing various songs, melodies, and instrumentals.  Originally inspired by the Mars Volta (= awesome), The Heretic is taken from the band's second album, Lover, The Lord Has Left Us.  This is a stunningly dark and beautiful song.  If you decide to listen to the rest of the album, be prepared...let's just say it is experimental.

Yo La Tengo - I Feel Like Going Home: I'm not really sure what to say about these folks.  They have a really interesting sound and been around forever, so they must be doing something right.  I Feel Like Going Home is my favorite song by far on the album I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass.  Possibly the best album name ever.

Manchester Orchestra - Sleeper 1972: We're back to Manchester Orchestra.  Once of the reasons I like this band is the song writing is completely anecdotal.  No metaphors, no bullshit, and it is depressing to boot.  Sleeper 1972 is a sad one.

The Winston Jazz Routine - Sospiri: I really want to like this band, but every time I come away from listening to them, the only adjective I can think to describe them is boring.  I really like this song though.  There isn't very much to it, just a simple melody.

You can stream all of these songs in the player on the right side of the page.  If you like any of them, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do about getting you a copy.

Keep it slow.

JMMP.

Listen with Conviction

The music industry is flooded with people who think they know what they're talking about.  You know how I know this?  Bands that are complete shit are still getting press.  I know it's a matter of personal preference.  Believe me.  I have friends who like Nickelback.  

Really though, something far more topical is just because a band puts together a string of notes and chords that hardly make sense (but are seemingly "cool") and throw together a vocal arrangement that is hardly mellifluous doesn't mean they are a good indie band.  Not to mention, just because a band has a "different" sound doesn't mean they are the second coming of the Lord Baby Jesus (think Vampire Weekend).

I guess I'm just annoyed.  When I listen to bands other people suggest, I wonder "are you really listening to this with some conviction?"...I mean, how can you really get in to a band like this?  I partially believe it is because people choose to like what will make them look the coolest, or the dopest, or the radest (yup, just made a couple of those words up).  I think we should be honest here and chalk it up to poor taste as well.  This probably doesn't come as a surprise to you intelligent readers, cognizant of what is right and wrong in the music industry, but it needed to be said.

What I have below is a list of bands that I feel very strongly about. Bands that I have a strong conviction towards.  Bands that I hope you'll enjoy as much as I do. 

Circa Survive (Listen to "In The Morning and Amazing")

The Sound of Animals Fighting (Listen to "The Heretic" and "You Don't Need A Witness")

The Most Serene Republic (Listen to "Sherry And Her Butterfly Net")

Tokyo Police Club (Listen to "Tessellate" and "In A Cave")

The Republic Tigers (Listen to "Buildings And Mountains")

What bands do you have conviction towards?

Also, going forward, this blog will be a lot less whiney.  I just felt I needed to prologue all the amazing music to come.

JMMP.