The Black Keys to release Live DVD November 18

Produced and directed by Lance Bangs (R.E.M.’s Road Movie), the disc will include 17 live songs; original music videos for “Your Touch,” “Just Got To Be,” and “Strange Times;” and behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the band’s most recent album, Attack & Release. The live performance was recorded on April 4, 2008 at a sold-out show at The Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR.

The Black Keys put on a rockin' show, at least that's what I'm told. Check out this live video "I Got Mine" and download the MP3!

I Got Mine (Live Video)

I Got Mine (Live MP3) (For some reason, the MP3 player isn't playing this song well, so just click the link instead of playing the track within the blog window, thanks!)


Also, the video can be purchased for a special low price here!

THE BLACK KEYS LIVE AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM
1. Same Old Thing
2. Girl Is On My Mind
3. Set You Free
4. ThickFreakness
5. Stack Shot Billy
6. Busted
7. You’re The One
8. Remember When (Side B)
9. Your Touch
10. Oceans and Streams
11. Strange Times
12. Psychotic Girl
13. 10 am Automatic
14. No Trust
15. I Got Mine
16. All You Ever Wanted
17. Till I Get My Way

Review: Sleep Station - Blood Of Our Fathers (* * *)

Sleep Station front-man David Debiak has always been driven by politics, wars, and social change, and never more so than on his new album Blood Of Our Fathers. The record is being offered for free on Air and Sea Battle with the original intention of compelling people to vote in the recent election. Though Sleep Station has previously recorded as a more complete band, Blood Of Our Fathers has the feel of a solo album for Debiak, with his acoustic guitar and slightly rusty voice as his primary weapons.

It's readily apparent on his new album (right from the cover art, actually) that Debiak has a fascination with war's effect on society. Blood Of Our Fathers doesn't so much decry all conflict as it explains and explores the struggles of those who fight and give more than anyone else can appreciate or understand. "America" contains some of the record's most pointed lyrics, like "you won't realize you were blind, and gave away everything you owned" and "you'll send your boy to die, for your freedom way of life, to become a man so he can do his part, but America will leave him in the dark." Elsewhere, soldiers fight, pray, and struggle to make sense of their life after returning home. At times, he gets too heavy-handed, but the lyrics of Blood Of Our Fathers are often stirring and occasionally memorable .

Musically, Debiak covers no new territory here, shifting from Rocky Votolato-esque folk tunes (Blood Of Our Fathers) to country-rock (America, Leads Back Home). He's sounds comfortable and proficient throughout the album and creates a few shining moments, like the melancholy, broken-hearted prayer "Oh Mary" or the simple, affecting leaving song "Can't Shake This Town." Sometimes, however, the music lacks any real melodic or emotional hook and the album starts to feel a bit mundane.

As a whole, Blood Of Our Fathers is straightforward folk-rock that is consistently enjoyable throughout. I honestly can't think of any reason why you wouldn't go and download this to check it out for yourself.

New Artist: Paper Route

Last week I posted an MP3 from Paper Route, a band which I had only recently discovered. I've had the chance to give their recently released EP, Are We All Forgotten a listen, and I have to say I'm very impressed. "Empty House," the single I posted earlier, is perhaps my favorite on the record, though "Are We All Forgotten," with it's great drum and bass line and more immediate vocals make for a great listen also. The band's twist on atmospheric indie rock is captivating and after the slow, gorgeous "Waiting For The Final Leaf To Fall," I'm left wanting more.

I haven't been able to find any information regarding a full-length album, though I imagine it will be soon in coming. The band is also touring through November and December, so check out their MySpace page for dates and who they're with.

And, lastly, their new EP is available to purchase at iTunes for $3 (5 songs, not a bad deal).

MP3 Monday: Meaghan Smith, Audrye Sessions

Our first songs comes from Meaghan Smith, a singer/songwriter hailing from Nova Scotia of all places. Her debut EP The Cricket's Quartet is out now on iTunes, a classic, soulful record reminiscent of orchestral pop music from the 20s and 30s. On "Little Love," Meaghan's smooth, sultry voice is backed by a full band (horns, keys, bass, guitar, flute, etc.) and even some turntable scratches for a an extra kick. Take a listen; actually, just go ahead and keep it.

Little Love

www.meaghansmith.com

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Last, but certainly not least, we have an Elliot Smith cover performed by alt-rock band Audrye Sessions. Their self-titled debut EP is available at iTunes and in stores, with a full-length album due out in February of next year. The hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of "Waltz #2" makes it a cover worth getting your hands (or ears) on, especially because you won't find this on the EP.

