News on The Music, The Message

Good Old Single

December 13, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Stream/download Good Old War‘s new single “Calling Me Names” at Bandcamp. The single comes from their new album Come Back As Rain due out March 6, 2012 on Sargent House Records.

See the album art and track listing at Paste.

fun. Post New Single

December 13, 2011 by Dave Giumara

You can stream the new single from fun. titled “One Foot” below. The song is taken from their upcoming album Some Nights in stores on February 21st.

Fun.: One Foot by Fueled By Ramen

Of Montreal Release New Album and Single

December 13, 2011 by Dave Giumara

of Montreal has announced the release of their new album, Paralytic Stalks, which will be available on February 7th, 2012. You can listen to the first single “Wintered Debts” off the album below.

Wintered Debts by of Montreal

School of Seven Bells Release New Single

December 6, 2011 by Dave Giumara

School of Seven Bells will be releasing their new album Ghostory on February 28th. You can stream the first single titled “The Night” below.

School of Seven Bells – The Night (New Song) by Vagrant Records

Handshakes Are Free

December 6, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Handshakes, featuring ex-members of Wintergreen, Sputnik Monroe, and Controlling the Famous, is offering their debut Cryptozoology at Bandcamp for free.

The band is currently working on their 1st full length due out in 2012.

Jonquil Debut Album Gets Release Date

November 30, 2011 by Dave Giumara

Jonquil announce their forthcoming full-length, Point of Go, set for a February 21st release with Dovecote Records. You can stream the first single “It’s My Part” below.

Jonquil – It’s My Part by Blessing Force

Friends Let Friends Borrow

November 30, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Burning House Records released a mini-compilation featuring Sam Means (ex-Format), Jarrod Gorbel (formerly Honorary Title), Tumbledown (Mike of MxPx), The Young Dudes (Rob and Patrick of Limbeck), Mansions and The Holy Rolling Empire covering each others songs which you can download at Bandcamp for only $1 or more.

All proceeds go directly to the San Francisco School Alliance.

Thrice Announce Hiatus

November 21, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

After 13 years, Thrice will be going on hiatus after their spring tour next year. You can read Dustin’s announcement at the band’s website.

I want to take a short moment to thank the band for molding me into the music connoisseur I am today. Most of, if not all, of the music I listen to today was either recommended or shaped by their sound and words over the past decade. If it were not for them KoЯn, Metallica and pre-80′s rock (the former is the only that has thankfully fallen by the wayside) might still be my only points of musical interest.

Fleet Foxes Video Premier

November 21, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Fleet Foxes‘ new video for “The Shrine/An Argument” is now available for viewing at Vimeo. The video was directed by Sean Pecknold (lead singer Robin’s brother for those keeping track) and is pulled off their stunning, gorgeous, amazing, spectacular, awe-inspiring sophomore album Helplessness Blues available now.

Colton Talks Panic Division

November 19, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Colton of The Panic Division recently spoke to AMP Magazine about the band’s upcoming album due out early next year.

Peek Inside The Garden Window

November 17, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

O’Brother released their long-awaited full length debut Garden Window this week. You can purchase the album digitally or pre-order the physical copy (due out January 10) here and receive an instant download of the record.

While you’re waiting for my interview and review, check out their Daytrotter session here.

Just An Animal Lonely Hunter Stream

November 17, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

LA-Based Just An Animal (formerly Red Cortez) are streaming their debut album Lonely Hunter at Bandcamp. The album is due out next Tuesday, November 22.

You can also download “Bombs” here (right click, save-as).

The Panic Division Look For Immortality

November 14, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

The Panic Division are completing work on their 3rd full length album, Eternalism, which is due out early next year. The track listing can be found below. Look for more updates and pre-orders for the album.

1. Marching Tide
2. Silver Rings
3. The Miracle in You
4. The Labor of Love
5. Shut Up and Leap
6. No Power Great Enough
7. Too Young to Fall
8. Melody Ave
9. Bleed
10. Lifeline
11. The Heart is in Bloom
12. Fireflies
13. Easier

O’Brother’s Garden Window Almost Here

November 11, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

O’Brother will release their long-awaited debut full length Garden Window this Tuesday, November 15 and I could NOT be more excited! Be on the look out for a barrage chocked with an interview as well as a glimpse into the album and live show later this week.

In the meantime, you HAVE to check out their live session at Audiotree done this past summer where you can preview 6 of the songs from Garden Window.

Travel The Rainbow Road With Rick

November 11, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Alvin Band, Rick “Alvin” Schaier of Miniature Tigers, is offering pre-orders for his Mario Bros.-inspired full length Rainbow Road at his website. The physical version will be available January 24, 2012 but you will receive an instant download of the entire album.

You can stream the album at the website before pre-ordering and download a 4-song sampler as well.

Erick Serna Offers LP For Free

November 11, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Erick Serna (formerly of The Dear Hunter) is offering his debut album, The Grip, free for download this weekend on Bandcamp.

Point 1: Free Music! Point 2: this is some great loud blues-influenced rock n’ roll. Fans of Black Keys should check this out.

Shearwater Announce Signing/Album Release

November 11, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Shearwater will release their Sub Pop debut Animal February 14. The band will embark on a 13 date North American tour opening for Sharon Van Etten beginning in February. See a full list of dates below.

2/10/2012           Philadelphia PA                Johnny Brenda’s
2/11/2012            Washington DC                 Black Cat
2/12/2012            Carrboro NC                      Cat’s Cradle
2/14/2012            Columbus OH                   Wexner Center
2/15/2012            Newport KY                       The Southgate House
2/16/2012            Chicago IL                          Lincoln Hall
2/17/2012            Chicago IL                          Lincoln Hall
2/18/2012            Minneapolis MN               Cedar Cultural Centre
2/21/2012            Toronto ON                        Lee’s Palace
2/22/2012            Montreal QC                      Il Motore
2/23/2012            Boston MA                         Paradise
2/24/2012            Brooklyn NY                      Music Hall of Williamsburg
2/25/2012            New York NY                     Bowery Ballroom

Jealous Sound in Jan

November 6, 2011 by Andrew Martin

Apparently, the new Jealous Sound record is going to be out at the end of January on The Militia Group. I spoke with a member of the Velvet Teen at a show here in San Francisco on Friday and he said the record is darker than the initial LP. I can’t wait.

Kiev, The Interview

November 3, 2011 by Matt Zimmerman

Alternative radio station/super powerhouse KROQ recently wrote up an article/interview with Robert Brinkerhoff (vocals, guitar) of Kiev which you can read here.

Also, if you are in the greater LA area, check out the end of the article for dates to their current residency.

Placebo DVD Out Now

November 2, 2011 by Dave Giumara

Placebo released their official live DVD/Blu-Ray called We Come in Pieces yesterday. The was show was filmed at London’s Brixton Academy in September 2010 and is a double DVD featuring 20 tracks. Check out the trailer here.