Serial Slingshot

2007-01-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

HI THIS IS GISELLE.
YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY NEW BLOG.
http://ssdesons.blogspot.com/

bye

2006-08-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

I'm done with the blog, peace kiddos.

-Sean

2006-08-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I started a Last.fm group (for the website www.last.fm) called Northeast Indie so that people who live in the north east part of the U.S. (or at least people who see concerts in the north east) can post and view info for upcoming good concerts in the area. (I included PA, NJ, and NY) We have 35 members now but are trying to get more, so if you are interested you should definitely join.
http://www.last.fm/group/northeast%2Bindie

And so this post isn't just advertising for the group, I figured I'd post some Flaming Lips albums that are not on the huge list below since they are the next concert coming up (you have to join the group to find out the date and place though :P)

The Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips - Transmissions From The Satellite Heart
The Flaming Lips - Hit To Death In The Future Head
The Flaming Lips - Live At Wakarusa Festival (originally posted by RegnYouth)

Peace & Love,
Spencer.

2006-08-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Umm hey I just got back from vacation for two weeks to find out I got 70 comments on that last post. Thanks for commenting, but when I said "I had some extra time this morning so I thought I'd upload a few albums for all you kiddos." I was completely joking and I'm sorry if anyone thinks I meant to take credit for the uploads myself. Personally, I uploaded maybe 5-15, around that area. All the rest were either taken from other various blogs around who I would have kept track of and given credit to individually but honestly, I didn't have the time. Most of it is from Album Base and also a great deal from The Livejournal Sharealbums Forum. It did however take a lot of time to compile them altogether, but yeah, I just gradually built it up in my spare time a couple weeks when I was bored. I'm sorry if the links or passwords don't work, but I can't do anything unless I have it in which case I'll upload it for you myself.

Yeah, that about covers that...

Two weeks is too long to be spent in Cape Cod, but whatever, it was nice to relax and read. I also made an futile attempt at growing facial hair. I didn't bring a razor and didn't feel like buying one, so I decided to see how it came out. I just shaved it though five minutes ago though, and I miss my mustache. I'm not sure whether I should be sad or glad for the fact that I think no pictures were taken of me with it. At least in its prime. I'm off to that free Ted Leo show in Bridgeport that's today at 4PM, but I might have a new post in the next coming days.
-Sean

2006-07-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

New Bonnie "Prince" Billy Album over at Zinhof

I haven't posted in a while, but it's only because I'm working on something big so be ready for it in the next few days hopefully.

I haven't listened to the new BPB album, but I'm betting it's gold. Anything Will Oldham produces is bound to be good. I just got off work and am tired after a long day showing up all the other bagboys. Let me know what you think of the new album, I'll be back later.
-Sean

2006-07-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this album cause it's really good, but I didn't feel like writing a lil' synopsis so i stole this from http://www.pandora.com Enjoy!

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - The Dust of Retreat
The band's debut album, The Dust of Retreat, was issued on Standard in spring 2005. The picturesque dozen-song set is themed around the musicians' own fancies of Greenwich Village in the 1960s. Playfully ironic, the modest Richard Edwards (band's creator) has also admitted to critics that the bandmembers aim to play how they feel when they're watching Woody Allen films.

Download.
Support the band and buy it here.
Peace & Love,
Spencer.

2006-07-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

TRYO

Tryo is a reggae band. They are very popular in Canada, France, and my CD player. They sing about their political views in a humorous way. Even if you have no idea what they're saying, you'll get a kick out of their funny noises and fall in love with their three guitarists & sweet harmonies.

Check them out!
You can find these tracks on THEIR SITE:
Comme les journées sont longues
Recreation
Ta réalité
"Lorelei" thiéfaine
G8 remix
Pompafric (live)

I highly reccommend their album "GRAIN DE SABLE",
which may be purchased for a mere 10 euros!

-Giselle

2006-07-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

Go for it

Overall, Livejournal has probably the best forum for sharing albums. I just found out about it though. Go there friends and enjoy.

Be back later.
-Sean

2006-07-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely

New Mountain Goats album leaked. Yeah dude. Made my day. I'm listening to it right now, and it's really good. I'm so happy. It's a lot more mellow than The Sunset Tree, and I really like it so far even though it still needs many more listens. Just what I needed right now, possibly the best of 2006 so far.

I went down to the gas station for no particular reason

And no, I didn't upload the album, I just saw the link and thought I'd provide it. I found the link here.

If anyone wants me to take the link down, just give me a comment or an e-mail.

I'll be back sometime later.
-Sean

2006-07-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm just testing this out to see if anything shows up. Whenever you visit the blog, you just view a blank page. Blogger probably just screwed up, but I noticed that this happened to a few other blogs for unknown reasons.

-Sean

2006-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Joanna Newsom - Yarn and Glue EP and Walnut Whales EP

Artwork by who else but Joanna Newsom.

The two self-released EP's by Joanna Newsom before her full-length debut "The Milk-Eyed Mender". They both contain great songs I had never heard from her before and then some songs from her full-length, but they all seem to be different versions. Newsom is one of the best songwriters around today and these EP's show this to be true. Her lyrics, her gentle plucking, and her offbeat but in way intimate voice will leave you trying to imitate that voice of hers. Definitely worth having if you're a fan, or are thinking about becoming one.

http://rapidshare.de/files/23817380/Joanna_Newsom_-_Yarn_And_Glue_EP.zip.html

http://rapidshare.de/files/23820828/Joanna_Newsom_-_Walnut_Whales_EP.zip.html

I'll be back soon enough with another post.
-Sean

2006-07-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

The Clash Discography
The Jam Discography
Os Mutantes Discography
The Doors Discography
The Smiths Discography
And more at RockSquad

One of the best discography blogs I've come along in a long time, go check it out.

I'll be back with a real post later, I just thought I'd show you over to that great blog.
-Sean

2006-07-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

ITALY: WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2006

Proof that if there is a God, he at least doesn't favor the French.

I'm of course joking but I had to because of Giselle's away message:

"VIVE LA FRANCE
why aren't you watching my country win right now, go do it"

Good shit. I'm off to watch a zombie movie.
-Sean

2006-07-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Belle and Sebastian - Be Merry

The lost Belle and Sebastian album!!! It's a but different from their previous work, which is the reason I think why they didn't release it, but I liked the direction they were headed here. Possibly their masterpiece.

http://rapidshare.de/files/25229316/Be_Merry.zip.html

I'm tired of summer. I'll be back sometime in the next few days with another post hopefully.
-Sean

2006-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm probably going to get crucified for this.

Taking Back Sunday - Taking Back Sunday EP

Their first release in 2001 on Independent Records, back with all of the original members including Brand New's Jesse Lacey. I personally prefer Brand New to TBS, but it's pretty close. So what if they're played on MTV all the time and have more people in their MySpace groups than some cities. They're pure teenage angst emo-punk, and the best at what they do, and they just write damn catchy anthems. Not songs, anthems.

This eponymous EP isn't nearly as good as their later stuff, but it's hard to get much better than "Tell All Your Friends". I've been on a Taking Back Sunday craze lately, maybe a little late, but whatever.

Here's the information from Wikipedia:

The Taking Back Sunday EP is Taking Back Sunday's first traceable demo. Jesse Lacey, now of the band Brand New, was in the band during the making of this demo. The lead vocals on this album are not sung by Adam Lazzara, but by their original singer, Antonio Longo.
[edit]

Track listing
1. "Lost And Found" – 3:59
2. "The Things We'll Never Know" – 3:36
3. "Eleven" – 3:43
4. "Go On" – 5:15
5. "One Way Conversation" – 3:23
6. "Summer Stars" – 4:19
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_Back_Sunday_EP"

The band seems to kind have just disclaimed this EP because I can't find anywhere to buy it and it's not even listed on their web site. Kind of like Giselle, who she herself knows what it's like to be disowned by one's parents.

Download

Has anyone seen Pirates 2 yet?!?!?!? I definitely want to go see it today. I'll be back with another post sometime in the near future.
-Sean

2006-07-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

I was talking Giselle while listening to Pedro The Lion today, so inevitably we started talking about them. I found out she only has one album and I decided to do a Pedro post of some albums I have. Enjoy!

Control was released in 2002 and in it Pedro expresses their christian faith in an indie rock style. Although this is not a typical christan rock album, as opposed to the standard christan rock message Pedro The Lion's "songs are about believing in, questioning, and challenging his faith." Not to mention they sound amazing doing it. David Bazan's voice is unique, downbeat, somber, and very appropriate for the music. I highly recommend this album especially songs Indian Summer and Priests & Paramedics.
10 tracks; 40:18 minutes long.

Download.
Support the band and buy it here.

Achilles Heel was Pedro's fifth release right after Control. This album, unlike Control, is not so based on storytelling as much as a personal political commentary (but don't let this turn you off, it is pulled off beautifully and is an excellent release by Pedro The Lion). The sound of this album is much like Control, except with less singles in my personal opinion, but this album does offer great songs and it is worth it for fans.
11 tracks; 38:13 minutes long.

Download.
Support the band and buy it here.

This is Pedro's release entitled "Whole." Not a whole lot I can say about it, it's a nice little EP for everyone who really likes Pedro (like me). I like Control and Achilles Heel better myself, but this is a solid EP if you're a fan of Pedro.
6 tracks; 22:28 minutes long.

Download.
Support the band and buy it here.

Peace & Love,
Spencer.

2006-07-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, I dub today Favorites Day. I've been meaning to do this for a while but I never got around to it. If you haven't heard these songs, seen these movies, or read these books, I strongly recommend you do so:

FAVORITE SONGS

The Mae Shi - You Can't Do That To An Axe
American Analog Set - Born On the Cusp
Yo La Tengo - Today Is The Day

FAVORITE MOVIES

Cidade de Deus (City of God)
True Romance
North by Northwest

FAVORITE BOOKS

Candide by Voltaire
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer

I was just kidding about the Canterbury Tales.

I'll be back soon with hopefully some actual albums uploaded for you all.
-Sean

2006-07-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, as you could tell from the last post, we added a new member, Spencer, so that's good news. Anyways, I don't know if any of you fans of the Thermals, but you should be, and they posted a song from their new album "The Blood, The Body, The Machine", their third album due out on Sub Pop Records August 22. It's kind of different from their previous stuff, but just as good in my opinion. So download it, along with the other songs on their myspace. To see the list of tour dates, go to their Myspace listed below.

The Thermals - A Pillar of Salt

The Thermals on Myspace

I was going to add do a different post, but then I noticed the Thermals had the new song up so I thought I'd just let you know, so I'll do the other post later today probably. Till then friends.
-Sean

2006-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, My name is Spencer.

I'm new to the blog but I'll try and make you as happy as I can with some beautiful music. You can check out my profile for more information on me.

I'd like to start off with two of my favorite summer albums, considering it is summer.

Suburban Kids With Biblical Names released their first full length LP, #3, after two EP's (#1 and #2), in 2005. This Swedish band certainly is one of the happiest, fun bands I've listened to in awhile. Their poppy, quirky melodies and lyrics make them my most recent favorite twee pop bands. I would give them my highest recommendation, even if you just listen to Rent A Wreck (my favorite song) I guarantee you'll be hooked.
12 songs; 35:18 minutes long

Download.
Support the band and buy here.