Waltz #2

www.myspace.com/audryesessions

Lydia - Illuminate available for $1.99 on Amazon!

Lydia's recent release, Illuminate can be purchased in MP3 format on Amazon for only a buck 99 (through Nov 12). Lydia's music combines atmospheric indie rock with traces of emo and punk, featuring beautiful harmonies from vocalists Leighton Antelman and Mindy White. The band had the following to say about the album:

"Illuminate is an album, and our piece of art that we give to you. We also wanted the songs to illuminate something inside of people. Our lyrics deal with experiences and emotions, both amazing highs and crazy lows, that everyone can relate to in one way or another. We wanted people to listen to this record and be able to apply it to themselves and hopefully influence or affect someone's life in some way."

I haven't heard the entire album yet, but I like what I hear so far. If you need a preview, the band have put up several songs on their MySpace page.

Get the album here

Amazon has been having some great deals recently on MP3 albums. I got Keane's new one for $3 and Snow Patrol's for $4 (both deals are expired now). I suggest keeping an eye out for more music at great prices there.

Review: Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (* * * *)

If there's a word I use too often when I do reviews, it's "unique." Some of it stems from the fact that my music knowledge isn't as deep as perhaps it should be, and I suppose that occasionally it's just lazy writing, but I'd like to think that there are actually quite a few truly "unique" artists out there making music to which it is difficult to draw comparisons.

The problem with my overuse of the word becomes apparent when I run into an artist or band who leave me without any idea of how to accurately describe their music. Cloud Cult is one such band. The group, led by Craig Minowa, might best fit in the electronica-folk-indie-chamber-pop-rock genre, though I'm not sure if anyone else does (Polyphonic Spree, maybe?). That won't really give you an idea of what goes on through the 13 tracks of Cloud Cult's latest album, Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-partying Through Tornadoes). It's a genre-mashing set of songs that is at once weird, wonderful, inspiring, exciting, and strange.

Opener "No One Said It Would Be Easy" kicks things off with an arpeggiated piano line over synthesized bleeps and bloops before the acoustic guitar and drums take over to support lyrics about man's search for meaning in life. Eventually it all comes together in a tremendous, noisy climax; a Cloud Cult specialty. "Everybody Here Is A Cloud" continues a similar musical and lyrical theme before the album's first truly weird moment. "The Tornado Lessons" begins with an intense, minor-key intro featuring organ and electric guitar, and ends with Minowa rapping, the band shouting, and somebody's singing sped up so fast it makes the Chipmunks sound tame in comparison. It's over-the-top and borders on silly (also a Cloud Cult specialty), but insanely catchy and fun. Elsewhere, the band explore more organic (and relatively normal) sounds, such as on the orchestral folk tune "Journey Of The Featherless" and the gentle, acoustic "The Ghost Inside Our House."

Much of Feel Good Ghosts forgoes typical songwriting for a variety of unique (yes, I mean it) structures. The fantastic "Hurricane And Fire Survival Guide" starts with a long instrumental introduction that eventually explodes into a danceable electronica vocal chorus. "Love You All' is simply one line repeated as the music slowly climaxes and subsides. Minowa often keeps the lyrics simple and few, though he's certainly capable of telling a story or creating a character, as on "Story Of The Grandson Of Jesus."

Your ability to digest the often bizarre lyrics is what will ultimately determine your ability to enjoy Feel Good Ghosts. The writing is open and honest, though occasionally walks (or crosses) the line between clever and just plain odd. Lyrics like "I've had enough of hiding underneath my covers, I'm done with all of that poop that brings me down" or "you have a precious little mind, you paint a perfect little rainbow" might derail a song sung by anyone but Minowa, who always sounds completely sincere. Even "Love You All" which repeats "I love my mother, I love my father, when it's my time to go, just want you to know, love you all" somehow comes across as heartbreaking rather than silly.

Cloud Cult is a remarkable band who have made a...you guessed it, unique album just as full of melodic hooks as mind-blowing experimentation. It's sure to end up at the top of several lists at year's end, but I imagine it will also find it's way to the bottom of others. Feel Good Ghosts will be both loved (by me, anyway) and hated, though I doubt anyone will find it boring.

Favorite Tracks: "No One Said It Would Be Easy," "Journey Of The Featherless," "Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide"


Apparently, Wikipedia has three songs available for download

Review: Brooke Waggoner - Heal For The Honey (* * * *)

Brooke Waggoner started playing the piano when she was four years old and hasn't stopped. A lifelong student of music, she recently earned a degree in music composition and orchestration before composing her debut album, Heal For The Honey. The unique qualities of the album can be traced to Waggoner's songwriting methods; "I approached the album like I approach all music - from the piano," she says. "I don't consider myself a lyricist. For me, every song starts on a solo piano and has to work that way, without anything fancy." [source: New York Post].

