Friday Album Streams: Zack Rosen, RPPs, Connections + More

The Spring generally means you’re just going to have to throw down a lot of money and grab record after record after record, so let us throw a few suggestions, or just give you some great stuff to stream, as its Friday, and who really wants to work on a Friday.

Zack RosenSYZYGY (Chimera Music)

A struggling artist gone before his time; these songs remind us of the gifts he left behind.

The Reds, Pinks & PurplesThe Town That Cursed Your Name (Slumberland/Tough Love)

No one on this planet is writing songs as powerful as Glenn Donaldson.

ConnectionsCool Change (Trouble in Mind Records)

If you need a record without a throw-away tune, this is the one.

The SproutsEat Your Greens (Tenth Court)

Australia has a new supergroup, and you have a new favorite band.

Mary Anne’s Polar RigMakes You Wonder (Rama Lama Records)

A shapeshifting masterpiece of pop and rock, like if the YYYs, still had that risk factor.

Friday Album Streams: Adults, Chorusgirl, RPPs + More

There have been some really great tracks that have all led us to the release this week, and we’ve spent some time hopefully supporting the stuff that hits the hardest, in our books anyways. Most of these, other than one, probably haven’t gotten as much hype as they deserve, thus, here I am to be that voice. So, I’ve collected those album streams and encourage you to go grab copies for your collection, as all of these releases are worth spending your time with today.

ChorusgirlColapso Calypso (Reckless Yes)

The Reds, Pinks and PurplesThey Only Wanted Your Soul (Slumberland/Tough Love)

Cozy SlippersCozy Slippers (Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten/Subjangle)

AdultsFor Everything, Always (Fika Recordings)

WinterWhat Kind of Blue Are You (Bar None Records)

Last Week’s Jams, Today (1.3 – 1.7)

Well, we’re back at it folks, scrambling back into the new year, which feels an awful lot like the last year, except, well, there are new tunes. I didn’t go too overboard, as I was trying to get my feet underneath me for another semester, so we only had about 10 news jams, but unfortunately, only 9 are available via everyone’s least favorite streaming service. Most of these are brand new singles, with a heavy focus on the forthcoming Slumberland catalog, courtesy of Artsick and Kids on a Crime Spree, plus some of our favorites like Modern Nature, Nah… and Husbands reminded us what they’re all about. So, have it. Stream on!

The Umbrellas Announce Self-Titled Debut

So, I’m probably a few days late to this one, but I was on vacation! And, as a huge Slumberhead (that’s what we call ourselves, right?), I’m entitled to to post about the announcement of the Umbrellas debut LP! This San Fran act honestly reminds me of their label-mates, the Jeanines, except maybe clearing out some of the fuzzy cobwebs and offering up a more sugary presentation. It’s heavy on the jangles, sharpened with great melodic vocals, and to be fair, it’s everything you’ve probably ever loved about indiepop bands, past and present. A timeless sound that I never tire of hearing; look for the self-titled debut on August 6th via Slumberland!

Smokescreens Offer New Gem

Seems like just the other day we were praising the first Smokescreens single from the band’s news album, and already, they’re back with a sunny number to sweeten the summer season. Musically speaking, it sounds like the Replacements decided to create a jangle pop band…so they’ve got that going for them. The vocal display has this inherent bounce that gives the tune that memorable punch that will surely keep you coming back for more. I don’t know about you, but I get the feeling that Used to Yesterday is going to be a smash summer hit; it drops on July 13th via Slumberland.

Frankie Rose Plays Tonight at Barracuda

Those of you that pay any heed to the indie media cred will surely be aware that Frankie Rose released the most excellent Cage Tropical earlier this year via Slumberland; heralded P4K gave it a 7.7! It’s probably her most complete release to date, and she’s bringing it to the live stage tonight at Barracuda. But, even better for you is that opening the night will be our own Tres Oui, who are currently wrapping up a new LP for Shrimper, so you’re bound to hear a whole slew of new gems on stage tonight…plus Steven has some new pedals to show you. In the middle of the set is Suburban Living, so you really can’t go wrong by being in attendance. Doors are at 8!

 

Stream the Expert Alterations LP

expurtIt’s the end of the day and I wanted to toss out something your way that’s been an absolute treat: it’s the latest album from Expert Alterations. I had high expectations after catching them live, then those raised when they re-released their EP via Slumberland (a name you can trust). We’re now in the release week of You Can’t Always Be Liked, but if every person had a love for indiepop, then you can be assured that these guys would definitely be liked by all. Just enjoy a stream on this Monday as you’re wrapping up your day, and grab the LP from Kanine on Friday. 

Another Reason to Buy the Expert Alterations 12″

expertA long while ago I caught Expert Alterations here in Austin, along with some other great acts.  I raved about the band and their perfect indiepop sound, immediately posting a song to get you hyped to their sound.  Soon after, they agreed to put out a record with Slumberland and Kanine, and we’re getting another listen.  It’s a jangly number, fitting in the appropriate level of cool bounce to every turn of a word.  I like the drum work in the middle of the tune, essentially creating a breakdown that sets you up for the rest of the tune. Look for the EP to be release on June 2nd.

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Jittery Pop from Boyracer

photo02There’s a bit of a staggering stutter that comes to the guitar work in the opening moments of this new single from Boyracer.  It should come as no surprise as the band’s been releasing catchy pop tunes for their 20+ career…landing on labels like Slumberland and Sarah Records.  Sadly, the word on the street is that this might be their final EP, which will come out on Emotional Response, the label run by the band’s Stewart Anderson.  The label is about to release a slew of new singles from the likes of Hulaboy and Safe Distance, but I figured this one is a must for your radar.

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Download: Boyracer – The Kind of Man You Really Are [MP3]

Welcome Back: Lilys

It’s been a long time since I’ve even really thought about Lilys, but I’m so glad the band is back with a new tune.  The project was always that of Kurt Heasley, and they’ve bounced around stalwart labels like Sub Pop and Slumberland, landing their newest single on Speakertree Records.  You can find the following tune on a new split with Big Troubles, another band we adore here at ATH.  It’s a gem of a pop tune, including a little bit of the quirky stylings that always made listening to Heasley so special. Do yourself a favor and seek out the group’s catalog; it’s full of hits like this.

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