Sufjan Stevens pretty much speaks for himself. He is an amazing artist and this album blows me away, that's how grand he is. He released Illinois in 2005 keeping much the same style as his previous releases. Sufjan's folk pop style is so beautiful in itself, but combined with his radiant voice his songs make me melt. A must have for everybody.
22 songs;74:35 minutes long.

Download.
Support the band and buy it here.

Peace & Love,
Spencer.

2006-07-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's July already?
Yeah, me either.

We schoolchildren are glad to finally be out of school.
Kids, if you're anything like me, you're sleeping as late as you can when your work schedule doesn't get in the way and just taking more time to yourself to read, listen to music, go outside or just think.

Here's an instrumental mix that says
"ISN'T IT NICE TO JUST BE AWAY FROM EVERYONE FOR A WHILE?"

What's everyone up to? Seen any good shows?

-Giselle

2006-06-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

MUSIC

The Promise Ring - The Horse Latitudes

Awesome Promise Ring EP. A must have for fans. This was released in between their first two superb albums, "30 Degrees Everywhere" and "Nothing Feels Good", which many people consider the best emo album ever made. I actually prefer 30DE to NFG but whatever. I like "Very Emergency" though quite a bit too, even if they did kind of abandon their old sound and became all super-poppy.

Anyways back to "The Horse Latitudes", it features one of the best songs from 30DE, "A Picture Postcard", but then also "E. Texas Avenue" and "Saturday", two of the best songs the band has ever written. The album starts with a bang with "Watertown Plank" and ends the same way with the ultra-catchy "I Never Trusted the Russians." I trust the Russians. Not that I know any, but still. As I was saying, if you're a fan of emo-pop or emop as we like to call it in the blogging world, you'll like this EP. If people actually call it emop, I just made that up, lame.

8 songs, over 24 minutes:

There will be ice cream

Buy it here.

MOVIES

MARS ATTACKS!

Is an explanation for why I like it really needed for this movie? Tim Burton's best for sure and a great cast. Oh so good.

IMBD Entry
Purchase ONLY $6.99!

I worked for the first time today. It's not that bad, all I had to do was upload 400 pictures to a website, and resize them, but it took forever. As always, I'll try to be back sometime in the near future.
-Sean

2006-06-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

MUSIC

Anathallo - Sparrows

This album/EP has only 7 songs, but all are pretty solid. I have their new full-length, which has 14 songs, and it's gotten some great reviews but I don't care for it all that much in all honesty, at least so far. If you really like this, tell me and I might post their new album though. The song "To Gary And Marcus - The Sovereignty Of God His Omnipresent" on this is a favorite of mine, it's just so beautiful.

7 songs, about 38 minutes

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DG69AEV1

Buy it and their other albums here.

MOVIES

Oldboy

One of the most fucked up movies I've ever seen and it's not like I've seen that many weird movies, but still. It's about an average guy who is imprisoned for 15 years for reasons unknown to him. He's then released after the 15 years to a world completely changed only to have 5 days to find who it was who imprisoned him and more importantly: why? Did I forget to mention that in the 15 years in his imprisonment, he trained and became a supreme master of kung-fu? Yeah.
They're remaking this movie for an American audience for 2008 with allegedly some big names, but I have no concrete word on who will be in it.

IMDB Entry
Purchase

As always, I'll be back soon enough with some more music and words of knowledge in the near future.

2006-06-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

FREE RAPIDSHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNTS

I just noticed today. Go over there while the offer lasts.

Your premium account lasts for 47 days, and if by then you've earned 10000 points, I think you get to keep it. Good deal.

http://rapidshare.de/cgi-bin/freeaccount.cgi

I'll come back with some more music/movies tomorrow I hope, I just wanted to let you all know in case you didn't already.
-Sean

2006-06-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

MUSIC

Frog Eyes - The Future Is Inter-disciplinary Or Not At All

New Frog Eyes EP?!? YEAH MAN.

I've listened to it a ridiculous amount of times the past few weeks, and I really love it. it's a lot more mellow than their previous efforts. 8 songs 17 minutes. This EP has to be thought of in a whole, not just separate songs. Overall, it combines into a beautiful, yet uneased, unity, making it one of the best releases of the year so far. Frog Eyes can be painful, but in their own unique way, they're one of the msot consoling bands I know.

I put it on YouSendIt since it's a fairly new release, so the link will expire soon!

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=1458C6267E9361BB

Buy it here.

BOOKS

You Shall Know Our Velocity! by Dave Eggers - A great book from one of the best and funniest modern day writers. One of my friends who also sometimes writes on this blog(I won't mention any names) has been reading this for the past three years or so. We're starting to think she's dyslexic. Anyways, the book confronts charity, travel, and friendship. All in one. I don't want to ruin it for you, so trust me on this one, it's good.

MOVIES

Battle Royale - Here's the plot summary from IMDB:

"Ninth grade students are taken to a small isolated island with a map, food and various arms. They have to fight each other three days long until the last one remains and are forced to wear a special collar which will explode when they break a rule."

Oh boy, now I know you're dying to see it. I think some of it's kind of inane, but overall I really enjoyed it. It was made in Japan back in 2000, based off a book, and is very popular over there. The story basically revolves around this boy named Shuya Nanahara trying to stay alive while protecting Noriko. It has one of the most badass villians though in Kiriyama, who is a "transfer student" who remains silent throughout the entire movie. It's a good movie and has some killer scenes (literally), and I'm sure there's some overall moral to it, but I can't really figure out what it is.

I hope you guys enjoy this triple onslaught of culture recommendations. As always, I'll try to be back sometime in the Future that Is Inter-disciplinary Or Not At All. I kill myself.
-Sean

2006-06-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

I've thought about and I decided we should include suggestions for good books and movies that you should all look into, since (this may come as an astonishment to some of you) music is not the most important thing in life. I mean, it's good and all, it's a wonderful part of life, but you shouldn't let music control your life.

So instead of listening to music today, go read a book, or watch a great movie.

BOOK SUGGESTIONS

How to be Good by Nick Hornby - I'm reading this currently among his many other wonderful books. I enjoy this one in particular for its insightful look at marraiges and the overall struggle that love is. As if I'd know, right?

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer - I actually preferred this one to his other one which happens to be below and very good also. This one has to do with a 9-year-old kid whose Dad died in the World Trade Center on 911. Touching and humorous to say the very least.

Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer - His first novel, which was adapted into a movie. A character who happens to be named Jonathan Safran Foer goes on a quest to find information about a girl he sees in a photograph with his deceased grandfather who escaped Europe for America during the Holocaust. He receives the help of two natives, Alex and his own grandfather. Alex is my favorite character by far, with his attempts upon the English language which left me in a fit of laughter at points. Then there's the whole rotation between different stories. It's brilliant, yes, but it's probably easier to connect to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close because we've experienced 911, and most of us out here in the blogging world have not experienced the Holocaust.

MOVIES

The Master of the Flying Guillotine - The most kickass early kung-fu movie I've ever seen. The One-Armed Boxer fights the Master of the Flying Guillotine, who happens to be a blind priest. So good.

Hellboy - This movie wasn't very well received by the critics, and I guess the plot is a bit ridiculous, but that's the entire point of it. One of the best comic book movies I've seen in a while.

Better Off Dead - One of John Cusack's earliest roles and his best in my opinion. Oftentimes hilarious, the movie is just a sweet comedy about teenage romance.

I hope I can keep this trend up, leading you to not only good music but also books and movies, hopefully with more in-depth reviews while not giving the entire plots away. I hope you all don't mind, but it seemed like a good idea since I love reading and movies, at least recently. Umm I'll try to be back soon enough as always to satisfy your cultural needs.
-Sean

2006-06-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

Okkervil River - Down the River of Golden Dreams

Thanks to Emily for uploading this!

I haven't had much time to listen to it yet, but "It Ends With Fall" is definitely up there for one of the best songs they've ever written. The rest of it is just the emotional and pretty music you'd expect from Will Sheff and Okkervil River. It's just so passionate and honest that you cannot connect to it, and added in with the great lyrics and instrumentation and whatnot, it makes for a consistent album that at worst borders on good/very good. I really have to listen to it more though.

I'M STILL IN SCHOOL. As is Giselle. And it's been like 90 the past few days and I had to mow the lawn today. I like mowing the lawn though. It's really soothing and I'm unbelievable at it. As I was saying though, I have two more days of finals and I can hardly wait to get out.

11 songs, 46 minutes

Buy it here.

If you want to test it out, then here.

Yo I got a bunch of Frog Eyes that I got for my birthday so I might upload those soon. Otherwise, I'll be back soon enough as always.
-Sean

2006-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

A Northern Chorus - Bitter Hands Resign

This Canadian band is very much along the lines of Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai, except with vocals floating over the celestial melodies. First off, I'd like to thank my brother Chris for showing me this band.

Now as for the review, I don't know where to begin so I'm going to be perfectly honest. I'm falling in love with this band and this album. It's 8 songs and 50 minutes, and every moment is truly beautiful. It's just so nice to kick back to while I'm talking to people over the Internet and whatnot. I can't really say enough about it, except that you should go support the band, which you can do so here by buying their albums.

Giselle, I think you would like this band a lot if you don't already. I would tell you this in person, but I hardly ever see you and it's the weekend.

Go listen to the mp3's they posted at their website, which happens to be one of the best band sites I've ever seen so definitely be sure to check it out.

If that isn't enough for you, I guess download the album, and hopefully you'll be so overcome with an uncertain yet natural feeling of proximity to the band that you'll go out and buy their albums. Please do support the band though.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZTRCT95A

I got the link from the Postapocalyptic Vanguard.

It's pretty late. It's almost 2 in the morning. I'm going to go to bed for now, but I'll be back soon with another post.
-Sean

2006-06-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Okkervil River - Stars Too Small To Use

The out-of-print first album by this awesome band. I have no idea why they don't reissue it, I love it! Hopefully you will too. This album is a MUST for fans of Okkervil. It's 7 songs and 31 minutes, but definitely a portent of the brilliant music they would continue making. "Kathy Keller" and "The Velocity of Saul At The Time of his Conversion", the first two tracks are worth the download alone. I don't think it's as good as Black Sheep Boy, or Don't Fall in Love With Everyone You See, but it's much more along the lines of the latter. I have only about 1/2 of the songs on Down the River of Golden Dreams on my computer, so I can't really comment on that one. If anyone could upload it for the site, it would be greatly appreciated.

Honestly though, I could not be happier with these songs. I expected some shitty demo-like songs but it's a really impressive first album. Banjos, wavering vocals, insightful lyrics, what more could you ask for?

Buy it this album you can find it somewhere because I'm legally responsible to say that I think.

This whole wide world isn't wide enough

As I told you, I went to The Boy Least Likely To concert Tuesday night. I have some pictures to upload if I figure out how to use my cell phone. It's weird. I'm damn good with computers and calculators, but I somehow cannot operate a cell phone. I'll be back hopefully within the next few days with the pictures, and a short concert review, but for now I have to study for Finals, or at least attempt studying.
-Sean

2006-06-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ok okay, Giselle's not dead, no worries. I'm fucking lame. Sorry. Like really goddamn lame. Wow. Yeah. I'm just really tired today.

