Geeky white dudes that make great grooves and sexy dance rock. That about sums up We Are Scientists. It makes me wonder how much action these dudes really get from their shows seeing as how all of their singles make women go wild like Patrick Dempsey just walked into the room.
The first single from the Scientists’ latest endeavor, Barbara, finds them right where they left off. The most infectious hook possible in an all-out brawl of a dance track that basically resembles “white-people crunk music”. The track is only a radio rip, but feel free to blow out your Volvo speakers with this little gem and have fun doing it.
MP3: “Rules Don’t Stop” – We Are Scientists
- We Are Scientists Official Site
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Those damned Mumford & Sons . . . they’re just so rad. The appalachian folk music they throw down on Sigh No More has kept them buzzing on the internet blogosphere and their street-cred is right up there with Vampire Weekend, only with a dirty, barroom blitz kind of feel.
Not being a huge Vampire Weekend fan, “Cousins” was really one of the only tracks that I really really enjoyed on Contra. Originally from the BBC Live Lounge sessions with Mumford & Sons, Stereogum recently premiered this cover and I thought it was definitely the rare case of a cover upending the original composition. A folk stomper in the highest degree, this track makes me want to go out and buy a banjo. According to Twitter, this cover comes with the stamp of approval from Vampire shoegazer Ezra Koenig, which means that folk music is the new style of prep-punk.
MP3: “Cousins” – Mumford & Sons
MP3: “Cousins” – Vampire Weekend
Those damned Canadians. They get the Olympics, snag our hockey gold medal, and now they release some fine indie-rock music. Since when did Canada become an epicenter of victory? I mean . . . they’ve never even fought a war, led alone WON one.
Perhaps Canada is on the uprising these days.
The Born Ruffians are a Toronto based trio that released a great little piece of indie-pop magic in 2008 titled Red Yellow & Blue, and have been absent from the musical landscape ever since. The band apparently had some in-fighting problems but have reconciled and plan to return in 2010 with their upcoming, sophomore LP, entitled Say It.
“Sole Brother” is a downright funky groove, complete with some howling back vocals and an infectious guitar line. It’s crazy that the whitest of white kids from Canada can put together a blues/pop sensation like this song, but they definitely did an outstanding job. I’m telling you guys . . . watch out for Canada . . .
MP3: “Sole Brother” – Born Ruffians
- Born Ruffians Official Website
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I’ve always been a sucker for the Bloc Party/Minus The Bear connection of Foals. The super-groovers have just released a new single for their upcoming album, Total Life Forever, to be released on May 10th.
“Spanish Sahara” is a bit more moody and mellow than anything they’ve put out in the past, but it’s a nice departure. Foals leans more on their Minus The Bear atmospheric qualities than they do the dancefloor panic side of Bloc Party. “Spanish Sahara” takes a few moments to acclimate yourself to, but once you do, it’s a beautiful thing.
- Foals Official Site
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Ever since getting turned onto Mumford & Sons via their Sigh No More album, I’ve had a hard time listening to anything but. Being a country-born kid just makes you have this affinity for the stomping folk music that these guys make.
The only downside being that I could see these guys invading the US just to take our women. I’m sure it’s some English version of 300 with a folk rock twist . . . Gerard Butler with a guitar. Nevertheless, hailing from London, Mumford & Sons make the kind of authentic folk music that keeps taverns and pubs in song and dance for months. Good to see some old-school taking its place in the new wave of artsy rock.
MP3: “Little Lion Man” – Mumford & Sons
- Mumford & Sons Official Site
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Zooey Deschanel and M Ward’s retro-epic little side project, She & Him, is the closest thing to 50’s/60’s crooning that we’ll ever get. On the first single from the upcoming Volume 2, things were just a little bit more playful. On “Thieves”, thing gets a bit more serious and Deschanel really shows off her retro-knowledge.
There’s nothing to hate about She & Him and Zooey is just so damned lovable. She’s like a cross between a new age Patsy Cline and Nancy Sinatra. Seriously . . . who in their right mind could ever stay mad at her? Whoever broke her heart is seriously going to pay . . . big time. Sorry Ben Gibbard.
- She & Him Official Site
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MP3: “Conscience Killer” – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
At 4am with a wicked case of insomnia, there was nothing more refreshing than this new single from BRMC. I was on a serious Clash and Rolling Stones stint before I heard this and I swear I could smell the leather jackets (not that it’s a good thing). “Conscience Killer” is the second single released from the upcoming “Beat The Devil’s Tattoo” LP and definitely follows suit with dirty garage rock, albeit a bit more of a straight-forward rocker than the earlier southern twang of the title track.
I like that fact that BRMC is featuring their female percussionist a bit more . . . Leah Shapiro’s vocals shine through a bit more in the background of “Conscience Killer”. I can definitely see this track gracing a skate video or two in the future.
- BRMC Official Site
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MP3: “Your Hands (Together)” – The New Pornographers
The New Pornographers, despite rumors of their imminent demise, have returned to the studio and have a full-length due out May 4. This first single definitely makes New Pornographers’ fans anxious for the upcoming album . . . The huge band of gypsy musicians that they are breeds a HUGE sound on the track. “Your Hands (Together)” is an epic, percussive single that makes me think of old 1980’s cop movies for some reason. Perhaps I’ve just had too much morning coffee and the repetitive rolls and cymbal crashes are a bit much this morning.
Besides . . . I swear I’m hearing lyrics about Lee Majors or something.
Together is out on Matador, May 4.
- New Pornographers Official Site
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MP3: “The Ghosts That Wake You” – Follow That Bird!
I’ve been reading a lot of stuff online about how great Follow That Bird! is. I’ve seen a few pictures of the above ladies, sitting quietly by themselves, painting a content little pop-band. I definitely thought I was about to hear another synth-pop band. Fortunately, I was wrong.
Follow That Bird! is a dirty, bluesy, rock band that reminds me of B.R.M.C. and even has elements of old David Bowie riffs. Great song and a great band that I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on.
- Follow That Bird on Myspace
- Support Follow That Bird on
Mp3: “Under The Milky Way” (Church Cover) – The Happy Hollows
To begin with, “Under The Milky Way” is a cover of The Church’s eclectic creeper from the Donnie Darko soundtrack. The Happy Hollows have definitely given the song a redecoration and made it into a stunning shoegazer for the electro-age.
If you haven’t heard The Hollows’ latest album, Spells, you’re missing out on a whole lot of rock that you’d never expect from the band posted here. Spells will garage-fuzz-kick your ass. Autumn Tone has a winner on their hands.
- Autumn Tone Records
- The Happy Hollows on Myspace
- Support The Happy Hollows on
