Power-Pop From Susan

1460418387802Man this new jam “I’ve Been Known” by Los Angeles based trio Susan has really been giving me some motivation over the last 24 hours. I’m loving that it starts super slow and dupes us into thinking it’s some type of slow melodic jam, but then boom yeah, things really take off. Rather than me ruining it with more descriptors and comparisons, I’d say you’d best be served by hitting play right now and enjoying this gem for yourself.

Susan will drop Never EnoughOn April 29th via Volar Records.

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Old (ish) Tune, But New LP from Tropical Popsicle

tropicalThings are slow around the Internet this time of year, so I wanted to revisit a record that I really really enjoyed: Dawn of Delight.  It’s the latest release from Tropical Popsicle, but it’s just now getting a vinyl release from Volar Records, so it’s worthy of mentioning again, especially when I can put this song on our playlist for the day.  You’ll find sort of a lo-fi quality to the musical recording, but listen real closely.  If you do, you’ll be rewarded by this incredible pop sensation that you’re not likely to find in a lot of other places.  Enjoy and pick up the LP!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02-The-Age-Of-Attraction.mp3]

 

Pleased to Meet You: Fine Steps

finestepsOne of the greatest things I remember about being a kid was following labels like Lookout or Dischord or Matador, knowing that I’d love whatever they put out.  It’s a good thing I still stick to that sort of attitude, which is why I chose to check in today with Volar Records, who’ve put out things by Tropical Popsicle and Window Twins, to name but a few. One outfit they’re working with, though I don’t know much else, is San Fran group, Fine Steps. The group released a pretty solid LP in 2012 titled Boy’s Co, but it seems they’ve got something new in the works. This song has some heavy vocals over this old school punk rock work.  If this jam isn’t making your day, then I don’t know what else to tell you, but I’m glad I stumbled upon it today.

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Tropical Popsicle Announce Album Details

I’ve been closely keeping tabs on Tropical Popsicle since I came across the group in August of last year.  Luckily, I have a feeling I won’t be the only one following the band now that they’ve announced their debut LP, Dawn of Delight, which is going to see release in mid-March via Volar Records.  In the track below, you get the impression that the combination of psychedelia with atmospheric sun-pop will largely be the sonic approach of Tim Hines and company.  When the songwriter uses this sort of patience, allowing the gentle unfolding of melody, I tend to swoon.  What do you say?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/01-Ghost-Beacons.mp3]

Download:Tropical Popsicle – Ghost Beacons [MP3]

You Should Listen To: Window Twins

One of the worst things about the Internet is it’s hard to keep up with your favorite artists, but while looking up information on another act, I was reminded of the Window Twins.  I had heard of the project between Tim Cohen (Fresh and Onlys) and Jon Berson, but I hadn’t really seen a lot of buzz on the Internet about them, other than the distant memory of a video run a month back. It’s a good thing I checked in on Volar Records, otherwise I wouldn’t have had the chance to order the limited vinyl for Wish, the band’s new album.  It’s a minimal folk sound, accentuated by tinkering with various layers, much like Cohen’s Magic Trick, but more intimate.  It’s almost a no-brainer right? A great songwriter with a great set of tunes, joined by a friend to make an album. Have a sample.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-Two-Left-Feet.mp3]

Download:Window Twins – Two Left Feet [MP3]

New Soulful Jam from Shannon and the Clams

One of the great things about hitting up the record store on new release day is stumbling upon tunes you weren’t expecting, like this new tune from Shannon and the Clams.  The band’s been sort of quiet, but that’s probably because Shannon’s been touring with Hunx.  However, the group is back with a few new 7″ records, and this one comes out from Volar Records (I picked it up last night). Shannon has a voice that sounds like the heir apparent to Janis Joplin, and I mean that in a flattering sense, as very few people can combine the raspy and the soulful and pull it off; this young lady can definitely do it.

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