Video: Real Estate - "Basement" (Live @ CMJ)

First let me apologize for the lack of any posts in the last few weeks. Lots going on right now, both good and bad. With that being said, let's get back to the music!

Those of you that know me, also know that I have been hyping New Jersey band Real Estate quite a bit. Real Estate create a laid back lo-fi surf sound that really grabs and holds. Their debut album is out on November 17th and is one of my most highly anticipated releases for this year. I have heard a bunch of their songs and have yet to run into one I didn't like. Along with about 1200 other bands, Real Estate were recently in New York for the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival. Here is an excellent video of one of their performances. Before you watch this, realize that this video was created by Ray Concepcion, who has a unique approach. Quite enjoyable I must say. Oh yeah, gotta love the PBR towards the beginning in the background.



The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner: Real Estate [Part 3 of 14] from Ray Concepcioñ on Vimeo.

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

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

New Blitzen Trapper Video - "Black River Killer"

Portland band Blitzen Trapper's new video for song "Black River Killer" is an impressive one to say the least. Full of nifty cinematic tricks, the video augments quite well the storytelling nature of this song.

Meanwhile, Blitzen Trapper continue to work on their follow-up to 2008's Furr.

Horse Feathers - "Working Poor"

Horse Feathers, yet another outstanding band from Portland (go figure!), released their second LP House With No Home late last year. As was the case on their debut album Words Are Dead, Horse Feathers excel at the acoustic folk thing. Essentially a string band in their makeup, they "pluck instead of pick and never fiddle, and percussion is limited to the arrhythmic clatter of pots and pans" as one review so aptly described. I've often found myself wishing they would just let loose with some good old Appalachian bluegrass. Yet this plucking delineates their style and distinguishes their music from other acts. As is the case with most music with staying power, the songs of Horse Feathers are an acquired taste and their songs sink in gradually. Horse Feathers has completely sunk in for me and I find myself continually going back for more.

This video is the live version of "Working Poor" and "Curs In The Weeds" from House With No Home.

The Gaslight Anthem - 'The '59 Sound'

The Gaslight Anthem is a band that is most certainly on the rise. They hail from New Jersey which also happens to be home to one of rock's greatest icons, Bruce Springsteen. However, it appears that this is more than just a fun fact when the band describes their sound as "Bruce Springsteen singing for a Cure cover band, with a tinge more aggression." As someone who acquired a deep passion for The Boss while growing up, I can certainly hear his influence in the music of The Gaslight Anthem. I also hear a touch of Arcade Fire in their sound. Considering The Gaslight Anthem to be a mix of these distinct but brilliant artists is no knock in my book. I guess the only question that remains is will my 2 year old son find this song as danceable as he did 'House of Mirrors' by Doves.

Their second album, The '59 Sound, released in August of last year.

Here is the video for the title track. The mp3 version of the song is directly below the video.





The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

Woods - Rain on (Live Video)

Fresh out of hiatus, I am back with a strong recommendation for the band Woods. Woods is a lo-fi group I just discovered. I cannot say enough about their new album Songs of Shame...It is that good. I anticipate it will be in my top 3 of 2009.

The album really ingrains itself to you and you will find yourself wanting to hear it over and over again. I cannot sum up Woods sounds any better than this quote from Pitchfork: Woods created a distinctive blend of spooky campfire folk, lo-fi rock, homemade tape collages, and other noisy interludes, all anchored by deceptively sturdy melodies.

Seriously now, I am trying to figure out how I am now just hearing about these guys. Their two other albums are amazing too. Well have a listen. Also, check out the new lala player on the right side of the blog. In there you can check out some more songs by Woods. Lots of lo-fi ear candy!

Here is their song 'Rain On', performed live:

New Video - Bonnie "Prince" Billy: I Am Goodbye

Singer-Songwriter Bonnie "Prince" Billy (aka Will Oldham) will release his latest album, Beware on March 17th. I am a big fan of his music and would highly recommend giving a listen. Here is the video for his new song "I Am Goodbye".

New U2 Video - "Breathe"

Fresh off U2's performance last night on Letterman (the first of five nights in a row on Letterman), here is the video for "Breathe". U2 Live = Amazing!

U2's new album, No Line On The Horizon was released today.

J. Tillman Video - "Firstborn"

J. Tillman (aka Josh Tillman) is a Seattle-based artist who is also the drummer for Fleet Foxes. This is the video for J. Tillman's song "Firstborn", which is on his 2008 album Vacilando Territory Blues. Very cool, laid-back sound. I will have to soon check out the rest of J. Tillman's album!

Oh by the way...You'll notice that J. Tillman's Fleet Foxes band mates were part of the effort on "Firstborn".

'Nothing To Worry About' Video - Peter Bjorn and John

Peter Bjorn and John's newest album Living Thing comes out on March 31st. The first single on the album is 'Nothing To Worry About'. The song has been getting a good amount of playtime on SiriXM U. This song is very unique and I particularly like the sounds of the drums. It also features backup vocals by a bunch of kids. Very cool! Here is the just released video for 'Nothing To Worry About'. The video, while amusing, fits quite nicely as the song does give you the feel of being in a different culture.



Peter Bjorn and John "Nothing To Worry About"