It's apparent that the music, especially the piano, and not the lyrics is the centerpiece of nearly all of Heal For The Honey, though Waggoner's talent in writing and singing shouldn't be overlooked. The opener "Lungs Speed, Lungs Sped" is a good example of her impressive compositional abilities and musical style. The song begins with a simple drum beat under bright piano and vocal melodies and swirling strings before abruptly switching gears for a piano/vocal-only bridge followed by an exciting emotional climax. Other highlights include the gentle "Heal For The Honey" and avante-garde piano-rockers "Tender Mending" and "Live For The Sounds."

Waggoner's love of dynamics and tempo changes is obvious as she frequently eschews traditional song formats for more complex arrangements. The songs rarely go where you would expect, which is both interesting and exciting. Though the music is probably too experimental for the more mainstream crowd, and too pop for the purely experimental crowd, those of us in between will find much to love on this album.

Heal For The Honey is unlike anything you'll hear this year. Amid contemporaries such as Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillet, Waggoner's music stands out as artistically significant and musically vibrant. What impresses me most about the album is the feeling of complete independence coupled with a lack of pretension. This isn't music made to impress critics or to cater to general familiarity, instead, the album's enjoyable combination of pop sensibility and uniquely beautiful arrangements seem like a personal presentation of Waggoner's ideas and talents.

Favorite Tracks: "Lungs Speed, Lungs Sped," "Tender Mending," "Heal For The Honey"


I'm not sure if the offer still holds, but Waggoner was previously offering a free EP (of songs not included on Heal For The Honey) from her website, brookewaggoner.com. Heal For The Honey is available at iTunes or most digital music distributors.

Also, check her out on MySpace

Review: Little Joy - Little Joy (* * * 1/2)

It's been years since The Strokes burst onto the indie scene and took it by storm, but it's been a case of diminishing returns after their first album. Luckily, The Strokes have produced a couple of very worthwhile side projects. Guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. already has two solo albums under his belt, and now we get Little Joy, the breezy, sunny, retro-pop outfit led by drummer Fabrizio Moretti.

Right from the start, Little Joy makes its intentions known; to provide the ultimate soundtrack for lounging on the beach or taking relaxing drives during warm, So-Cal afternoons. "The Next Time Around" is one of several album highlights, with smooth harmonies, a simple drum line and just a touch of reggae. Following is "Brand New Start," which employs some muted horns to round out a very classic pop tune with the cheerful chorus "ain't no lover like the one I got." Novel? Not exactly. Charming? Absolutely. And so it goes for 11 tracks totaling just over 30 minutes.

Not everything on Little Joy succeeds completely. The band sound much more comfortable on upbeat tracks like "No One's Better Sake" or "How To Hang A Warhol" than they do on snoozers like "With Strangers," but the diversity of tempo and style keeps things interesting, if occasionally sleep-inducing. Little Joy remind me of that beer commercial, you know, the one about the smooth taste that doesn't fill you up and never lets you down? The band have crafted an album that feels effortless and fun, making for an enjoyable half hour guaranteed to relieve some stress and put a smile on your face.

Favorite Tracks: "The Next Time Around," "No One's Better Sake," "

Check out the band's MySpace page

MP3 Monday: The Western States Motel, Paper Route, Anya Marina

It remains to be seen whether or not "MP3 Monday" will be a recurring feature, or if it will just be "MP3 [Insert Day Here]." Either way, enjoy not one, not two, but THREE free tunes.

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This first song is from a relatively new band called The Western States Motel, which only features one actual band member, Carl Jordan. Jordan's music is full of sunny keyboards, laid-back vocals, and a pure pop melodies. This song, titled "Oh World," is one of five catchy tracks from his recent EP titled Painted Birds Flying in the Orange Mirror Sun.

Also, if you're lucky enough to live in L.A., check out The Western States Motel each Monday at 9 p.m. for free at Spaceland.

Oh World


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Next up is another great tune from a band called Paper Route from Nashville, TN. Paper Route play driving, melodic indie rock reminiscent of Band of Horses and The Shins (or maybe a combination of the two). At any rate, this song from their July EP release, Are We All Forgotten, entitled "Empty House" is quite good. I have yet to hear the rest of the album, but it's on my "must listen" list..

