Lost In Sound

Always remember just to have a good time...

2007-11-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Person Pitch is the third solo album by Panda Bear(of Animal Collective fame).. Very catchy. If Brian Wilson had grown up in Japan in the mid-80s listening to free-noise interpretations of western pop music, This is what he would be creating today.. Sonic ambient soundscapes with lush, layered melodies. Highly recommended!

MP3s: (right-click to download)
Panda Bear - Comfy in Nautica
Panda Bear - Bro's(edit)

With this land, do we choose peace?

2005-11-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Veda

I attended another great concert at the Norva last night and one band in particular caught my attention. Veda is a Kansas City-birthed female-fronted rock powerhouse that is set to explode.. Kristen May’s dynamic voice is definitely the backbone of this four-piece, but they have a very solid sound backing them as well. Don't expect any earth-shattering creativity, in fact, Veda would fit very nicely on any alt-rock radio's top 20 rotation, but they are a breathe of fresh air in that they are 110% real and passionate. What Veda lacks in originality they make up for with pure presence.
Expect to hear about them soon, they're on the rise..

MP3s:
Your God, Your Country
Still Standing
Safe
Falling Kind

Official Website:
www.weareveda.com

Buy Their CDs:

what does nostalgia sound like?

2005-10-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Black Moth Super Rainbow

Disconcerting... and yet beautiful..
BMSR should have a BoC sized fanbase very soon..

Trees and Colors and Wizards
I Am the Alphabet
Boatfriend
I Think It Is Beautiful that You are 256 Colors too

Official Website:
http://www.blackmothsuperrainbow.com/

Buy Their CDs:

shameless self promotion

2005-10-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Automate

Yes, this is my music.. I promise this is the one and only time I will ever subject you to it. Feedback! Hop to it.

Wrap Your Arms Around Me
Wrap Your Arms(Sensitive Male Mix)
And then there was...
Lucid Dreams
Secondsminutes

Websites:
www.myspace.com/automate
http://ic-musicmedia.com/automate
www.purevolume.com/automate

Is Love Ever Enough?

2005-09-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Folksongs for the Afterlife

Folksongs for the Afterlife are different than your typical "folk" band in that they are completely stripped down yet remain hypnotic.. This is exactly the kind of music I would imagine being played in the afterlife, dreamy-pop, minor key at times, but still happy.. Interestingly enough, Chris Deaner of +/- (plus/minus) indie-fame is a member..

You Walked Me Home
Did I Let You Down?
So Glad

Official Website:
http://www.fortheafterlife.com

Buy Their CD:

midnight drives(and silent sighs)

2005-09-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

(((this is what happens when I have a 2 hour night-time drive with instrumental CDs)))

The rumblings fade away and the earth settles, the blood-red sky mirrors the devastation of the land below.

The rubble shifts.. scattered survivors emerge, grim determination set in their faces...

They gather, an unspoken purpose driving them.. They converge, not a word escapes their cracked lips; in silence, they pick up their soul's voices, their weapons..

Instruments....

And as one, they play..

The landscape responds, quaking in newfound purpose. Scorched corpses seem to tremble, desolate ruins shift and groan.

Who are these silent soldiers.. these post-apocalyptic messiahs?

Jesu..

Our saviors continue, preaching not of hope, but of total embrace with Our Mother.... Despair..
Languish in her bosom, let your thoughts and feelings find their cold rest..
....
Millennia pass like waking dreams.. our sacred rites pass into stale religion..
mediocrity...

A group of truth-seekers, not satisfied with tales of old, enter the sacred city, the tabboo, Our Mother's temple...
Enboldened by the lack of swift consequence they move on, and soon come upon an altar..

Instruments....

Sacred relics of that day, preserved and waiting.. yearning...
They silently pick them up.. and begin to play..

This is not their forefather's message, this is new, this is their own truth, this is their reality..

Hope is reborn in aural form...

Gasping with their newfound power, they soar, gravity having no hold any longer.. endless possibilities await..

Spurned into awakening by their reckless abandonment, Our Mother rises... an angry goddess preparing to wreak her vengeance...