The show last night was fun though. Today, not so much. I'll give you some musix when I'm in a better mood.
-Sean

2006-06-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all my dear friends, today is the birthday of your humble blogger. In order to celebrate my 16th birthday (at last) and the start of summer, I've decided to make you a mix.

It's not really summer yet, but it's close enough. I'm not a huge fan of summer. It's just too goddamn hot. And Winter's too cold. Spring and Fall are perfect. But anyways, hopefully this will start you all out on a successful and happy summer.

Tonight I'm going to see The Boy Least Likely To at the Knitting Factory in New York. Should be fun. Maybe I'll see one of you there. If you want to meet me, just yell out "Joe Strummer" repeatedly and I'll find you. Rapists, let it be known that I'll be packing as always. Umm Giselle might be going...perhaps...maybe. She never really gave me a definite answer.

EDIT: I just called Giselle and she can't go to the show tonight. She's no longer licing. I'm joking, she had some family thing. So I have an extra ticket. If anyone wants it, wait at the entrance, randomly shouting "Joe Strummer" and I'll give it you. We can be best friends.

To summer-ize: AWESOME.

TRACKLIST:
I. Saturday Looks Good To Me - When The Party Ends *How could you not love this song?*
II. The Mae Shi - Vampire Beats
III. Ted Leo - The Ballad of el Goodo (Big Star) *I prefer this one to the orignal*
IV. Sambassadeur - Kate
V. The State of Samuel - Square Roots
VI. Godspeed You Black Emperor ft Cassius Clay (McSleazy Bootleg) *Giselle doesn't care for these two Cassius Clay mashups, this and #22. I think they're amazing though. Cassius Clay is also one of my heroes though.*
VII. Tullycraft - 8 Great Ways
VIII. Shearwater - Johnny Viola *Favorite off the new album. Agree?*
IX. The Faces - Ooh La La
X. The Jesus and Mary Chain - My Girl
XI. Jim Guthrie - Nighttime-Anytime (It's Alright) (By the Constantines)
XII. Les Parisiennes - L'Argent ne Fait Pas le Bonheur
XIII. Pavement & Jay-Z - In The Mouth, An Encore
XIV. The Zombies - Summertime *At this point, I tried to get some summer songs in here.*
XV. The Robot Ate Me - The Genocide Ball
XVI. Of Montreal - Where Eagles Dare (Misfits)
XVII. Band of Horses - The Funeral *Song of the year so far in my opinion.*
XVIII. The Pixies Three - Summertime USA
XIX. Marmoset - Chinese Checkers
XX. Jawbreaker - Accident Prone *One of my favorite songs of all time*
XXI. Les Angles Morts - Whats Real Summer
XXII. Mogwai ft Cassius Clay (McSleazy Bootleg)
XXIII. The Mountain Goats - Sometimes I Still Feel The Bruise *Song off the new Australian Tour Only EP Babylon Springs.*
XIV. Mono - Halcyon (Edit) *The best thing my older brother has ever shown me.*

It's just over 80 minutes. Sorry, but I couldn't cut off any song, I just felt too bad.

My present to you.

Umm, I'll be back sometime soon hopefully. I'm busy with the end of school and finals and all that though.
-Sean

2006-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Found around the net...
These links will expire soon!

Sage Francis
Road Tested
Sick of Waging War
Sickly Business

Devendra Banhart
Rejoicing in the Hands
Nino Rojo

Cocorosie
La Maison de mon Rêve
Noah's Ark

Mates of State
Team Boo
Our Constant Concern

Red House Painters
Songs for a Blues Guitar
Old Ramon

Aesop Rock
Float
Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives

The Magnetic Fields
69 Love Songs Vol. 1
69 Love Songs Vol. 2
69 Love Songs Vol. 3

-Giselle

2006-06-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Three Singles I Uploaded For You All Tonight

Q and Not U - Hot and Informed

The Boy Least Likely To - Hugging My Grudge

The Boy Least Likely To - Paper Cuts

I'd tell you to buy them, but as everyone knows, bloggers are evil and are enemies of the music industry. Seriously though, go buy them if you can find them, I just can't.

We're on a roll here over at Serial Slingshot. Hopefully we'll keep it up. I'm going to go resume reading A Clockwork Orange which is absolutely awesome so far so I'll try to do another post later.
-Sean

2006-06-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Some good listens:

Broken Social Scene - Bee Hives
@
Una Piel de Astracán

Kronos Quartet - Nuevo
(pw = CrapNuevo)
@
Crap I Found at the Library

Keren Ann (Live)
@
Big O Zine

Kings of Convenience - Quiet is the New Loud
and

Four Tet - Everything Ecstatic
(pw = BlueSuede)

and
Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo to Anywhere
(pw = sshinkwin)

@
Bal Marghinal

Oh yeah, I'm back from New York. I was actually performing at Carnegie Hall with the sickest concert choir/chamber/camerata in existence. I'm actually going on a concert tour of Italy with them next year. Just one perk of being awesome. You know how it is.
Yyyyyeah, it's late(/early?) and I'm tired.

-Giselle

2006-06-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

Other places

Some very good albums that I've dug up in some archives.

The Royal Tenenbaums Soundtrack Via Oh Comely
Half-Handed Cloud - Halos and Lassos Via Oh No!
TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain via Oh No!
Built to Spill - You In Reverse via The Indie Connection
Eux Autres - Hell Is Eux Autres via Regnyouth
Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Tortoise - The Brave and the Bold again via Oh No!
Sambassadeur - Coastal Affairs EP Via The Sad Pandas

Hope you enjoy these all. They're all worth buying which you can do either at Amazon or at the bands' websites if you look. I do not have the energy to post all the links to where you can buy them, but trust me, they're worth the purchase, or you can just see for yourself by downloading it first. I have to go take SAT's. Fun stuff. I'll be back later with another post hopefully.
-Sean

2006-06-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

Salty Pirates

Well it's been a while. I'm still alive, and still very much in luv with the sounds of young Sweden. The kids of Salty Pirates want to "make bombs not pop songs," but luckily they do more of the latter. Their songs are fun and witty and just a fucked up kind of cute. Here are some of my favorites:

My Academic Beard(highly recommended..."you say there's nothing Nietzsche could teach ya")

I Lost My Virginity to the Voice of Per Gessle

Fire Deathstar, Fire

Black Minds, White Lies

Wake Up Alone

All That Glitters Can Be Gold (lo-fi! short! sweet! not Smashmouth-y!)

They have many more mp3s on their website (under musik), so you can go and download the entire Salty Pirates discography. Then please go to their Last.fm page and approve the picture, submitted by none other than yours truly. They need a picture, but I also need to feel like I've done something important with my life. Thank you.

-emily

2006-05-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

A LOT of the Pixies over at Feijao Tropeiro
plus some other good albums you should check out.

Another great blog of mostly classic rock/folk is Floodlit Footprint that you should browse if you haven't before. They've got a great collection of the Faces/Small Faces over there which you can see here.

Giselle's been in NYC the past two days with Chorus. I know, LAME. I've been on a 69 Love Songs rampage recently. What are you guys all enjoying? We'd like to know. As always, I'll be back sometime hopefully in the near future with some more posts.
-Sean

2006-05-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

FREE SHOWS IN NEW YORK THIS SUMMER!

June 25 at the Central Park Summerstage
Feist/Jason Collett

June 30th at the Prospect Park Bandshell
Voxtrot/TV on the Radio/Matt Pond PA

July 4th at the Great Lawn - Battery Park
Belle and Sebastian/Martha Wainwright

July 27th at the Prospect Park Bandshell
Dracula - Phillip Glass & The Kronos Quartet

YOU SHOULD GO; MAYBE I'LL SEE YOU THERE!

-Giselle

2006-05-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Giselle and I never post here anymore. We apologize. She doesn't want to get sued, while I just kind of lost my music blogging spark, you know?

Anyways though, The Boy Least Likely To is pretty much one of my favorite bands ever and their debut album "The Best Party Ever" truly is the best party ever. I'm fairly positive it's my favorite album of this millenium so far.

Peanut's World of Music had a post about them few days ago, with a link to their album. Read the post here.

Did I mention I'm seeing them in about two weeks?!!!!!!!!

I'm going to New York with my sister and Giselle if she can come on June 13th to see them. Excitement is an understatement. I've never been to a real show before either. I mean, I've been to some local metal/hardcore shows of my friends, but I don't think that really counts. The day of the show is also the date of my birthday, and I turn 16 so it's pretty sweet. Yeah.

In other news, if you're not The Boy Least Likely To's friend on Myspace, you may not have known that they posted one of their new songs called "Rock Upon A Porch With You" available for download, a B-side on one of their singles. It truly is ridiculous that this song is a B-side single, it sounds like it could be a single by itself. With the usual bells and the addition of a madolin (I think?), it makes for another great pop song by the Brits.

Boy Least Likely To - Rock Upon A Porch With You

Go support the band on their (mostly) US Tour:

May 30 2006 8:00P
plaza club vancouver, BC
May 31 2006 8:00P
chop suey seattle, WA
Jun 1 2006 8:00P
doug fir lounge portland, OR
Jun 2 2006 6:00P
amoeba records san francisco, CA
Jun 2 2006 8:00P
great american music hall san francisco, CA
Jun 3 2006 2:00P
fingerprints records los angeles, CA
Jun 3 2006 8:00P
the roxy los angeles, CA
Jun 6 2006 8:00P
fox theatre boulder, CO
Jun 8 2006 8:00P
varsity theatre minneapolis, MN
Jun 9 2006 8:00P
schubas chicago, IL
Jun 10 2006 8:00P
revival toronto, ON
Jun 11 2006 8:00P
cabaret du musee juste pour rire montreal, QC
Jun 12 2006 8:00P
tt the bears boston, MA
Jun 13 2006 8:00P
knitting factory new york, NY
Jun 24 2006 1:00P
wireless festival, hyde park london

Like always, I'll try to update when I'm able to, or I come across some good music I feel like sharing with you all. I went to New York today. It was nice I guess. NYC's not my favorite, but I enjoyed it. The bus ride home took THREE hours though, it was insane. I'll be back sometime later.
-Sean

2006-05-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

What's up. How have you all been? Sorry for the lack of posts.

Go visit Una Piel Del Astracan. They're posting more over there a day than I can even come up with. And even if they didn't, I wouldn't be able to since it's all in Spanish.

That was a pretty lame joke. Even though it's written in Spanish, you can get the gist of what they're saying for the most part hopefully if you don't speak Spanish. I take Latin.

I feel like an asshole for just posting the links to these albums, but I just can't help but want to share this music I enjoy so much with you.

