This is fine.
Here’s a jangly little tune that’s sure to get you pumped for summer from London based pop outfit Fair Ohs. This jam and 9 others will appear on the debut LP from the band Everything Is Dancing which will be available on July 26th via Lefse Records. I’m going to continue to be on the lookout for songs like this while I get prepped for a long summer in the sun. Enjoy.
Download: Fair Ohs – Summer Lake [MP3]
It’s weird, Austin’s not really known for having a lot of duos. But, one duo that has recently come to our attention has been Not in the Face. This Austin act is scheduled to release their album, Bikini, on June 7th via Electric Factory Records. This first single does have a little bit of a Bruce hint to it, but Jonathan Terrell’s vocals seem to have the feeling of a more hardened Pete Yorn. Yea, it’s just good old fashioned rock n’ roll with chugging guitars, banging drums and some solid hooks. You can catch the band on June 10th in Austin at 501 Studios (formerly the ND) for their CD release.
Download: Not in the Face – Downtown Girl [MP3]
I think we avoided the heat here in Austin for long enough, but it’s about time we succumb to the truth; summertime is here, temperature wise at least. So, with that in mind, I’ve gotta get my poolside set list together, and I’m definitely including this jam from Toronto group, Art Imperial. The new EP from these guys, Suburban Surf is chock full of hazy little summer jams with a bit of sway to them. It’s almost like bedroom pop, if your bedroom just happened to be a little hut in some remote beach area. Get ready for the heat, and get ready for Art Imperial. And, if you like it enough, the band is offering their EP for a name your own price fee HERE.
Download: Art Imperial – The Inbetweener [MP3]
So if Nathan’s gonna post electronic dance tunes, I’m also taking this chance to post my very own pop jams. This song “Holiday Heart”, coming from producer man Ki: Theory, features a sweet dance beat that’s sure to get your feet moving. Apparently the jam is just meant as a one off single with a B side also involved featuring a remix collaboration with Holy Fuck. Well done sir.
Download: Ki: Theory – Holiday Heart [MP3]
It’s hard to believe that after 13 years, Graditude for the Sniper is only the 3rd record for Fan Modine. That being said, you’re not going to find a lot of pop music that has been crafted wtih such care. Whether it be the soaring melodies, or the bits of string placed behind the songs, it all generates a tingling feeling from within, knowing you have stumbled upon something worthy of greatness. Personally, there’s a lot of good pop out there, and a lot of it fails in comparison to the work you’ll find here. If you seek out orchestral pop with sweeping movements and careful craftsmanship, then put this tune on today!
Download: Fan Modine – Through the Valley [MP3]
So right after we dropped a brand new song from Will Johnson a couple days ago, we receive this new track from Will’s veteran indie act Centro-matic. This song “Only In My Double Mind” is the first single from the band’s upcoming new album Candidate Waltz due out June 21st. While you’re at it, check out the accompanying video for the song featuring painter Will, some flying pizza, and chickens. It’s really hard to believe that a band with talent such as this still manages to somehow fly under the radar in the music scene. On that note, you can also stream a huge selection of Centro-matic’s music on their website if you’re new to the band.
*Update: For the time being, we can only offer you a stream of the song but can direct you to the Centro-matic website for a download.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/05.-Only-In-My-Double-Mind.mp3]
So they say that Portland is basically like a moderate climate version of Austin, and with some of the music coming out of the city, I have to say I agree. This little PDX Pop Now! compilation, available for purchase on June 2nd, features 41 whopping songs from bands and musicians from the PDX. I’ve had a chance to listen to many of the tunes on this bad bay and am impressed with most of what I hear. Take this little number “Cold Feet” that’s caught my ear by Portland band Lost Lander. It’s nothing fancy, just a nice little pop diddy featuring some unique and interesting takes on rhythm.
Download: Cold Feet – Lost Lander [MP3]
The Patrick Wolf in this picture is a far cry from the man that seems to be writing lately, though I love both equally as much. His last few efforts were dominated with synths, and almost felt industrial, but he seems to have found some sort of, well, inner peace. His Lupercalia record is set to hit next week, and based on the video for “House,” he seems to have quieted himself a bit, going for softer tones. Regardless of where his head or heart is at, he always has that angelic voice, and incredible production, so we’re excited any time we get a chance to enjoy more of his work. Take a listen to “House” below for a sample of the upcoming grandiosity.
Download: Patrick Wolf – House [MP3]
Long have I adored Stephin Merritt, in pretty much any capacity. So, today Merge Records announced they’d be selling Obscurities, a collection of Merritt rarities, not just those with his work with the Magnetic Fields. Some of these would stem from his work on the science-fiction he did with Lemony Snicket, while others would be culled from those hard to get releases man MF fans swoon over. Merritt even commented on the songs, telling Sterogum that he thought this might have been the best song he’d ever penned that was meant for a wedding. While I’ll admit, it has its beauty, in my mind the winner will always be “It’s Only Time” from the album, i. Regardless, the world’s always a better place with Merritt’s writing.
Download: Stephin Merritt – Forever And A Day [MP3]
Here’s another new tripped out psych song from Seattle based rock band Night Beats. This one is called “Dial 666” and will also appear on the band’s upcoming self-titled debut LP out June 28th on Trouble in Mind Records. In the ever growing garage/psych movement, this is an up and coming band to pay attention to.
Download: Night Beats – Dial 666 [MP3]