They clash..

Explosions in the Sky...

silence reigns...

a hush... a glance.. a furtive wish.. inner conflict between ancient loyalties and newborn yearnings...

silence reigns...

the waiting begins....

...
<<<<<<<<<<<End.

Jesu - "we all faulter"
explosions in the sky - "a poor man's memory"
explosions in the sky - "look into the air"
explosions in the sky - "memorial"

Still Kickin'

2005-09-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Pony Up!

Guess who's back with a brand new (working) laptop?

me.

*Ahem*

Let's skip through the "oh so sorry so long since last post"'s and head straight to the ear candy.
A week ago at Starbucks(which is where I am humbly employed), I noticed a customer wearing a Pony Up! tshirt. Me being the geeky music fanboy I am, I struck up a conversation with him, mentioning that I too was a dedicated Pony Up! fan. To my suprise, it turns out that this guy is the brother of one of the sweet young ladies that comprise the aforementioned band.
Made my whole friggin week.

Shut Up and Kiss Me
Marlon Brandos Laundromat

Official Website:
http://www.ponyup.ca/

Buy Their CD:

here's some coffee... for Sam....

2005-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed, it's been centuries since my last update, I know. I recently moved into an apartment with a horrific lack of internet access, I'm still working on that one but till then my updates will be few. For all of you who would like to harrass, insult, berate, or simply give me a public flogging, email me and I'll see what I can arrange.
Monday I trekked up to Norfolk, VA and caught Iron and Wine at the Norva. It would be pointless to tell you that the show was good because, c'mon, it's I&W.. that's to be expected. Sam played mostly newer songs but also some old favorites, if slightly revamped. I tried to give him a 1lb bag of whole bean coffee to show my appreciation(aka psychotic obsession) but, sadly, he never showed his face after his set, and alas, I was forced to pass it along via his merch guy.
What did suprise me that night was an excellent set by a new signing to Subpop(that seems to have snuck by me), Band of Horses. Besides the fact that one of their guitar players bears an uncanny resemblance to my dad 20 years ago, I was instantly intrigued when they hit the stage.
First of all, these guys just scream "kids you want to hang out with." They seemed like the friendly guys next door, slightly nervous but happy to be playing for friends. And the music... They started with a quiet, minimal song that introduced the singers outstanding vocalization style, mischievous and quirky at times, heart wrenching and epic at others. I wanted to say I heard an "Arcade Fire" tinge in the beginning, but they very quickly dispelled that notion with each new song. Afterwards, they all hung out at their merch table and I was able to chat with them for a few minutes, very friendly guys, would love to see them play again.
I was disappointed with only one thing, and that was the fact that I had spent all my cash at the local record shop before hearing them, I would have loved to own their Tour EP, especially with it being in such high demand and low quantities. I can only hold my breath and wait impatiently for their official Subpop release.. till then here are the only recordings I could find, for your listening pleasure.

Wicked Gil
I Lost My Dingle on the Red Line...
Funeral
Bass Song

And a here are a few I&W tracks to keep you happy till my next post:

Woman King
Naked as We Came
Jesus the Mexican Boy
Lions Mane
Southern Anthem

stick THAT in your hipster handbook..

2005-05-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Crime in Choir

The frantically mathmatical neu-prog of Crime in Choir sounds like the soundtrack to some long-lost Japanese Anime featuring giant pink, purple and yellow robots duking it out, with plenty of interludes filled with seizure-inducing strobe-lighting..
The very prolific members are all involved in more then one sideproject each and the current lineup features founding members of such acts as At the Drive-In, Hella, and The Hades Kick

Hot Slant
The Hoop
Venequa!
WorldwideCB

Official Website:
http://www.crimeinchoir.net/

Buy Their CDs:

a stroll with my friend, childhood memories..