I'm From Barcelona's debut full-length and my favorite of this year so far by a longshot. I don't really even know where to begin describing the joy listening to this brings me.

http://rapidshare.de/files/20839852/I_M_FROM_BARCELONA_-_Let_Me_Introduce_My_Friends__2006_-_MP3_160_Kbps__by_Musicanarias.rar.html

The new hyped Danielson album. And well deserving of it I might add. One of the top albums of the year so far for sure.

http://rapidshare.de/files/20723122/Danielson_-_Ships.rar.html

The long awaited new Shearwater full-length. Honestly, I prefer Winged Life, but this one probably just needs some time to get used to I think. Some great songs on it though.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GMOC6ADA

Now that I feel like a total thief, I'm going to go watch Deal or No Deal. Oh Yeah!

I'll be back sometime hopefully. I'm reading Angels and Demons and I can't put it down. I actually might like it better than the Da Vinci Code.
-Sean
-Sean

2006-05-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

I got so excited when I saw Una Piel De Astracan had posted the Pipettes full-length debut due sometime this summer.

It's what I expected, I've listened to it a few times through, and even though I've heard already about half of the songs on the album, I was very satisfied. Give it a listen, it's just catchy girl group power pop.

Link courtesy of Una Piel De Astracan

http://rapidshare.de/files/20605926/the_pipettes_-_2006_-_we_are_the_pipettes.zip.html

I'm sorry I haven't been up to date on this blog. Google Adsense cancelled my account if you hadn't noticed that there are no ads up anymore. I'll try to be back sometime over the weekend. This week is just so bland. Last track meet tomorrow, thank god. Maybe I'll have some more time for the blog, or maybe I'll just get out there and enjoy myself. Either way, I'll be back sometime soon.
-Sean

2006-05-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Anathallo

Words cannot describe the beauty of this band and the songs they are capable of creating. Well, that was a lie, they probably could. I'm just lazy and dead tired.

A Great Wind More Ash
Hoodwink
Dokkoise House (With Face Covered)
Gary and Marcus
Don't Kid Yourself You Need A Physician

As you can see in Giselle's post below she and I went to prom last night. We look pretty damn good, eh? YUM AND SLURP?
-Sean

2006-05-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

So Sean and I went to the prom yesterday and I know you're dying to see what we looked like:

Okay and if you couldn't care less about what attractive human beings we are, here are some albums to check out, courtesy of other blogs around the net:

Brian Eno/David Byrne - Another Day on Earth (found here)

Erlend Øye - Unrest (found here)

Arab Strap - Elephant Shoe (found here)

Gang of Four - Yellow EP (found here)

-Giselle

2006-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Sound of Urchin
You are the Best

These guys are RIDICULOUS.
Visit their MySpace for a preview.

They do all of this (and more) on 14 tracks in 57 minutes:

Hip-Hop
Guitar-driven Rock
Reggae
Pop
Metal
Funk

This album may be best-described as FUN and CONTAGIOUS.
Listen to it in a car with subs. It will blow your mind.

Also, Space Station on the 4, 5, & 6 is pretty much the best song ever.
Get the whole album for that song ALONE.

FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY:
THE SOUND OF URCHIN - YOU ARE THE BEST

-Giselle

PS: View Sean's cry for attention in the post below mine, and click on the ads. Thank you!

2006-05-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures of myself. I thought it's kind of weird that a lot of you read me all the time and have no idea what I even look like.

Go here to see the picture of Giselle feeding David Bowie. Also, whoever posted as Anonymous on that picture, Giselle would like to get in contact with you ASAP. E-mail me or leave us a comment and I'll give you her phone number and address.

I took down the link to my Myspace because Giselle made fun of me. And even worse in French!

Leave comments on these pictures I posted so I can totally show up Giselle. Or you can just click my ads.

I'll post some music tomorrow I hope.
-Sean

2006-05-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

HOLY SHIT DUDE!

Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country

The new Camera Obscura album. I know you guys are excited. I'm downloading it right now from this great blog CUCKOO IN HARAJUKU but I'll probably let you know what I think of it later. Tell me what you think anyways.

EDIT: I listened to the album and it's really great. While I still prefer Underchievers, it's definitely one of my favorites of the year so far. Merge Records requested forr the link to be taken down so go out and buy it!

Buy it here.

THE NEW TILLY AND THE WALL TOO?

WHAT A DAY!

Tilly and the Wall - Bottom of the Barrels

Oh No! posted thiis today. Go over and check the post out. I've had it for about a month and I really enjoy it. I'm not really sure if I like it more than their debut, but regardless, it's very good if not great. There are still plenty of handclaps and tap dancing, no worries.

Again, for testing purposes ONLY.

Buy it here.

I'm spending my Friday night watching Deal or No Deal and posting new leaked albums. Oh wow. I had a track meet today. I don't really like track. Too much running, you know? I mean, who runs nowadays when we have cars. And bikes. That would be sweet if we had a biking team. It could be like track, except on bikes! Hurdles would be fun, huh? hah I'll try to be back if you click the ads so Gisellle and I can go feed our starving bodies with pommegranates or something. I totally fucked up the spelling on that.
-Sean

2006-05-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Beulah - When Your Heartstrings Break

One of the best albums I own. My favorite album by my favorite band on Elephant Six. Just some phenomenal pop writing on this cd, like I've said before, sometimes it's hard to review something you really love. Did I mention the horns? The instrumentation on this album are absolutely amazing. With melodies like the Beach Boys, and great lyrics and vocals by Miles Kurosky, this will leave you wanting more after it's over. My favorite songs are most definitely "Emma Blowgun's Last Stand", "If We Can Land A Man On the Moon, Surely I Can Win Your Heart", and the opener "Score From Augusta". This album will be perfect for you When Your Heartstrings Break.

11 songs, 34 minutes

Link found on Peanut's World of Music

Buy it used here.

Oh my god. I was just watching Deal or No Deal because I have no life. The girl was offered $299,000 but she declined the deal. And now the offer's down to $25,000. I feel so bad. It's probably the worst show ever made. But it's really funny to watch. I'll be back tomorrow hopefully with another post.
-Sean

2006-05-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

KRECS ARTISTS:

Mirah
Cold Cold Water

The Blow
What Tom Said About Girls

Microphones
Lanterns

Kimya Dawson
Underground

All Girl Summer Fun Band
Mr. & Mrs. Troublemaker

Karl Blau
Into the Nada

COCO
Supercool

-Giselle

2006-05-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Shearwater

In case you weren't aware, Shearwater will be releasing their new full-length album Palo Santo on May 9th. My brother and sister saw them on tour with the Mountain Goats a while back and that's how I came to know about them. My brother bought their cd Winged Life at the show, and it's just marvelous. Even though you may have heard of this band as an Okkervil River side project, this band truly emerges as a separate entity on this album. I'm a huge Okkervil fan, but Shearwater has written some absolutely amazing pop songs, including one of my all time favorites "The Convert" which will leave you in a daze.

Here's an mp3 from the new album they posted on their site. For this one they ship out the piano, and create an all-around moving song. I'm not really sure if I should call it bitter or beautiful, well see for yourselves:
Seventy-four, Seventy-five

And here is another one I just found on Misra Records:
White Waves

It's pretty good as I'm listening for the first time. If the album's anything like these two mp3's, I'll be more than happy.

Feel free to download more mp3's from their other albums here at their site.

Here's the tracklist as I received via Pichfork, who wrote a little news article on the new album today. I was planning to post on them today anyways before I saw that. LIE.

01 La Dame et la Licorne
02 Red Sea, Black Sea
03 White Waves
04 Palo Santo
05 Seventy-four, Seventy-five
06 Nobody
07 Sing, Little Birdie
08 Johnny Viola
09 Failed Queen
10 Hail, Mary
11 Going Is Song

Buy their new album here.

Enjoy. Hopefully get around to posting their album Winged Life sometime, it's great. I'll be back sometime if I have can find anything to eat around the neighborhood so I don't die of starvation. I heard a new family just moved down the street, and supposedly they have a newborn. That was terrible, I'm sorry, cannibalism is bad. Or you can just click on the ads, whichever. Really though, I appreciate all the ad clicks we've been receiving the past few days, it really means a lot to us. And our doctors.
-Sean

2006-05-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

As always, I've gotta outdo Giselle so I decided to do another post seeing as she's done two days in a row.

Umm so yeah, what should I post about. Let's see.

Well, whenever I can't think of anything I go back to Belle and Sebastian.

Here are three new songs from the Scottish band on their new single "The Blues Are Still Blue", an excellent track off their new album.

Belle and Sebastian - Mr. Richard
Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
Belle and Sebastian - Whiskey in the Jar

Sorry for the last two on Savefile. Just follow the directions to the download.

Buy it when it comes out here.

I expect I'll be back if Giselle keeps on trying to show me up. Also, please click the ads every once in a while so we can support not only this site, but our lives. We're starving and this is our only source of income.
-Sean

2006-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

TEENBEAT TUNES FOR YOU:

Plus/Minus (+/-) :: Ventriloquist

Flin Flon:: Floods

The Ropers :: You Have a Light

Sisterhood of Convoluted :: All I Want

Hot Pursuit :: Number One

Panax :: The Garden

Tel Aviv :: Honey There is More

True Love Always :: Modesto

-Giselle

2006-04-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

SHOW MATADOR RECS SOME RESPECT:

Pavement - All My Friends

Mogwai - Folk Death 95

M. Ward - Vincent O'Brien

Arab Strap - Love Detective

Cat Power - The Greatest

Steven Malkmus - Baby C'mon

Guided by Voices - Gonna Never Have to Die

-Giselle

2006-04-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I know this song's really old and been around the blogs many a times, but I still really love it and thought it was worth posting in case any of you people don't already have it.

Arcade Fire - Cold Wind

Probably my favorite Arcade Fire song, and it wasn't even on their album. It was made exclusively for the show Six Feet Under. It's just so beautiful and amazing.

Be back sometime maybe in the next few days if you click my ads every once in a while.
-Sean

2006-04-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

I admit, I might be biased since I automatically love bands that post their entire album free for download, but I certainly would like Sweet Teeth, whether they made their whole album available or just a song.

It's pretty good.

I included a song by them in my Sping Mix

Here's their album.

I can't find any links to buy it, but look anyways.

Hey guys, Sean and I (Giselle) just went to a graveyard, it was pretty nice.
I also just made tooth plural. No need to thank me, Sean.

-Sean

2006-04-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

It's William Shakespeare's birthday today. Kind of. Not really, it's unknown, but today was the day he was baptised. So in the current theme of things, I'll post something that relates to this day:

Rilo Kiley - The Execution of All Things

Their best album in my opinion. If you don't like this, let's just face it, you have no soul. This album's hard to critique, it's just got some amazing songs on it. The title song, "A Better Son/Daughter" and "With Arms Outstretched" will have you begging for more after this album's over. There are some moments on this album where I'm just in awe at the pop writing abilities of Blake Sennet and Jenny Lewis, utilizing a medley of instruments and producing songs both enjoyable and addicting. As a whole, I can really only describe this album as a beatiful country-tinged rock record with intelligent fresh lyrics. And I might have forgot to mention this, but the voice of Jenny Lewis will melt you. Interpret that as you wish. But please go out and support the band. 12 songs, 48 minutes

Buy the album here.

If you need a test though:

This place was built for moving out.