Empty House


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Songwriter Anya Marina hails from California and has already had her music featured in popular television shows such as Grey's Anatomy (I've never seen it, I swear!). Recently she has collaborated with the likes of Britt Daniel (Spoon) to craft what, at first listen, appears to be an excellent pop record, Slow And Steady Seduction, Phase II, out December 9th.

Combining a very organic folk element with catchy pop melodies and her sexy, slightly raspy voice, Marina's lead single "Move You" is a fine example of her unique charm and obvious talent.

Move You

Reviews: Whitley, Fredrik, Arizona

Here are a trio of reviews of albums from impressive bands that you might not have heard. Even if you don't bother with the reviews, check out a free download from each artist. Trust me, it's worth your time.


Whitley - The Submarine (* * * *)

Whitley is the solo project of Melbourne native Lawrence Greenwood who has been making some waves in his home country. His debut album, The Submarine has only recently been released in the U.S., but already one of his songs has been picked up for a CW episode. His smooth folk sound, reminiscent at times of Elliot Smith or Conor Oberst, and his clever arrangements should garner him some serious attention in the States.

The Submarine opens strong, with the banjo and violin combination of "Cheap Clothes," a strikingly beautiful track that frames Whitley's forlorn lyrics and delivery. It's the first of many captivating moments on the album, which blends organic and digital elements to great effect. "The Submarine" and "White Feathers, Strange Sights" feature programmed drums and a variety of other synthesized sounds, while tracks like "More Than Life" and "I Remember" rely almost solely on Greenwood's guitar and voice. Nothing on the record feels forced or overdone, but manages instead to seem both natural and adventurous.

At just over 30 minutes long, The Submarine is barely long enough to be satisfying, and leaves me eager for more. No moment is wasted, however, and its ten tracks contain enough melodic and emotional hooks to keep me coming back time and again.

Download: "Lost In Time"
Whitley's MySpace page


Fredrik - Na Na Ni (* * * *)

It seems like everything coming out of Sweden these days is remarkably good, and Fredrik is no exception. Started as a side project for pop musicians Fredrik and Lindefelt, the group grew to six, "featuring members of some of the very finest of the Swedish pop and experimental underground" according to their bio. Na Na Ni is their first album and one of the more inventive and fascinating folk records I've heard this year.

The opening two tracks from Na Na Ni, "Black Fur" and "Alina's Place" are a couple of the album's high points, melodic tunes featuring a variety of instruments and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Then comes the first of five instrumental tracks which make up half the album. "Hei Hei" has a an East-Asian vibe to it, "Angora Sleepwalking" slowly builds to a crescendo with acoustic guitars and both organic and programmed percussion, but the centerpiece here is the title track. "Na Na Ni" is a dramatic and intense tune that explores variations of a simple, repetitive melody and chanted chorus (using only the words in the title).

Fredrik definitely prefers style over substance, and Na Na Ni does feel a little light. "Ninkon Loops" and "Morr" sound fine in the context of the album, but don't offer much by themselves, and the "vocal" half of the album is so good you wonder why there isn't more of it. Still, music so full of ideas and executed so perfectly deserves a listen. Fredrik are a band I'll be looking forward to hearing more from.

Head on over to RCRD LBL to download "Black Fur" and "1986"
Fredrik's MySpace page


Arizona - Glowing Bird (* * * *)

Recently, it seems, there has been an explosion of psychedelic rock and pop music in the indie world. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention before, but 2008 has seen more than it's fair share of the genre. NYC band Arizona are a welcome addition to the scene, creating their own unique psych-rock sound on their sophomore effort, Glowing Bird, by introducing other classic rock and folk influences.

The tendency for psychedelic bands seems to be to over-explore and push their boundaries to the point of frustration, resulting in a somewhat uneven album. Some would say that's the point, but I enjoy a little more consistency. Arizona manage to temper themselves just enough that they play to their strengths throughout most of the album while still providing quite a bit of variation to keep things interesting. "Balloon" is a whimsical number about a balloon salesmen complete with french horn and cello, "Ghost" is a creepy, haunting (no pun intended, really) song sung from the specter's perspective, and "Otto The Eel" starts with heavy, fuzzed-out guitars before subsiding into a gentle folk song. Other tracks, like "Swimming Hole" and "Whiskey Or Wine" are slightly more straightforward folk-rock tunes.

With its broad range of topics and diverse instrumentation, Glowing Bird is always interesting and often spectacular; a truly unique record. Its oddities and quirkiness might be distracting to some, but for those who prefer their music a little "out there," Arizona should hit the spot.

Download: "Colors"
Arizona's MySpace page