2005-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Boards of Canada

Throughout my life, I've experimented with many genres of music. I've stretched myself and reinvented myself many times.. But I keep returning to the wistfully ambient IDM made an art by Boards of Canada. The music of BoC has much more depth then just notes and beats. There is a frantic quietness, a hidden childish curiousity, an adult longing for naiveté, a nostalgic wonder, all pulsing in the background. There is also an undercurrent of raw, primitive spirituality, not religious spirituality, spirituality in the purest sense, the untainted state of awe and nothingness..
Many people theorize about "subliminal messages" hidden in the works of BoC; this is because both members have expressed an interest in said subject and also because their music is fraught with mostly unintelligible samples from movies, radio, television, and real life.

XYZ (Peel Session)
Neotropic Do You Know How to Waltz Vert
Birthday Tape
Hiscores
North Sea Arbeit
Orange Hexagon Sun
Chinook
Orange Romeda

Official Website:
http://www.music70.com/

Buy Their CDs:

serenely unsettling

2005-05-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Jeff Hanson

Everything I had ever read about Jeff Hanson before hearing him mentioned the fact that he has a freakishly high voice, this caused me to expect a whiney, nasally shriek of a voice.. It couldn't have been farther from reality, Jeff's voice is silky smooth and soothing when applied liberally.. As for how high it is, he does sound like a teenage girl, but a teenage girl who can sing.
His influences, (Simon & Garfunkle, Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith.. etc), are clear, but he's no copycat, his perplexingly beautiful voice captures your attention and won't let go.

Hiding Behind the Moon
Just Like Me
This Time It Will
Now We Know (Exclusive Alternate Version)

Official Website:
http://www.jeffhanson.net

Buy His CDs:

spring's goodbye sighs..

2005-05-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Absolutely Kosher Records Mix:

Pinback - B
Sparrow - The Early Years
Get Him Eat Him - Not Not Nervous
The Court and the Spark - Suffolk Down Upon the Night and Fireworks
Frog Eyes - The Oscillator's Hum
Okay - Compass
Bottom of the Hudson - Motorcaid
The Jim Yoshi Pile-Up - Reckless Driving
Jukeboxer - Missing Link and Even Little Stunts
Summer at Shatter Creek- Thief
Swords Project- The New Assassin
Xiu Xiu- Jennifer Lopez
The Wrens- Everyone Chooses Sides
Two Guys - Fantasies
Optiganally Yours - Nonpartisan
Rob Crow - Some Things

summer never grows old..

2005-05-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Arturo en el Barco

Arturo en el Barco is Angélica Negrón, a composer living in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Angélica creates graceful, enchanting acoustic-electro that reminds of one's innocent times.. Every note flowing from her piano is tinged with childhood; eager curiousity and playful naive charm surrounds and is Angélica's spirit.
Angélica is also a member of the dreamy electro/acoustic group Balún. Her talent is apparent and I am quite sure you will be hearing her music on major film soundtracks in the near future.

Download the EP "Music for Students" in it's entirety:
Artwork: here
Beth Dorris
Candy Tucker
Kyle Parker
Raymond Dotson

MP3s from "Self-Titled" CD:
Gabriela llega la ciudad (gabriela arrives to the city)
Mi Cama (My Bed)
Descuidos (Negligences)

Official Website:
http://www.arturoenelbarco.tk/

Buy Her CD:

the ghosts of autumn murders walk me home

2005-05-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Carissa's Wierd

Somewhere inbetween pushing "play" and having my heart ripped out beautifully I discovered something: Carissa's Wierd makes the most beautifully simple music I have heard all year. Like many of you loyal readers, I like my indie soft, sad, and bursting at the seams with instrumental interludes; CW passes that test with flying colors, and as a perk, manages to be original and "interesting."(read: not boring after one listen.)
Another thing that's keeping them on repeat is the fact that they use all the elements of instrumental post-rock that I have come to be obsessed with, "notes thick with emotion, instrumental storytelling..etc." but does so without seeming pretentious in the least. Every note played is an aural stream of consciousness.
**EDIT** Fixed the broken link issues, you should be able to download the mp3s now

Farewell To All Those Rotten Teeth
September Come Take This Heart Away
September Come Take This Heart Away (Live)

Website:
http://www.sadrobotrecords.com/index.php

Buy Their CD:

Gravenhurst

Having been on a sad'n'soft music binge of late, I was more then pleased when I stumbled across this excellent track by Bristol's own, Gravenhurst. I believe this was released before they signed to Warp, if so I can see why they signed. The haunting beauty this song possesses is almost overwhelming as it seems to radiate even during the small silences and pauses. The only song I can compare this too in the "musical emotion" area is the cover of "Mad World" by Gary Jules..