(I had a godawful joke about Jenny Lewis here.) But if anyone associated with the band Rilo Kiley does want it taken down, please don't sure me or something. Instead just e-mail me at kokakola613@yahoo.com and I'll take it down immediately. Same goes for any other things posted on this blog.

In other news, Past Tense has been posting some great albums over there. I highly advise you to go and burshen up on your musical history. They just posted sweet albums, one by the Small Faces and one by the Faces.

I used to like three posts a day, and now I'm lucky (well I guess you'd be lucky) if I do one post every three days. Sorry about that. I should be back with another post sometime before this month's over hopefully.
-Sean

2006-04-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

David Bowie

On this day (April 24th) in 1968 Apple Records refused to sign David Bowie.

...Here are some sweet mashups (mp3s) to make up for it:

Bob Dylan vs. David Bowie
The Beatles vs. Depeche Mode vs. David Bowie
The Killers vs. David Bowie
The Pussycat Dolls vs. David Bowie
Hot Hot Heat vs. David Bowie

And don't even worry about it, I feed David:

-Giselle

2006-04-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

I like Giselle's idea of doing a Spring mix, so yeah, I'm going to steal it hah.

Spring Mix Volume 2 (new and improved)

joke Giselle, I really liked yours

Anyways here's the tracklist:

Bright Eyes and Britt Daniel - Spent on Rainy Days
Blueboy - Favorite Things
Radar Bros. - Open Ocean Sailing (one of my favorite songs ever)
Islands - I Feel Evil (Live)
Dear Nora - Since You Went Away
Michel Polnareff - L'Amour Avec Toi
Franklin Bruno - Thin Weak Smile
Danielson - Cast It At The Setting Sail (my favorite song of this year thus far)
Sweet Teeth - An Appeal
Stereolab - French Disko
Sunset Rubdown - They Took a Vote and Said No (reminds me of my town budget)
The Go! Team - The Ice Storm
The Salteens - Let Go Of Your Bad Days
Aberdeen - Sink or Float
An Albatross - The Revolutionary Politics of Dance (best song ever)
Belle and Sebastian - Funny Little Frog (acoustic)
Leslies - Collins
Maximo Park - Limassol
Mojo Nixon - Girlfriend in a Coma (The Smiths)
Neil Diamond - Longfellow Serenade
Run DMC vs. Tom Petty - Free Adidas (what's a mix without a mashup?)
The Mountain Goats - Color In Your Cheeks
Koufax - Let Us Know
The Modern Lovers - Foggy Notion (unreleased Velvet Underground song)

24 songs, 78 minutes

Listen to it.

Umm...it doesn't have too much to do with the Spring but it's pretty much the best mix ever made.

Sorry for the carelessness on the blog regarding my effort the past few days. It's vacation! I'll try to be more active (if you click the ads).
-Sean

2006-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

HOLY SHIT, PEOPLE!

I suppose I'm a few weeks late with this, but I just found out that Shapes and Sizes was signed to Asthmatic Kitty Recs (Sufjan Stevens, Castanets, etc.), and I am ECSTATIC, to say the least. I first heard them when listening to compilations by Whiskey & Apples Recs a while back, and I was taken aback by their awesome sound. They're releasing a full-length album on July 25th and I can't wait to buy it. You won't be able to wait, either, after you hear the mp3s below:

Island's Gone Bad mp3
Wilderness mp3

I hope everyone is doing well! Take it easy.

-Giselle

2006-04-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Mix!
Your brain will explode if you do not like pop.

PLAYLIST
Movie Ending Romance - Math & Physics Club
Big Guns - Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins
Seen the Light - Supergrass
Jennifer Louise - Of Montreal
The Art of Cooking for Two - The Lucksmiths
Eyes - Apollo Sunshine
Engine Heart - Mirah
The Cemetery - Architecture in Helsinki
Everything About You - The Field Mice
La Salle des Pas Perdus - Mondae
Tomorrow - The Cardigans
Skateboarding Saves Me Twice - Grandaddy
Between the Lines - Sambassadeur
Fidelity - Regina Spektor
Raised by Wolves - Voxtrot
I'll Bring the Sun - Jason Collett
I'd Rather Dance With You - Kings of Convenience
C-C-C-Cinnamon Lips - OK Go
Another Sunny Day - Belle & Sebastian
Treehouse - I'm From Barcelona
Bloom On Demand - Les Savy Fav

DOWNLOAD
21 tracks, 1hr 7min.

2006-04-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hey this doesn't pertain to music, but if any of you people that read this blog have a Luelinks password, I'd be forever indebted if you let me share your account. I've been trying to get one for ages from this kid I know who has one, but the blackmail didn't really work out that well.
-Sean

2006-04-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Creation - How Does It Feel To Feel

I first heard the song "Making Time" by The Creation in one of my favorite films, Rushmore, but I never really took the effort to delve deeper into the band. Well, Regnyouth just posted this collection a few days ago and I took the chance to check out the band. This band really reminds me of the Kinks, and I love the Kinks so I'm obviously gonna really like this. It includes two pretty awesome covers: "Hey Joe" and "Like A Rolling Stone" among other tremendous pop songs that make me wish I was alive back then. Highly recommended for fans of 60's pop.

http://rapidshare.de/files/18116760/FeelTheCreation.rar (link received from Regnyouth)
password: wholovesska

I think I'm going to go out and buy cd's by this band and I strongly encourage you to do so too, but I can't find a link for this album on Amazon.

I'm at a point in my life right now where I'm just content with the music I already have and with everything really. I mean, I seriously feel like I could listen just to the music on my computer for the rest of my life and be happy. So I'll mostly be posting some of my older favorite albums and directing you to some good stuff posted by other blogs like I did today. I'll also be doing mp3 posts though hopefully, just not so many full albums. Sorry, but like I said, I'm happy with the music I own, plus I doubt my computer could hold much more. Also, the whole thing that this is illegal and could get me into serious trouble doesn't exactly encourage me. I should be back within the next few days though with another post. Hopefully you didn't read through all of this because it's just me rambling, and if you did, I apologize.
-Sean

2006-04-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

I know it's Easter, not Christmas, but there's really no Easter music, is there? And chances are that we won't be here when Christmas rolls around again so enjoy:

Belle and Sebastian - Christmas Peel Session

Happy Easter!!! Or Happy Passover I guess if you're Jewish. Is that still going on? I think it is. It lasts like seven days I think. Anyways, I'm going to go be with my family. Cheers.

-Sean

2006-04-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

A.C. Newman

The Slow Wonder

Oh, Canada. Thank you, thank you, thank you for A.C. Newman! Solo project of Carl Newman from The New Pornographers, “The Slow Wonder” is a poppy indie-rock album that will remind you of summer days. Every track is very different and wonderful in its own way. "Miracle Drug", the first track, has been one of my favorite songs of all time since I first heard it almost two years ago... And I can't even begin to explain to you why that is. It may just be that it's SO DAMN CATCHY!

Despite the great simplicity that is demonstrated, there is not a weak song on the album, and it far surpasses anything the New Pornographers have done, in my opinion (sorry, Neko.) I have complete confidence that you will enjoy this listen and not just see it as a follow-up to “Mass Romantic”.

Released 2004, 11 tracks over 34 minutes.

Purchase

2006-04-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks for that strong response on the last post, hahaha. It's cool, I'm not mad, it's Good Friday. So for now I'm just gonna post this album that's out of print. It's missing track 4 though, sorry.

Dressy Bessy - Pink Hearts Yellow Moons

Mmm lucky charms. That pretty much sums it up. Ha. It does though. Plus I'm lazy. It's just cute smart pop music. The debut from this Kindercore pop band, and honestly, it's one of the best pop debuts I've ever heard. Like I said before, I'm sadly missing Track 4 but it's worth downloading regardless. I'll try to track the song down, but this was pretty hard to find as it is. My favorite song on this cd by far is "If You Should Try and Kiss Her" which is just an impeccable pop song. Sharing some of the members of the Apples in Stereo, they also share a similar sound. Not a bad pop song on the entire cd. Warning: it's reallly really poppy so you might feel like you've exploded with sugar and bubblegum sweetness, but it's as addicting as sugar also.

Pink Hearts Yellow Moons

Buy it here for $50 on Amazon from a private seller because that will totally support the band, right?

I have some practice SAT thing tomorrow most of tomorrow, and I seriously doubt I'll be in the mood for a post tomorrow but who knows. Click on the ads, every single one helps and once we get to $100, we receive a check so each of us will be able to buy like two cd's or so.
-Sean

2006-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Read and Reply

I just had an idea and I wanted to know how you all felt about it. Since there's been all this commotion in the blogging world the past few weeks with Child Star and the recently deceased The Indie Connection, I was wondering if instead of posting the whole album, we should just post about half of the album. This kind of satisifies both arguments, because honestly cd's cost too much nowadays and I often have made an ill-advised decision in purchasing due to listening to one song I liked by a band, yet it's still going to get the downloader to go out and purchase the cd since they'll want to listen to the other half. Let me know what you all think about it in the comments or e-mail me at kokakola613@yahoo.com

Be back later, I'm watching a movie.
-Sean

2006-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Neutral Milk Hotel - Hype City Soundtrack

Honestly, compared to their actual albums, this does not even compare. It's not very good quality, but it is interesting tp see Jeff Mangum and NMH in their early stages. One of the reasons I'm posting this is because it isn't available elsewhere so it's relatively guilt-free, but another one is that I think Neutral Milk Hotel is one of the best ever as I'm sure most of you readily agree with. The entire album's just 11 songs of unpolished, but nonetheless impressive songs, hinting at the genius of Jeff Mangum and the masterpieces he would create in On Avery Island and In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. Worth having for completists, but otherwise, it's not really all that great of an album, but like I said before, it's fascinating to see the early stages of some of my favorite NMH songs like "Gardenhead" and "The King of Carrot Flowers Part 2-3" (called "Synthetic Flying Machine" on Hype City). It ends with "Engine" another great NMH song.

11 songs, I think 7 them not featured on the three NMH releases, a little less than 29 minutes:

Neutral Milk Hotel - Hype City

I seriously doubt Jeff Mangum will care whether I psot this album, seeing as you can't really buy it. I'll be back either later today or tomorrow. I'm rather looking forward to this vacation.
-Sean

2006-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sad news today. The Indie Connection shut down. Let's take a moment of silence and remember all those good time we had listening to the music on that blog and wish Vincent the best of luck. Some positive news though. I downloaded a good proxy server at school today so maybe now I'll be able to update during school. The school blocked all blogs and pretty much everything else at that.

And now on to music:

They like Luther Vandross and Tool.
They covered the theme song to "Full House."
I still can't help but like the Pop Project.

The Pop Project

I really love the cover of Zumpano, A.C. Newman's old band. The other songs are definitely worth checking out too, they're a rising pop band on Suburban Sprawl. This week's Suburban Sprawl week in case you didn't know. Visit their Myspace (link below) and decide if you like them or not, and decide whether to download the songs I guess because I don't have much more to say. April vacation started today. I'm pretty happy as of right now. I hate to remind you, but can you please try to click the ads every now and then? I'd really appreciate it. I love you all.

