Wavves - "King of the Beach"

Seeing as how I just got home from a King of the Beach themed party last night, it only feels right to post this rad little gem of an album.

I typically don't trust Rolling Stone to give me good music or accurate reviews, but when they mentioned a band with a guy named Nathan singing accompanied by some long haired looking surfer dude in a Misfits shirt singing and playing a jazzmaster, I had to check them out. I wasn't dissapointed.
Wavves is the brainchild of Nathan Williams. Though it started with solo recordings from a bedroom, this was the first album he recorded with a full backing band (Jay Reatard's backing band, actually) in a full on studio, and its right about when Wavves stopped being an interesting little noise experiment and became a fun, unique band. Alot of people like to hate on Wavves (or so I have heard,) saying they are boring and un original. I say nay, you haters. Wavves rules!
It's beach ready fuzz pop, with a dash of punk thrown here and there. There's a ton of Beach Boys-style "oooohs" and Ramones buzzsaw riffs, with even a hint of 90's alternative here and there. Think Nirvana, if Kurt Cobain surfed and smoked weed instead of shot heroin. Whats real interesting, however, is the occasional exploration into noise rock and shoegaze they make, sandwiching optimistic sounding pop punk riffs with really surreal effects and lyrics. The production strikes just the right balance of slick sheen and lo fi noise, making for an organic -yet raw- sound. Its funny because I tend to prefer a bands lo-fi origins compared to its production heavy evolution, but I think Wavves went from a middle of the road noise project to a legitiment musical force with better sound quality and a full band. Just dont expect any deeper lyrics then mediations on girls, having fun, smoking up, and (you guessed it) the beach.
Overall, the album is brilliant in a really bratty, fun way. It juxtaposes all that sunny American good time surfer soul shit with tight, mean sounding riffs and apathetic values that cuts open the throat lets all the sunshine out. 60's slackers had surfing and lazing, modern day slackers have... Wavves. Or whatever. Its a really good record, so enjoy!

1. King Of The Beach
2. Super Soaker
3. Idiot
4. When Will You Come
5. Post Acid
6. Take On The World
7. Baseball Cards
8. Convertible Balloon
9. Green Eyes
10. Mickey Mouse
11. Linus Spacehead
12. Baby Say Goodbye


DL link here!



PS, here's me being a King of the Beach.

The Exploding Hearts - "Guitar Romantic"

So here's a sad story for yea.
A bunch of perfect looking young adults get together to write some of the most perfect music ever made. They make one sole, brilliant, underrated album. And then they get in a car crash after a gig and 3 of the 4 core members die far to young. Saddest story in a long time, especially after you listen to this one album of what could have been.
What could have been is one of the most influential power pop/rock bands ever. Seriously, I'm not exagerating, this entire album is just perfectly made and produced. The songs all sound different yet consistant, packing enough poppy garage punk jams with romance and cheap thrills to get your rocks off. Its poppy enough to appeal to the little girl in everybody yet raw enough to still feel legit. The lyrics are clever, fun, light hearted yet full of timeless teenage angst and mature longing. Its like a John Hughes movie and an episode of Happy Days had break up sex and spawned a baby that plays music. Oh and the best part? These old 70's sounding souls were active in the early 2000's. Bet you wouldnt have guessed that!
So download this and listen to a snapshot of what could have been. Best songs include "Throwaway Style" and "I'm a Pretender," for fans of dancable pop music that you wont feel guilty for listening to. Also, a great alternative to that "Moves Like Jagger" bullshit.

1. Modern Kicks
2. I'm A Pretender
3. Thorns In Roses
4. You're Black & Blue
5. Sleeping Aides & Razor Blades
6. Rumours in Town
7. Throwaway Style
8. Boulevard Trash
9. Jailbird
10. Still Crazy


DL Link here!

(ALSO GUYS, It is officially halloween season! which means plenty of schlocky horror movies, music, and dress up shows! expect a post on what to check out this october real soon.)