The Diver

Website:
http://www.silentagerecords.co.uk/gravenhurst/index.htm

Buy Their CDs:

(shake)

2005-04-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Ex Models

My Pal God Records recently sent me a pack of cds, stickers and such(a big thank you!) and one cd in particular caught my ear.. The Ex Models/The Seconds Split EP. Ex Models are extremely chaotic, loud, and unpredictable. These guys don't just walk all over no-wave punk, they slaughter it with a chainsaw. If you are a fan of Melt Banana then you're crazy enough to love Ex Models as well.
After listening to "U Got What I Need(Shake)" on repeat for around a half hour I was literally jumping off the sofa into the walls and headbanging fast enough to induce vomiting.. The adderall might have played some small part in that but the song was definitely the protagonist... *shrug*
Don't expect me to pay any hospital bills.. listen at your own risk.

U Got What I Need(Shake)
Girlfriend is Worse
Buy American
Pink Noise

Official Site:
http://www.exmodels.org

Buy Their CD:

these are the death rattles of the elemental spirits of the industrial age...

2005-04-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Circular Firing Squad

The phrase that keeps popping into my head listening to CFS is "mechanical malice...." There are really, really big robots out there and they're gonna kiiiiill you..
*ahem*......
yeeeeeeeeeah..
But seriously, this is evil, synthetic, murky ambience at it's best. If TRON had been an artsy horror film, these guys would've composed the soundtrack. Any fan of the works of artists such as Coil or Lustmord should like these guys.

Floating Threshold
Moraine

Buy Their CD:

she... said cancel everything..

2005-04-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

The National

Listening to The National, the first name that comes to mind is Cash, Berninger's heartbreaking-ly deep voice hits me just as hard. "Melancholy" doesn't even begin to describe the music of the National, this is music to hole up in a room for days and get drunk by yourself with.
Everyone keeps comparing them to Interpol, Joy Division and the like... Don't listen, The National is their own band, they write deeply emotional, dark music that hits you not because "it sounds just like..." but because, unlike the majority, this stuff is real.

Wasp Nest
The Slipping Husband
Murder Me Rachel

Official Site:
http://www.americanmary.com

Buy Their CD

Despistado

For the three years that they existed, Despistado was known as the next big Canadian band. Their live show was legendary, and their debut cd was feverishly anticipated by their fans. Then, right before the release, they disbanded.
The end.

What?!?

These guys are really catchy, its lucky for us they chose to release their cd, post-breakup. One can only hope they work out whatever issues caused the breakup and get back to touring! Fans of Alternative Dance-Punk(Hot Hot Heat, Futureheads, The Deadly Snakes..etc) will dig this.

Burning House
A Starstick's Prediction

Buy Their CD

Saint Etienne

Saint Etienne have been revolutionizing the U.K. Indie-Dance scene for over 10 years. Mixing Acid-house vibes with Indie-rock attitude these dance floor rockers are still taking over! The bass line in"Lose That Girl" makes me [want to] dance in the streets.. For anyone over the age of 25 planning on listening, please, don't hurt anything.

Lose That Girl

Official Site:
http://saint.etienne.net

Buy Their CDs:

the sunshine glints off wedding rings and bullets.

2005-04-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sickoakes

Sickoakes - "Wedding Rings and Bullets in the Same Golden Shrine"
Note to self.. do not listen to this track while studying.. WILL induce nearly comatose state of relaxation.
So there I was, studying like the diligent student I am when suddenly I was viciously hypnotized by this epic hunk of post-rock.. While it may not be terribly groundbreaking, it is quite enjoyable, especially if you are already a fan of artists such as Sigur Rós and Godspeed You Black Emperor!
One of the things that stood out to me, however, is the uncanny way they use horns. I haven't heard horns(saxophone, trombone, trumpet, xaphoon) help a song's mood like this since Kayo Dot's "Marathon," and believe me, its moody.
I was puzzled about the "one track album" thing till I saw that the track is 15 minutes long, it's well worth the listen. The song ebbs and flows like any decent instrumental post-rock song will, and yes, it crescendos to a climactic end.
Predictable? Yes. Will you care after listening? That's for you to find out. As for me, I found it quite comforting.