Too Late For That
Secondary Players
House of Books
The Only Reason Under the Sun (Zumpano)
Vegetables (Live Beach Boys cover, bad quality)
Holy Fool

Visit their website and their Myspace.

Buy their albums here, most are only $4!!!

Be back tomorrow with a full album post hopefully so no worries, but keep in mind that I'm going to continue posting mp3's too.
-Sean

2006-04-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't done an mp3 post in forever so I think it's about time. I started out planning to do mostly mp3's but somehow got caught doing only full albums. mp3 posts are a great way to find new music, without having to take the effort to download an entire album. so yeah, here we go now:

el boxeo

You can say all you want about myspace, I really don't care, but it still does not take away the fact that it's a great tool to find new music. One of my more recent finds was the band el boxeo. I can't describe their sound much better than they themselves do on their Myspace:
"Electric violin, fuzzed out bass, busy drums, occasional vocals."

But they left out fucking awesome. Apparently, they're coming out with their first full length Awake and Dreaming on Suburban Sprawl Music. This is highly recommended for fans of violins and violas in rock bands and all those post-rock kids. This isn't really post-rock, it's more like roast-pock. Oh yay, I just invented a genre. Is pock even a word? I don't think so. Anyways, as I've thought about it, I guess this is post-rock so forget what I just said. Then they throw in the celestial vocals of the girl violinst at sometimes to complement the superb instrumentation to create some absolutely beautiful songs. The point is I really love these songs that they've made available on their website and on their Myspace.

el boxeo - New Science
el boxeo - Let’s Get Mythological
el boxeo - Devotion
el boxeo - Venture to the Black Lodge
el boxeo - the Rope
el boxeo - Tokyo (my favorite***)
el boxeo - Floating in an Orange

el boxeo's Myspace

Their website

I'm still going to be doing mostly album posts, don't worry, but from now on, I'll jazz it up with an mp3 post from a band relatively new to me. By the way, I fell asleep reading Frankenstein last night and I never finished it. I still think I did farily well on the test though. By the way, it was nothing like the movie. Be back tomorrow.
-Sean

2006-04-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just got home from my track meet. It's nine o'clock. And I have to go finish about 120 pages of Frankenstein tonight because I have a test tomorrow. It'sactually an awesome book. But anyways, as you may have figured out, I don't actually have time for an actual post, but Indie Surfer Blog posted a few good links in the past two days:

The Appleseed Cast - Most, if not all of their albums including their newest release Peregrine.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones. I haven't listened to this and most likely never will even though I do like that song "Maps", but I thought some people might be interested in this.

Be back tomorrow if I'm still alive.
-Sean

2006-04-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

100th post!!! Yay!!!

Optiganally Yours Presents: Exclusively Talentmaker!
I bought this a while back after hearing two pretty awesome songs by this band and knowing that they were along the same lines of the much beloved E6 and all that, plus they were on a record label that could do no wrong: Absolutely Kosher. To sum it up shortly, this album is tantamount to "The Gay Parade" if Of Montreal weren't so energetic and "gay". Some songs aren't all that great, but the majority of them are great pop songs including my favorites: the simple but infectious "Nonpartisan", the Gay Parade-esque "Poodleman", and the relaxingly wonderful song "Gepetto" about being stuck inside a whale. If you didn't make the connection, well wow, it's from Pinnochio. If you're a fan of the Elephant Six Recording Company, this band is right up your alley.

Another great album from Absolutely Kosher Records

Buy it here.

Sorry for the late post today. I'm not gonna be able to make one tomorrow because I have my first track meet which is from like 3 to 9. So yeah, I have to go read Frankenstein. But anyways, 100th post, wow. I haven't had all that great of a day. I'm kind of upset. Not over anything in particular. More just because of the lack of something in particular if you know what I mean. Rececntly, I've been feeling that a lot. I just can't wait for this school year to be over. This week actually, because then I have a ten day vacation or so. People are way too confusing sometimes. Sorry for this rant, time for Mary Shelley. Bye.
-Sean

2006-04-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Most Serene Republic
Underwater Cinematographer

Broken Social Scene fans, take heed: The Most Serene Republic is what you want to hear. This indie-pop sextet from Canada released “Underwater Cinematographer” in 2005. This dreamy album will leave you laughing and jumping for joy! Okay, I can’t guarantee that you’ll do that, but I know that you’ll certainly want to, upon hearing their fun, energetic tunes. The lyrics are hard to understand sometimes because of the fact that they blend in with the instrumentals rather than being the focus, and I think it was their intention create this effect. This is one of their infinite ideas that you can hear on this debut album. Some argue that they have too much going on at once, but I find it absolutely fascinating. With every listen, you discover something new.

11 songs over 41 minutes
PURCHASE

2006-04-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Goats - Tallahassee

I uploaded this a helluva long time ago, but forgot that I never posted it. There's a constant battle between this one and All Hail West Texas as my favorite Mountain Goats album. Even though in the end All Hail West Texas probably gets the nudge, Tallahassee remains an amazing album with songs that will just lift your spirits like the classic "No Children". Haha, honestly, "No Children" is one of the most depressing songs ever made, but I can't help but laugh when I listen to it. Highlights: "See America Right", "No Children", "Game Shows Touch our Lives", "First Few Desperate Hours", and my favorite Mountain Goats song ever apart from "Color in Your Cheeks", the final song on this cd "Alpha Rats Nest".

14 songs, 45 minutes. This is the first Mountain Goats cd I listened to, and it hooked me from there:

The night is lovely as a rose

If I see sunlight hit you I'm sure that we'll both decompose.

-Sean

2006-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Superchunk - Foolish

Not only the best Superchunk album in my opinion, but also one of the best albums Merge released in the 90's. They're just a great rock band and this is a great rock cd. It's slower than their previous material, in an attempt to tackle the art of mid-tempo songs and they succeed. It starts out with "The Fool" which is a classic build-up song. My favorite song on this cd's either "Why Do You Have To Put A Date On Everything?" or "Driveway to Driveway". Most of the songs are just bitter songs about unrequited love. Apparently this was written following the breakup of co-founders Laura Balance and Mac Mcaughn, which explains that. There's not much more to say about this album, you'll have to listen for yourself as usual.

Don't Be Foolish. Download this.

Or even better, buy it here.

I just took a nap. I'm thinking about going to the play tonight. I really want to see it, but I don't really have anyone to go with. So for now I'm watching Escape From L.A.
-Sean

2006-04-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Portugal. The Man. - Waiter: "You Vultures"

So yeah, congratulations to the Blood Brothers and TV on the Radio. Apparently they got together sometime earlier this year, and had a child called Portugal. The Man. Ha, lame, I'm joking, but that's the impression I got after listening to this album, which seems to be somewhere between those two bands, while bearing similarities to Blonde Redhead. I like this album, it's kind of hard to describe though, particularly the genre of music. It's definitely got its indie/emo/hardcore influences but then it'll just throw in some r&b, and they combine it all to make an album sort of reminiscent of The Faint without all the synthesizers. Apparently this Alaskan band is the offshoot of the broken-up band Anatomy of a Ghost, but I've never heard them. My favorite song's either "AKA M80 The Wolf" or "Marching With 6", with its ridiculously catchy riffs and Blood Brothers-like vocals. The album's not fantastic, but I think it's worth checking out. You might not like it all that much, but I think it's a good listen. I can't constantly post only music that I love because after a while I'd have nothing more to post. Plus opinions differ, you may love this album for all I know. Give it a shot.

13 songs, about 53 minutes

Waiter: "You Vultures"

Buy it here.

It was my great-aunt's 80th birthday today, so I had to go over there and have cake and all that so I just got home, sorry for the late post. And now there's a lightning storm outside. Be back tomorrow.
-Sean

2006-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Atlas Strategic - Rapture, Ye Minions!

You know how Canadian bands are more often than not related to each other in some way? Canadian incest, as one Last.fm tag calls it. I love it. Today's music is from the extended Wolf Parade family.

Most people know about Spencer Krug's side project (Sunset Rubdown), but few know about Dan Boeckner's old band, Atlas Strategic. While Sunset Rubdown is experimental pop, Atlas Strategic is...well...this is what they had to say: "Brian Eno crossed with early Rolling Stones set to the lyrics of a science fiction author found dead in his apartment due to a broken heart." In other words, definitely rockier. This shouldn't come as a surprise, though. If you're familiar with their roles in Wolf Parade, you know that the two vocalists have distinct styles. Expect to hear Dan's throaty howls on Rapture, Ye Minions!

Rapture is Atlas Strategic's only release. It doesn't compare to what Dan would later do in Wolf Parade, but it's still a strong and enjoyable album. Be sure to check out the last track, "Jesus Christ." Can we say WTFAWESOME?

Rapture, Ye Minions!

It's out of print, so consider yourselves lucky.

-emily

2006-04-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is the second post I did on the blog, and since a lot of you haven't probably gone to the archives, I thought I'd repost it because I just love it so much. Apart from The Best Party Ever by The Boy Least Likely To (which is my favorite album of this millenium so far), I think this is the best album made in 2005. It's only 10 songs, and 30 minites, but it's one of the most personal albums I have. I liked it from my first listen, and now after repeated listens, I love it. It just really will connect with you. This one's highly highly recommended if you don't already have it.

So here's the post from the archives:

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Broom

Initially, I didn't expect that I'd really like this band that every one was raving so much about. (eg CHYSY) But I downloaded their album Broom, which you can order off their site, and although this band may rival Clap Your Hands Say Whatever as worst band name of the year, I was delightfully surprised by their music. It's 10 songs and just about half an hour in length, but each song is wonderful. Easily one of the best albums of 2005, regardless of what Pitchfork says, who gave them only a 6.9.

Highlights Include: Download the album! The whole damn album's a highlight. But if I had to pick, my favorite song's the ninth track, "Anne Elephant".

Here you can download their debut masterpiece Broom.

You can also download their live acoustic song called "Accident" at their site. Or here too, why not.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin-Accident

Buy Broom here.

Well, that post didn't really count since it's from the archives, so maybe I'll be back with another one later.
-Sean

2006-04-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Fiona Apple
Tidal

Fiona Apple realeased Tidal, her first album, when she was only eighteen in 1996. Full of character, personality, and passion, her songs really demonstrate her musicianship. Her deep alto voice will entrance you with its rich quality and sophisticated maturity. Her piano-playing is absolutely beautiful, as well, and it's quite to hard to view it as a mere accompaniment.

I have been listening to this album for years and it never gets tiring.

An Apple [song] a day keeps the doctor away!

That was kind of lame, but you should definitely buy this.

2006-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Things to Address

This is not a post about music. Sorry, but there are a few things I'd like to address.

One is that we've been getting comment spam recently so we're gonna have a word verification thing to prevent that. Big news, eh?

Another thing is that I wanted to thank those of you that have supported the site by clicking the ads at the top and bottom of the page. Please continue it, it means a whole lot to the continuation of Serial Slingshot.

Also, I strongly urge you to download Firefox with the Google Toolbar. I'm not only sayinf this because it will support our site, but also because Firefox is superior to Internet Explorer in so many ways in my opinion. Well see for yourself please:

Well apparently I can't post Firefox correctly, so please just scroll down and click it and then you can download it.