Yip Deceiver - Self Titled EP

I had the good fortune of seeing these guys open for Gobble Gobble at Tubby Dog over Sled Island this year. It was basically a bunch of hipsters doing this awkward (but fun) backward/forward rooster style lean dance to this LOUD pop music being made by this wall of synths and drum machines while a ton of lights went off and hot dogs were thrown about. It was a total blast.
Yip Deceiver is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Davey Pierce, who may be better known for his work with of Montreal (though honestly, I dig this WAY more then of Montreal!) Now, its something of a collaborative project.
They play a really bouncy, fun take on 80's new wave and electronica, mixing synths and clever lyrics with indie melodies and a sheen of tasteful autotune ontop of the vocals. They really nail this nostalgic, teenage heartthrob sound with all of there gloss and glam. Normally, that kind of thing sickens me but its played so earnestly and goofily by these guys, I can't help but move move shake shake. It also kinda sounds like 8-Bit SNES videogame backround music, which is just straight up rad.
Its perfect pop music played electronically, and its just insanely catchy and weird and fun. Have I said weird enough? Have I used to many adjectives? You get the idea. Iits impossible to listen to these songs without bobbing your head!

1. Obnoxia
2. For All The Haters
3. Sadie Hawkins Day
4. Get Strict
5. Sadie Hawkins Day (Lonely Paul remix)

DL link here!

Braids - "Native Speaker"

I do yoga to Braids. I know thats a weird statement to start with, but it should give an idea of just how calming and amazing this band is.

Braids is an indie pop/art rock band from Calgary that lost a high school battle of the bands to a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. I saw them open for Deerhunter at Sled Island, and it was pretty mind expanding. They layer spacious, warmly melodic sounds and dynamic vocals with a perfect flow. If this all sounds a bit heavy handed to you, dont worry - they sound really playful and optimistic, but not overly so! Each song on this debut CD averages about 6 to 8 minutes long, but it never feels that long. They dont drag, and it constantly compels.
Its pretty amazing how they manage to both create such layers and walls of music while wrapping it around tight, catchy tunes. They transcend age and genres. There music just makes sense, in a really undescribable way. They speak to you, and listen to you.
They just really rule is what I'm trying to say, and I hope you dig them!

1. Lemonade
2. Plath Heart
3. Glass Deers
4. Native Speaker
5. Lammicken
6. Same Mum
7. Little Hand

DL here!

The Max Levine Ensemble - OK Smartypants

I find it hard to believe I haven't talked about these guys before on this blog; they only happen to be one of my favorite bands currently active. Oh well, better late then never.
I have posted before about the wonderful D.I.Y collective known as Plan-It X Records. In case you didn't read it way back when, they are a do-it-yourself record label rub by Chris Clavin. A diverse nucleus of bands, ranging from indie to folk (including some of my favorite bands, like Defiance Ohio and This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb) operate out of it, often sharing members with one another. The Max Levine Ensemble is one of them.
A classic three piece pop punk band in the spirit of Screeching Weasel and Blink 182, The Max Levine Ensemble was actually once a fast paced third wave ska band. They were fantastic back then, and they are fantastic now. Always love it when a band can evolve without sucking. Please also understand that when I say pop punk, I mean a punk band that plays poppy, catchy riffs. I don't mean Warped Tour style, basketball jersey clad "Pop Punk" (which has its place, dont get me wrong.)
They play bratty, irresistable pop riffs with surprisingly complex structures and deep lyrics that touch on concepts like hometowns, loss, terrible radio stations, and that girl you once loved who changes with the seasons. Its all done up tempo with the kind of energy that only comes with youth. Don't miss this band while they are still young, everything they have done is amazing. This just happens to be my favorite album.
For a D.I.Y album, the production is surprisingly slick and each song fades into the next... this only add's to it. Alot of "punk" bands shy away from nice production, but The Max Levine Ensemble embraces and loves it.
Track highlights are "Nuclearadio" and "Summer, Like The Season." Enjoy this album like you enjoy the summer!

