Tag: the special pillow

Last Week’s Jams (9.29 – 10.3)

Leave a comment

As we poured through B. Gray’s photo coverage of Levitation, we also were able to get in some pretty solid tracks, even a premiere here and there, so a pretty busy week on our side. We did some Austin repping with that new Mugger tune on Friday, if you dare to let it rip! Dropped brand new stuff from Strange Passage, Marni and the Lions Constellation, all which are worthy of your listening. Plus, even got to stretch our taste a bit with the likes of Greg Weeks, Devin Shaffer and Magic Fig, so feel free to step outside the confines of today’s indie rock playlist!

Special Pillow Share Banana Freak Out

Leave a comment

If you’ve ever heard the George Guzman classic “Banana Freak Out,” be prepared to hear it in a new perspective from the upside down, as New Jersey’s The Special Pillow have taken it to some dark places. Musically, they’ve taken the old school funk/soul nature and turned it into this thundering piece of brooding psychedelia. The vocal work is heavy and definitely sits well in the mixture, almost like a demonic presentation as the drums thunder in the background. Seems like the perfect adaptation for the spooky seasons we’re in…and yet also just another reminder of the great work the band keep churning out!

Special Pillow Share Fond and Foggy

Leave a comment

The Special Pillow are like that little rock you found along your beach walk; you put it in your pocket as a reminder of all the great walks along said beach, occasionally taking it out to be reminded of all the charms. Today, the New Jersey pop purveyors are here to remind us of their songwriting prowess, bringing news of a fresh EP as well! Those of you in the nerdy pop realms will surely be swept away; it has that sort of Belle and Sebastian (the Jeepster era) charm to it, using horn/string work to grow the steady toe-tapping trance you’re likely to find within its confines. It’s a gift for us all to find folks still crafting this perfected poetic pop we can put in our pockets and treasure years down the line. They’ll release The Special Pillow Meets the Space Monster on February 16th via Zofko.

The Special Pillow Announce Mind Wipe EP

Leave a comment

Despite countless trends pointing elsewhere, timeless pop music is always in fashion, particularly over here. So, here we are with a brand new single from The Special Pillow, an acts that’s been at it for nearly 30 years, and counts Yo La Tengo as huge supporters. Listening to this brand new single, I’ve got all sort of things running through my head, at least when I’m thinking of comparisons. At times, the guitars play into the jangling pop that’s working its way around with the likes of the Umbrellas or Boys with Perpetual Nervousness. But, ultimately this band sounds to me like New Pornographers if they were able to tighten their sound (they always felt overly noisy in spots). The pop bops are noticeable in between jangles, and this tune uses multiple layers of vocals to seduce the listeners. In the end, timeless pop music is made by great songwriting, and The Special Pillow has that for days…Mind Wipe EP is out in September via Zofko.

The Special Pillow Announce World’s Finest EP

Leave a comment

As you listen through to the new single from the Special Pillow it should become apparent that the band’s songwriting is much like an exquisite musical tapestry. It’s got the finest notes from various genres, sewn together so carefully that you’re mesmerized by the sonic presence before you. You can hear some psychedelic influences distantly, while the strings build in this sweeping texture that’s common among many modern “folk;” the collaborative vocals also make that nod, but tie the band into current pop aficionados. And it that wasn’t enough…some delicate woodwind touch ups lurk in the background, all of which leaves you with a well-formed musical vision. That vision and more appear on the World’s Finest EP, out June 26th.

Premiere: The Special Pillow Ready Sixth LP

Leave a comment

The Special Pillow are about two decades into a storied career, which includes highlights like being covered by Yo La Tengo, or a feat accomplished by few: finishing their sixth album, Sleeping Weird. Our first listen to music from the LP comes via “Hudson River Dreamboat,” which offers up literary pop music swollen with incredible studio production. You’ll hear strings encircling the verses from the minute you press play, and the small horn section blasts emphatic joyousness throughout. You won’t be able to get away from the natural bounce crafted by a solid rhythm section, including founder Dan Cuddy on bass. If you’re missing well-crafted indie rock, then come back to us; we’re here with The Special Pillow, and you should join us. Look for the new album to drop July 29th.

Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com