Ok later.

-Sean

2006-04-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Ted Leo's the man. Enough said.

This site has 4 of his albums posted:

http://www.split.org/random/Ted%20Leo%20and%20the%20Pharmacists/

You can buy his albums here.

Just thought I'd let you all know that Giselle is in the play "Murder on the Nile" based on the story by Agatha Christie and it starts tomorrow. Wish her luck!
-Sean

2006-04-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Triple apple day!

The Apples in Stereo - Fun Trick Noisemaker

I listened to this album an unhealthy number of times a few months ago. The debut album from Robert Schneider and co is, in my opinion and others I've talked to, the best album they have made, and one of the best albums produced by the Elephant Six Recording Company. The album is classic for any indie-pop fan.

I'm going to say this honestly. I think this album includes more hooks than any I've ever listened to, so if that's you style, then this is definitely an album you should download. "Tidal Wave" just will explode from your speakers. I can't say any more about this album, I might get too into it and I have to do homework.

13 songs, 40 minutes

Have Fun! with Fun Trick Noisemaker (courtesy of Regnyouth)

Password to unzip files: woj2322

You can buy it here.

The Apples in Stereo - Tone Soul Evolution

Woah dude, the Apples are so polished on this record (and the next one too). It's still very good psychedlic pop though. It's the same old Apples even if the production is somehwat different, expect some great hooks. My reviews kind of suck. I'm sorry. It's kind of hard though and I don't have all that much time, so excuse me. My favorite song might be the cute acoustic song "About Your Fame" or the opener "Seems So" that sets the tone for the album. This album feels like it belongs in the 60's with their addicting pop tunes reminiscent of the Beatles. If you're a fan of the Beatles in their poppier days, you'll probably love this band.

14 songs, 38 minutes

Tone Soul Evolution

Buy it here.

The Apples in Stereo - The Discovery of the World Inside the Moone

This one's more along the lines of Tone Soul Evolution, with a large amount of production. It contains some of the best song the Apples have made in "The Rainbow" and "Stream Running Over." If there's one thing I've learned from listening to this album, you cannot sit there and not love Robert Schneider singing (and sometimes screaming) his heart out over these gentle catchy pop beats. It ends with the pretty acoustic nonchalant song "The Afternoon", putting a fantasic finish to the album. I could say more but there's not much more of a point, I can't say much more about it, it's just a good pop album, essential for fans of the Apples in Stereo.

The Discovery of the World Inside the Moone

12 songs, 41 minutes or so

Buy it here.

The Apples in Stereo are coming out with a new album this year, I'm pretty excited. I have to go read Frankenstein now or something of that sort, but I should be back tomorrow. I'll do another Apples post within the coming weeks probably, if you like what you hear.
-Sean

2006-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Stars - Set Yourself On Fire

Who hasn't posted about this band and this album? Whatever, I'll do it again. This band deserves it. This album's one of my favorites of last year, if you like soft heartwarming pop music, then this is the band you've been waiting for. This Canadian band, with members of Broken Social Scene, will have you belting along lines by the end with their remarkably catchy soongs.

Honestly, this is one of the prettiest albums I've ever heard, especially "One More Night", "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead", "Calendar Girl", "Ageless Beauty, "The First Five Times", and the list goes on. Everyone loves this album and I'm sure you will too if there's the slight chance you haven't heard it yet.

Set Your Ears On Fire With This Blazing Album

**LINK FIXED** I just took one I found on MIR IS HEIR

Sorry about that, I guess I uploaded that one a long time ago or something.

Lame seannyboy.

Buy it here.

I have some bad news for all of you. My hard drive kind of crashed last night, so I'm gonna have to take the blogging at a slower pace. I really love doing this, probably more than anything else except maybe programming, but I just have to slow it down as I'm sure you'll understand. I'll still try to update when I can though. I'll probably be more active during the summer, even though I am going away for like a month to summer programs and vacation, but yeah, not a big change, but still, I thought I'd let you all know.
-Sean

2006-04-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Pas/Cal - The Handbag Memoirs

The Indie Connection recently posted Pas/Cal's second EP, Oh Honey, We're Ridiculous. Today I bring your their first EP, The Handbag Memoirs. This here is some mighty fine indie pop, folks. Since I am lazy and don't feel like writing in complete and comprehendible sentences, I will attempt to quickly but thoroughly review this by going through each track and mentioning what I like/think about it. Yes.

01 The Bronze Beached Boys (Come On Let's Go) - How Casimer Pascal's voice goes up on the occasional "go-o-o!" The handclaps.
02 I'd Bet My Life That You Bet Your Life - The sweet sleigh bells. The enthusiastic "That's right!" near the end of the song and drumming that follows. The handclaps.
03 I Wanna Take You Out in Your Holiday Sweater - The entire song, thanks. The trumpet. The mention of my favorite article of clothing. The handclaps.
04 Grown Men Go-Go - This is Pas/Cal at their tuffest..don't mess. The handclaps.
05 Marion/Mariam - Everything after 2:29 in this instrumental piece.
06 This Ain't for Everyone - The unpolished quality of this song. The vocals are particulary nice on this track.

The Handbag Memoirs

Buy it here

In other news, we're getting comment spam. Exciting!

-emily

2006-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Essex Green - Cannibal Sea

The new full-length by these Elephant Six veterans is what I guess I expected from the band. Nothing spectacular, but definitely worth a listen. Has some great pop songs on it, not much more to say, it's a good cd. Pitchfork just reviewed this album today and gave it a 7.2 which seems about right to me. Read the review here.

My favorite song's either "Elsinore" or "This Isn't Farm Life." It's a solid pop album, full of hooks, it'll be a good listen.

12 songs, 40 minutes or so

Download it here.

Buy it here.

This might be my only post for today. On another note, the baseball season started and so far, I'm pretty much owning in my fantasy baseball league. (Okay Sean, we don't care.)
-Sean

2006-04-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Menomena
I Am The Fun Blame Monster

Take a powerful tenor voice, guitar, piano, organ, sax, drums, and glockenspiels, throw it all into the Deeler (short for the homemade digital looping recorder software), and you have the brilliance that is Menomena. Acclaimed by many as one of the best albums of 2003, it sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before. “I Am The Fun Blame Monster” takes you from indie electronica and glitch pop all the way to hip-hop.

These guys are absolutely nuts. If you don’t believe me, just go to their website. Even if you do believe me, go to their website.

…Seriously.

9 SONGS OVER FORTY-FOUR MINUTES

Four score seven years to go

I've done it all with none to show

2006-04-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Exit Clov - Saskwatch EP

A D.C. band that make my head float with thier celestial vocals, smooth electronics, and all-around great music. Out of the 5 songs, I cannot even narrow down my favorite song to 3. They're just so all good, especially the amazing song "Hits #1". Anyways, listening to this EP made my day.

That was my attempt at describing this band, but they do it best at their Myspace here, where they have two tracks available for download by the way.

"Out of the madness of DC comes trademark beat-driven Exit Clov tunes of revolution, ennui and societal idiocy -- smart music for kids of the next century. Glossing sweet indie pop vocals over vitriolic bass, drum and guitar grooves, the combo introduces an exclusive sound that keeps an edge on dark pop, groove and surf rock. But despite the schizophrenia, you won't find Exit Clov straying far from the hot and catchy, delivering antidotes for a generation of music fans who seek songs clever enough to outlast the times"

5 songs, around 25 minutes

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Support this awesome DIY band at the website by buying their albums here, they're really cheap too.

Thanks to my sister for sending me that. I'm going over my friend's house, be back later. Click on the ads sometime please, it would be greatly appreciated. If you do, I'll post more music. Also download Firefox from the left sidebar, it's so much better than Internet Explorer.
-Sean

2006-04-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Various Artists - Growin' Up Too Fast

Now for my real post of the day. It wasn't really all that funny, my joke I mean. I'm kind of lame some of the time. Anyways, my sister Kira sent me this a while ago. It's just a girl group anthology, and it's got a lot of old great pop songs on it. It starts out with a classic girl song everyone's heard by the Angels "My Boyfriend's Back."

Full of handclaps, girls lamenting about about the Beatles breaking up, and songs about being in love with the lifeguard, this is some good times. I'm not even a girl, as hopefully you've all figured out by now, and I thoroughly enjoy this. Sadly I only have Disc 1 though.

My favorite song is "Summertime USA" by The Pixies Three. Is this a Beah Boys cover? If not, then wow, this is a pretty big rip-off, but whatever, it's like a female Beach Boys song and it's awesome.

25 songs, 61 minutes or so

Download here

Buy it here.

Be back with another post tomorrow probably.
-Sean

2006-04-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

April's Fools

Yes that was pretty lame, but I felt like I had to do something. So yeah, the post below was just a joke.

Be back with a post later.
-Sean

2006-04-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

This site has been shut down by the Federal Bureau of Invesitgation due to infringment of copyrighted material. The administrators of this blog have all been taken into custody.

2006-03-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Clash - The Clash (UK)

London Calling will always hold a special place in my heart for being the album that made me fall in love with music. But the Clash's debut is the Clash at their rawest and punkest. I love it almost as much as London Calling. One of the classic punk albums of the late 70's. Absolutely brillaint, can't say how much I love this. I might be biased because I think the Clash may just be the greatest band ever, but still this album, like London Calling, is absolutely awesome. I could dissect it probably for an hour or so, but I'll spare you. "White Riot", "Career Opportunities", and my favorite Clash song "Janie Jones". With alternating vocals between Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, three chord guitar riffs that are catchy as hell, and sharply political angry songs, there's not a bad song on it. ESSENTIAL for all fans of punk rock and/or the Clash, as is London Calling.

Download

Buy it here.

Be back tomorrow, I'm watching King Kong.
-Sean

2006-03-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

If you don't know already, Indie Surfer Blog posted a great link for a bunch of albums today:

Apples in Stereo
Belle & Sebastian
Elliot Smith
Jens Lekman
Why?
The Lucksmiths
The New Pornographers
The Avalanches
and so much more

http://www.networklayer.com.au/

I'll be back hopefully with an album post tonight, but that link should keep you entertained for now.
-Sean

2006-03-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

Suburban Kids With Biblical Names

What's that you say? "Oh Emily, I loved your swedish pop post! I downloaded I'm From Barcelona and then proceeded to soil myself with glee!" Well then don't throw your underwear in the wash just yet, my friend. I bring you more music from the fine Scandinavian country of Sweden.

Suburban Kids With Biblical Names started my whole swedish pop frenzy. I listened to their song "Rent a Wreck" and was immediately hooked. So catchy! So many "ba ba ba"s! So cute without being overly saccharine! The band is made up of Johan Hedberg and Peter Gunnarsson. They play shiny pop songs with clever Stephin Merritt-esque lyrics. Let's get to it.

This is their first EP. 4 songs long, #1 is a must-have for first time listeners. It includes the unusually cheery "Love Will," a break up song in which the guys slyly mention Joy Division. Yeah. Get it? Yeah. I love this EP.