1. One Click.
2. Thrash Mt. Towson.
3. Firetoowwweerrr.
4. Aren't All Songs Political? Are’nt All Songs Vaguely Self Referential?
5. Nuclearadio.
6. The Accident.
7. Small Talk. ( Blah, Blah, Blah )
8. Love, Capital L
9. You’re Bitter.
10. Franny And Hooey.
11. Complex Machines.
12. The Loss.
13. Summer, Like The Season.
14. I Loved To Watch Them…

The Max Levine Ensemble, in true D.I.Y fashion, post all of there music online for free download. Go to their official website, scroll to the album, and download it for free Here!

Grown Ups - PRETTY MUCH FUCKING EVERYTHING THEY'VE RECORDED

Sorry I havent posted in awhile, I am deep in the run of a play right now! I'm done December 30th however and all will be back on schedule!
Quick post from work, this is one of my new favorite local Calgary bands. The Grown Up's play summer bummer punk, scummy and fuzzy but still poppy enough to fit on a nineties mix tape. Its brainless in the brainiest possible way.
If Sex Bob Omb was a real band, they would wanna play in basements with these guys. They're all super friendly people, the music is super catchy, and I saw these dudes play Duderanch.... 'nough said. There has been some lineup changes recently but you wouldn't know it to see or hear them! They've posted all there recordings for free download so have at her. Enjoy!


DL Link here!

Peachcake - "What Year Will You have The World?"

This kinda stuff always puts a smile on my face, and I swear it'll slap a big ole grin on yours to! Upbeat electronic dream pop with a breezy yet enveloping sound, Peachcake plays quirky little tunes that leave a handprint on your soul, be it small or large. Drum machines may have no soul, but Peachcake sure tries, and the unique synth riffs decorate everything like candycanes on a christmas tree! Not only that, there lyrics are super catchy, blending snarky puns on famous catchphrases and songs with genuine feelings and soul.
Its sweet without being sugary, airy without floating to much. You gotta chill out and slip away from all the noise of this world every now and then. Put this on at the end of a bad week and you will look back and laugh, I know I have! (track 2 is my fave) =]

1. Welcome to the Party to Save the World!
2. Are Your People Ready to Shrink Continents?!
3. Did I Just do That, or was it Jim Carrey?
4. How to Get to the Moon and Back on a Half a Tank of Gas (As Told by the Great Racecar Driver From Outer-Space)
5. Flight of the Space Owl: The Contentions of the Great Space Panda...
6. Souls Have No Drum Machine
7. Make Movement, Not War!
8. Stop Acting Like You Know More About the Internet Cafe Than Me
9. Kyle's Words of Wisdom (Section 2 Part 39)
10. Need Room? We Have Space! (December 22nd)
11. Nervous Breakdance!
12. Jeremiah, Stop Taking Bukowski So Seriously...
13. Keep the World Safe, Tony Soprano
14. Welcome to the Post-Apocalypto Mall
15. The Song of the Century!

DL Link here!

The Kooks - "Inside In/Inside Out"

Music for the summer!

My girlfriend showed me these guys when we first met. Great band, really upbeat feel and sublimely catchy choruses. I'd go ahead and call this "indie," but theres even a slight brit pop influence here. Anyways, its really suited for the summer. Super fun, uptempo music thats good to skate or longboard to! "Eddies Gun" has gotta be my favorite track.

1. Seaside

2. See The World

3. Sofa King

4. Eddie's Gun

5. Ooh La La

6. You Don't Love Me

7. She Moves In Her Own Way

8. Matchbox

9. Naive

10. I Want You

11. If Only

12. Jackie Big Tits

13. Time Awaits

14. Got No Love

15. Do You Love Me Still?

DL Link
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XQQ3RMWJ