Wedding Rings and Bullets in the Same Golden Shrine

Official Website
www.sickoakes.tk

Seth Knappen

Former Darling frontman Scott Knappen has a knack for milking a simple melody for all it's worth. In "Sunshine," the mood is slightly wistful, especially at the line "good day, sunshine." This track wraps itself around you like a warm blanket, Scott draws every note out and uses pauses to his advantage, slowing the tempo ever so slightly and basking in the tension there. The emotion floating all through this tune is so thick I keep expecting him to start laughing, or crying, or both. Knappen has a beautiful voice that he knows how to use, he knows when to be strong and when to waver.. This is a very solid production, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Sunshine

Buy His CD:

your heart goes faster with each amphetamine..

2005-04-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

Emperor X

It's hard to put Emperor X into any one genre because he covers so much musical ground, but you can count on whatever he delves into being catchy.. I catch glimmers of everything from Pinback to Manitoba.. Lo-Fi Pop should all sound like this.

From "Central Hug/Friendarmy/Fractaldunes/Land The Dreams That Resulted":
Sfearion
Shut Shut Up
Right to the Rails
The Citizens of Wichita

From "Tectonic Membrane/Thin Strip on an Edgeless Platform":
Exterminata Beat
Laminate Factory
Garbage Shaft Floor-by-Floor
Florencia Tropicana

Official Site:
http://www.emperorx.net/

Buy His CDs:

Vim

Vim - "Perpetual Autumn EP"
Another outstanding release from the Monotonik camp. Discovering that label has made me a very happy boy indeed, who doesn't like free EPs? Vim is the most active member of Monotonik, with somewhere around 10(?) releases under his belt. The newest EP is my favorite release of his to date. Thick, full synths have lazy conversations with each other, weaving through complex melodies and occasional glitchy laptop beats that somehow manage to remain relaxing. Vim's newest release definitely draws influence from artists such as Boards of Canada, Plaid, and M83 but keeps it's own personality and shines because of it.
Chimier
CO pt 2
Wall of Squares(aka chip62)
Welcome Afternoon Nap
Goodbye Payphones

Official Website
http://www.vimster.demon.co.uk/

"sometimes you revert to bleepiness"

2005-04-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered several Netlabels that are producing music that is simply blowing me away. You'll be seeing a lot of stuff from them from now on.. I'm hoping after getting a taste of them you won't complain too much..

ST

I'll Meet You There EP
This EP hasn't left my playlist for hours.. The first time I played it I sat there just drinking it in till the last note faded. From what I could find online, it seems ST(short for Stefan Ternemar) is a Swedish artist who's been around(the netlabel scene) for 2 years or so.. during which he has released a handful of EPs.. Listening to the first EP, Emotion in a Box, it's hard to imagine that both EPs were created by the same artist. While still catchy, it's far removed from the lush indietronica of "I'll meet You There".
The Ep opens with "Csanca", a wistful pop track which delves into triphop territories at times. The piano that comes in around 1:50 and the vocals around 2:36 raise this song far above the standard indietronica track. The singer, Henrik José (Bliss) has a really great voice and is also a Monotonik artist. The subtle way he pronunciates is nearly hypnotic.(You'll hear more of it in "I'll Meet You There".. Don't worry) "I'll Meet.." has a steady guitar-strumming rhythm and a "The Notwist"-esque glitchy beat.. and "I Met a Girl With Butterfly Wings" is an warm, upbeat track with gorgeous female vocals skittering about. Listening to the EP as a whole is very pleasing and leaves me feeling all warm inside, hope you like it.
Csanca
I'll Meet You There
I Met a Girl with Butterfly Wings

Stream or download his earlier EP.

oh the wonderous joys of bleep-metal

2005-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Machinae Supremacy

Ok, before now, it's been pretty obvious that I'm a super nerd, after this there will be absolutely no doubt. I'll admit, I'm obsessed with gaming and game soundtracks(specifically NES.. etc.) but that doesn't mean you have to be too to enjoy the rock god that is Machinae Supremacy. I can't believe this band isn't effin' huge! There is no justice..