4 more songs for your enjoyment. "Funeral Face" is very island-y and "Teenage Poetry" is very funny.

#3 is their debut album. All 12 songs are so so good. Handclaps? Check. Whistling? Check. Other aural awesomeness? Check. Sweet Jesus, I love this genre.

Buy everything here, from one of the greatest labels ever.

-emily

2006-03-30T15:24:00.000-08:00

The Silver Jews - Bright Flight

How on Earth have I not done a Silver Jews post yet? It's quite amazing actually since the Jews are my favorite band ever, and probably will stay in the #1 spot for a long time.

Anyways, I know this album quite well. In fact I listened to it like 20 times in a span of two days once. I was bored and it was summer, give me a break.

I'm not sure where to even begin reviewing this album. Although it's not my favorite Jews album, it's still in my top 20 of all time. The highlight track of this cd though is the country-influenced song "Tennessee", which just brings me to a state of happiness. Even though I'd rather not admit this, "Room Games and Diamond Rain" and "I Remember Me" both make me an emotional wreck that I never knew I could be.

Alright, that confession took a lot, it's just that the stories spun by lead singer David Berman are just so amazing and beautiful. His soul-penetrating (I really mean this, it's so deep!) voice and his alt-country tinged songs will have you singing along by the end of the cd even though you don't know the words.

What else can I say, David Berman is my hero. Yes, I know it's great to have a former alcoholic who tried to commit suicide as my hero. But seriously, his music connects with me more than any other artist ever, except maybe Love or The Boy Least Likely To. And for all of you that care what Pitchfork says, they gave this album an 8.5.

10 songs, 35 minutes, some great stuff:

I'm gonna love you for a hundred years through suffering and celebration dear

I'd tell you to buy it here, but I want David Berman and co. to keep touring.

Be back tomorrow hopefully, I have to go finish that chemistry lab I was talking about.
-Sean

2006-03-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

The Promise Ring - 30 Degrees Everywhere

First off, I just wanted to say that I'm gonna continue with the blog for now so that's good I guess.

The Promise Ring pretty much define the emo pop scene of the 90's with this album released in 1996 on Jade Tree. A lot of people are probably gonna hate this album, but I personally love it.

With handclaps, soft riffage, and amusing lyrics, the Promise Ring construct music that will make you as happy as emo possibly can. This isn't a dark album at all so you're mistaken regarding this album if you simultaneously think of boys in tight pants cutting their wrists and whatnot when you hear the word emo. It's more comforting than anything.

My favorite songs are: "Red Paint", "Picture Postcard", and I really like the last song on the album, the sole instrumental "We Don't Like Romance". This is an album that you'll come to appreciate with more listens. In fact, you may not think much of this album on first listen, but in my experience, it'll grow on you enormously. Most of these songs are build ups with that climax of pure elation. It's essential for post-emo/emo-pop/whatever-else-you-want-to-call-it fans.

The only complaint I have with this album is that sometimes the songs can sound similar and the lead singer whines through most of the songs, but it adds an emotional overtone to all of the songs, which I guess is good.

For fans of Sunny Day Real Estate, Jets to Brazil, Saves the Day, etc.

12 songs, around 36 minutes I think

Don't forget to kiss me if you're really going to leave.

Buy it here.

Well, as I said, I'm gonna keep blogging for a while. But PLEASE go out and buy the cd if you download music on here that you like. New cd prices are sometimes outrageous nowadays, and I know as a 15 year old without a job that I can't afford to go out and buy evey cd I want to hear. I'd be a few thousand dollars in debt. So yeah, I know there are others out there that want to hear new music, but don't have the money to buy everything that interests them, so I'm helping them to decide whether or not it's worth the purchase. And that's my justification. I'll be back tomorrow I hope but I have a big chem lab due Friday that I have to finish. And by finish, I mean start of course.

-Sean

2006-03-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

I've been dealing with some issues of morality regarding this blog. Is what I'm doing stealing? I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if I'm going to continue with this blog but you still have Giselle and Emily to run the blog if they decide to continue. I'm going to have to decide within this next week. By the way, I put up ads on my site a few days ago and I've made a whopping 30 cents so far. Ha, I'm not trying to be mean, but come on, clicking on them once a day isn't that hard. I'll still love you if you don't though. I'll post an album today because that's why you're probably all reading this.

Red House Painters - Ocean Beach

I think it's their best, and something I can say with confidence is that "Summer Dress" is the best song Mark Kozelek has made. I have neither the time nor spirit to make a proper review for this album, but hey I enjoy it. You probably will too if you're into that kind of mellow rock. Let me know if you think I should continue with the blog in the comments section to help me make my decision.

-Sean

2006-03-27T15:21:00.000-08:00

N.E.R.D.
In Search Of...

No one ever really dies. Or at least that's what N.E.R.D. would say. The Neptunes (Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams) got together with their friend, vocalist Shay, to create a novelty to the world of R&B. Their album "In Search Of" was made available to the UK in 2001 and re-recorded with live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob for a US release in 2002. I offer you the latter, which is reminiscent of the likes of Jamiroquai (all about the funk, if you're not familiar).

Not everyone is a fan of this album. Pitchfork gave it a mere 6.0, in fact, but that's just one opinion in the sea of many. I happen to find this album extremely catchy, clever, and fun. Well, I'd reccommend a listen if you like anything along the lines of Outkast's "Stankonia".

I pray to God I make it home alive, I don't get pulled over by the man

I just want to make it home to hold your hand

2006-03-27T03:44:00.000-08:00

Voxtrot - Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, & Wives

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's my review.

But seriously, this is the new EP they're going to be releasing on April 4th so I guess it's an advance copy. Like their last EP "Raised By Wolves", this one has 5 songs, which out of the title song and "Soft and Warm" both make my heart jump. Actually all of the songs have thier perfect moments if you know what I mean. To sum up this EP, I'd just say that Voxtrot sounds less like the Smiths on this one and more along the lines of Belle & Sebastian and Beulah, at least on the songs "Four Long Days" and "Soft & Warm".

5 songs, 18 minutes:

Link removed as request by the band so go out and buy it!

It's just as good as their previous EP "Raised By Wolves" in my opinion, if not better.

Link removed, again, I importune you to go out and support Voxtrot by buying their albums.

Buy either of the EPs here at Voxtrot's website.

Anyways I should be back later hopefully.
-Sean

2006-03-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

gregoRy and the hawk - Boats and Birds EP

Comprised of two members, Meredith and Mike, gregoRy and the hawk have recently been gaining more attention and a larger fan base. They were even a Myspace featured artist a while ago! Ha. This acoustic band from New York has released one EP so far which has been met with wide critical acclaim. This EP has 8 songs including the underground hit "Boats and Birds." With their mellow folk songs, tinged with this untangible emotion and honesty, gregoRy and the hawk will capture your heart and make you demand for more.

My favorite might be the song "In Fact" with lyrics like:

"Step 1: Light me on fire.
Step 2: Walk clean away.
I won't burn long, and evidence of your done wrong
will be gone in seconds I swear."

For now, you can't buy their songs anywhere else, except they're going to make them available on-line soon. Well, I beat them to it!

8 songs, 23 minutes:

If you be my star, I'll be your sky

Be back sometime tomorrow or later. Enjoy.
-Sean

2006-03-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Mountain Goats - Zopilote Machine

This is a delayed response to a request a while ago, and I'm sorry it's so late but I just got hold of this album.

For some reason, thise album won't work in Windows Media Player except for the first song, but all of the songs play in Itunes, but I'm not sure about other audio programs. It's pretty weird but whatever.

This album contains maybe the best Mountain Goats song ever made "Going to Georgia", the last song on the album, and other wonders such as "Alpha Icipiens" and "Going to Lebanon" which I had heard an awesome Beulah cover of, but it doesn't match the original. I haven't listened to it all that many times yet because I wanted to get it up since it was a request and all, but honestly, anything John Darnielle releases is pretty much gold. There's just so many more highlights on this album like seriously, "Standard Bitter Love Song # 7" is a classic angry love song by the Goats among other gems.

I think it's missing the last song and I'm really sorry about that, I'll try to get hold of it and post it later.

In conclusion, this is some good early Mountain Goats (not John Darnielle's best, but not far from it) and if you're a fan, you should check this out if you haven't already. And it'd probably be a good introduction too if you're not familiar with the band, 18 songs, 38 minutes:

The most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway is that it's you and you're standing in the doorway.

Buy it here.

Just got home from Church, be back later, but my brother's having a bithday party so I might not be able to do another update today.
-Sean

2006-03-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Elbow

Cast of Thousands

The atmospheric Brit-rockers of Elbow had their 2004 release “Cast of Thousands” produced by Billy Hillier, who also produced some of Blur’s stuff. I went through a stage of obsession with Blur three years ago, and “Cast of Thousands” is renewing that love for me.

Sometimes you get a Chris Martin vibe from lead singer Guy Garvey, and the truth of the matter is that Elbow have been completely overshadowed by Coldplay, in America at least. They’re more experimental alt-rock, comparable to Radiohead in this way.

One thing I love about Elbow is their lyrics (We still believe in love, so fuck you). They are mostly warm and sometimes melancholy, but never naïve (I blow you a kiss; it should reach you tomorrow as it flies from the other side of the world).

Alright, well if you’d like to drift into a 13 track, hour-long dream sometime, listen to “Cast of Thousands”.

All you have is kisses

And all I need is you

2006-03-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Beach Boys - Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys

Even though I guess I can't consider this is a real album since it's a greatest hits and all, it's one of the favorite cd's I have. Whenever I go out for a ride in the car, this is the first cd I pick. The Beach Boys are one of the best bands ever, and this compilation just encaptures some of their great hits throughout their career, totalling 30 songs and 76 minutes of sheer pop brilliance. Seriously, if you don't like the Beach Boys, I hate you. My favorite song on this by them are umm...all of them! Ha, but seriously, "God Only Knows" is one of my all-time favorite songs, and all of these songs are just awesome for lack of a better desciption. I mean come on, it travels from "California Girls" to "Barbara Ann" to "Heroes and Villains." What more can I say, it's the f***ing Beach Boys!

Download (It's over 100 MB hence Megaupload.)

Buy it here.

Be back later, I've got stuff to do today though like watching some movies.
-Sean

2006-03-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm From Barcelona - Sing!!

So I think it's about time I acknowledged my love for swedish pop and for Sweden in general. I love the little socialist country. Sweden is home to stylish yet affordable furniture, gorgeous scenery, and the cutest music ever.

With that said, it should be no surprise to learn that I'm From Barcelona are actually from Sweden. These 20-something friends play fun and energetic pop music and aren't ashamed to throw in a bunch of handclaps and "na na na"s every now and then. They've been called the Swedish Arcade Fire, and I guess that comparison would ring true if the Swedes were considerably less attractive (don't hate, I love those Canadians) and more dramatic. Seriously, these kids are pretty carefree. The two "heavy" songs deal with chickenpox and reluctance to wear glasses. CAN YOU HANDLE THAT? ARE YOU SURE?

Sing!! is their six-song EP. It's definitely feel-good music.

Sing!!

Try e-mailing the band at info@imfrombarcelona.com for this one.

-emily