Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - "The Sound"

If you want a guy to root for, why not Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. This New York (by way of Portland and Eugene, Oregon) singer-songwriter tried his hand at several bands that ultimately failed and with only addiction left at his side, wound up homeless on Coney Island. But for this talented artist, thankfully the story doesn't end there. In 2006, with the help of close friends from bands TV On The Radio and Grizzly Bear, Miles began recording his self-titled debut in his apartment. The album was released to very strong reviews in 2008.

Here is a fitting description of his first album from Last.fm:

The album begins with the demented campfire sing-a-long, “Buriedfed” - a dirge disguised as a rave-up it sets the pace for an album filled with unrepentant confessions and takes the listener through a sardonic narrative, detailing loss, excess, and blurred memories.

Here in the present, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is set to release his follow-up album, Summer of Fear, on Oct. 20th. Amazingly, he is already hinting that he will begin recording album number three very soon.

Here are two songs to check out: "The Sound" from upcoming album Summer of Fear and "Woodfriend" from his self-titled release.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - The Sound

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Woodfriend

Kurt Vile - "Blackberry Song"

If you have read my previous posts, you will know that I really like Philly native Kurt Vile and his brand of lo-fi goodness. His newest album "Childish Prodigy", and first with Matador Records, will be out in one week. To get you ready for what should be one of the best records of 2009, here is another cut from that album.

Kurt Vile - Blackberry Song

Even better, you can stream "Childish Prodigy" in its entirety HERE.

Washed Out - "Feel It All Around"

At this point, chill-wave band Washed Out has been blogged more times than Barry has been asked about health care. Nonetheless, I will add my post to the mix. Washed Out is actually the recording moniker for Georgia native Ernest Greene, another bedroom composer. Listening to Washed Out literally makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the 80's. Their song "Feel It All Around" conjured up feelings of being about 11 years old, sitting on the enclosed front porch watching "Miami Vice" on my parent's enormous console TV. It must be those drums and synthesizers. Regardless of the feelings, it is one of the best songs of 2009.




Washed Out - "Feel It All Around"

Chase This Track: Real Estate - "Beach Comber"

Today is my wonderful wife's birthday (happy bday sweetie!), so I guess it is appropriate that this post is about the band Real Estate since she works in that field. Real Estate is not easy and my wife is amazing in the way she balances a tough job with the boundless duties of a mom. Besides all that, she is an incredible wife. Alright, if my sappiness hasn't already 'chased' you away, we'll move back into the music.

As for this Real Estate, they create music that comes across as effortless and unforced. Real Estate is another perfecter of the fuzzy lo-fi folk (been an unbelievable year for this style) that is taking up more and more real estate space on my Ipod. Real Estate is signed to the excellent Woodist label (Ganglians, Woods) and this immensely talented act releases their debut LP on Nov. 17. Their song "Beach Comber" is outstanding and aptly whets the appetite for the full-length album. Here's hoping my wife enjoys the song too!


Real Estate - Beach Comber

New Video: Banjo or Freakout - "I Feel Like Going Home"

Banjo or Freakout is a one-man bedroom band from London that has just recently caught my attention. Banjo or Freakout (aka Alessio) create amazing psychedelic lo-fi music that simultaneously gives you a sense of unease and calm.

He just released the video for his Yo La Tengo cover of "I Feel Like Going Home." Here it is:



Also, check out his song "Upside Down":

Banjo or Freakout - Upside Down

Chase This Track: Local Natives - "Sun Hands"

Silverlake, California's Local Natives are a band I recommend you keep a close eye on in the coming months. I recently heard their song, "Sun Hands", and was instantly enamored. They have this tight 3-piece harmony (read: Fleet Floxes) thing going on. Apparently Local Natives have already completed the recording of their debut album. Yet to this point, the album is unnamed and they remain unsigned. With songs like "Sun Hands", I would expect some smart indie label to snatch Local Natives up very soon.


Local Natives - Sun Hands

Welcome To: Chasing The Sirens

Welcome All My Fellow Indie Music Lovers!!!

As you should have now noticed, I have recently changed the name of this blog to Chasing The Sirens. In an effort to relieve any confusion, I wanted to let you know why I have changed the name of this blog and the inspiration behind 'Chasing The Sirens'.

As early as I can remember, one of my favorite sounds was that of the siren. It sparked in me a want to know what the sirens were for and find the action. I have very distinct memories as a boy of hearing sirens in the distance grow in intensity, multiply, and move ever closer. Ask my mom about this and she will tell you the same stories....as she was just like me! With my Radio Shack plug-in scanner by my side, I would listen intently for all the details of this emergency call.

But it did not stop there. In my mind, the logical next step was to find the action or more accurately find the fire. Many times my mom and dad and I (and my brothers) would jump in the car and chase the sirens. I remember driving all over our surrounding neighborhoods doing just this. One expression often heard in these moments was "I think I smell smoke!" Although many times we came up empty in our search, I have vivid recollections of chasing the sirens and finding fires. On one particular New Year's Eve, our neighbor's house caught on fire when a log rolled off their basement fireplace. Not even the shin-high snow nor the sub-zero temperatures could keep us from chasing across the big field that separated the houses. We would not be denied all the particulars of this unexpected incident.

So now, as a 30-something adult, I still love 'chasing the sirens'. In many ways, my love for music (specifically indie music) leads to similar encounters. A great song is heard and immediately the chase is on to know more about the song, the band, the style, etc. I don't stop until I 'Find the Fire'. I want and need to know all the particulars of great music that is so unknown to the majority of people.