Machinae Supremacy is a Swedish band made up of four guys who have very different and eclectic musical backgrounds.(everything from pop-punk to orchestral) They each draw a little from their personal experiences but what they create isn't re-hashed, that's for sure. Imagine the catchiest "cheesy fake guitar" synth line you've ever heard in a video game.. got it? ok now replace it with real guitars, up the intensity level times ten, throw in some vocals and you have Machinae Supremacy.

If you don't want to dance till you break your hip after hearing this then you have no soul...

from random releases:
Legion of Stoopid
Bouff
Sidology Episode 1: SID Evolution
Winterstorm

They're also giving away over 20 tracks on the downloads page of their website.

from an actual game soundtrack they recorded:
Lava Trouble Bubble
Theme from Jets'n'Guns

Download the entire OST here for FREE.

official website:
http://www.machinaesupremacy.com

Buy Their CD:

just a drive into the dark stretch

2005-04-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Okkervil River

I am really digging this band lately. They're on Jagjaguwar, which should tell you eveything you need to know, these guys are good. Will Sheff's rickety voice matched with the melancholy but still rockin' guitars(and the occasional synth bleep here and there) has been compared to acts such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Will Oldham, and Tindersticks. These comparisons do no justice to the genius of OR. The complexity and depth in each song is not apparent at first, as the songs slide out of your speakers so smoothly. "Epic chamberpop" would be a pretty good way to describe these guys, Each release is something new and ambitious, lush orchestrations, jangly guitar strumming à la Bob Dylan, blunt lyrics; yeah, these guys are good.

For Real
Black

earlier songs:
It Ends With a Fall
The War Criminal Rises and Speaks

Official Website
http://www.okkervilriver.com/

Buy Their CDs

business as usual..

2005-04-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Rainer Maria

Longtime musical collaborators Kyle Fischer (guitar, vocals) and William Kuehn (drums)and Caithlin De Marrais (vocals, bass) make up the indie-rock goodness that is Rainer Maria. Though they've toured with the likes of Coheed and Cambria, they haven't gained much media attention. This song tells of how we compromise ourselves to be wanted, and then return to "business as usual.".. Anyways I really like it.. I've had it on repeat for the last hour or so.. Hope you do too

The Double Life

Official Website
http://www.rainermaria.com/

Buy Their CD "Long Knives Drawn"

beginnings..

2005-04-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been procrastinating but I suppose I should start this off. Hi! my name's Andrew and this is my musicblog(everyone should know what that is by now) I'm going to be sharing music that I like, not specifically popular, indie, or any particular genre. If you have any suggestions or would like to see a band featured, please email me! I love discovering and sharing new music.

Ok, music blog... yadda yadda yadda.. let's get to the sounds.

The Crystal Skulls

The Crystal Skulls are an indie-pop group with 70s pop sensibilities, they blend styles seamlessly and make it seem effortless. Seriously, I can imagine the singer laying on a sofa somewhere recording this, that's how laid back it is.
enjoy!

Airport Motels

No Room for Change

Official Site
www.crystalskullsonline.com

Buy Their Cd

happy christmas!

2004-12-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

happy christmas everyone! I just wanted to share this excellent *free* Christmas EP released by Wisp, an artist that is rapidly becoming a favorite of mine. This really is some of the best Christmas inspired music I've heard, but that's just me with my weird obsession with nostalgic, wistfully ambient IDM. I hope you all enjoy.

1.holly and ivy
2.greensleeves
3.candlegrove
4.silent night
5.maeshowe

Official Site
http://www.opaquechannel.com/releases/xmas87/