So there it is...Chasing The Sirens.

My hope is that after visiting my blog you will be onto your own 'chase' after hearing some really great and under-appreciated music.

Thanks for stopping by!

Derek

Du's Cut of the Day - Sunnybrook - "Waving Hands"

Continuing with music that kindles nostalgia and longing, here is a track from Denton, Texas artist Sunnybrook. Listen to the song and tell me if it doesn't quickly hook you with its acoustic guitar picking, layered harmonies, and those handclaps. Sunnybrook's debut album on Lefse Records will be out in the Spring of 2010. Sunnybrook's sound has been compared to...Any guesses???

Sunnybrook - Waving Hands

Du's Cut of the Day : Revolvers - "Apocalypse Surfin'

Going to post one newly discovered song everyday. These will be cuts that are at the top of my rotation. I won't say much on these songs but will hope to hear your opinions, good or bad.

Unsigned Toronto band, Revolvers, craft a lo-fi Beach Boys sound on this song, "Apocalypse Surfin'. As another summer winds down, savor the warm (or maybe really hot) days with this gem.











Revolvers - Apocalypse Surfin'

Weinland - "Sunken Eyes"

When your lead singer has a voice that gets comparisons to Neil Young and a band chemistry that is undeniable, chances are you will get some recognition. Such is the case for Portland, Oregon indie outfit Weinland. Led by John Adam Weinland Shearer, Weinland chart their course through the americana, folk, and alt-country musical landscapes. If you can imagine Neil Young doing his best Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) imitation, you are closely approaching the sound of Weinland. La Lementor was Weinland's first LP and was released in early 2008 to outstanding reviews. Their second album, Breaks In The Sun, is out now and is also very highly recommended.

Ironically, my brother Chip and his wife Audrey just had the opportunity to catch Weinland live in downtown Portland at the Muddy Boot Organic Festival. Sounds like fun and something my wife would have really enjoyed too (keyword: organic)! Maybe Chip and/or Audrey will let us know more about Weinland's show at the festival.

Here is the exceptional first track from Breaks In The Sun:

Weinland - Sunken Eyes

Finally, here is a video of them playing "God Here I Come" live from their album La Lamentor. I chose this video because it displays both the band chemistry and the humorous side of lead singer Adam Shearer.

Atlas Sound - "Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox)"

One of my favorite summer anthems is easily Atlas Sound's song "Walkabout" off the upcoming (Oct. 20) album, Logos. Atlas Sound is the solo project of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox. His first album under the Atlas Sound moniker, Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel, got excellent reviews. The sound can best be described as very distinct songs with hazy atmospherics. However, the new song "Walkabout", which happens to feature Panda Bear's Noah Lennox, has a poppier feel to it. The song has a definitive Panda Bear sound to it with the Beach Boys like harmonies. Further, the high-pitched organ loop adds much to the song and has a way of bringing you back for more and more. We will soon find out if the rest of Logos will be of a similar sound....I certainly hope so!

In the meantime, take a listen to "Walkabout":




Atlas Sound - Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox)

A.A. Bondy - "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing"

Continuing in the singer-songwriter vain, another artist that is frequenting my speakers of late is A.A. Bondy. On his second album, When The Devil's Loose (released on 9/1), A.A. Bondy continues the rootsy/alt country style of his first album, American Hearts. Although Bondy, in my opinion, is reminiscent of an early Ryan Adams, his songs tend to be slow, or more accurately, unhurried and deliberate. This is not a negative as the words and emotions in each song are fleshed out and clearly evident. I'm fairly certain if you give a listen, you won't be disappointed.



Here is one of the faster songs from When The Devil's Loose:

A.A. Bondy - I Can See The Pines Are Dancing


Also, an excellent cut from his first album, American Hearts:

A.A. Bondy - There's A Reason

 

Langhorne Slim

Do you all know Langhorne Slim? I am wondering how I could just now be discovering this guy. Just heard his new song (from his upcoming and newest album), "I Love You, But Goodbye". This folk singer was born as Sean Scolnick and is originally from Langhorne, Pennsylvania (near Trenton, NJ). Pretty sweet name and one that sticks. It reminds me of another guy they called 'Slim' who I got to see play with Portland's Pagan Jug Band. Anyway, Langhorne's songs sunk their teeth into me from the beginning. He reminds me of a mix of Josh Ritter and a little-know artist from Montana named Aaron Parrett. Great songwriting with a nice blend of sounds and instruments.

Langhorne Slims newest album, Be Set Free, releases on September 29th.

Here is the video for his newest song, "I Love You, But Goodbye":



Here is one of the excellent songs from his 2008 self-titled album, "Restless":


Langhorne Slim - Restless

Obscurity Observed: Henry Pedro

Today I am starting a new section called Obscurity Observed. My aim in these posts is to reveal songs/artists long since forgotten, 1000's of miles off the radar, or just entirely under-appreciated. One of my thrills in regards to music, is hearing old and yet timeless stuff that is atypical of your run-of-the-mill classic genres.

With that said, I will break in this section with a song from Henry Pedro. I first heard this song on xm radio and it immediately stood out. After searching and searching, I do not know anything about this guy they call Henry. I do know this...Almost immediately, the song sparks memories of finding some unknown artist's record in my parent's cabinet, dropping it onto that old RCA record player, and hearing the scratches as the needle cuts its way across songs that will forever be etched in my mind.



So here is the song, "Midnight Sun" by Henry Pedro:

Henry Pedro - Midnight Sun