Gorillaz - "Revolving Doors"

When I heard Gorillaz were releasing an album created in its entirety on the Ipad, needless to say I was intrigued.

Here is one of the standout tracks from Gorillaz' new album, The Fall:

Gorillaz - Revolving Doors

Best Songs of 2010 - Chasing The Sirens' Favorite 30 Songs

2010 was an epic year and that doesn't even adequately describe it. A ton of great albums of a wide assortment. Picking my Top 20 albums (listed in sidebar to the right) was very tough and there are some omissions no doubt.

Picking my top songs was even more challenging. Nonetheless, I made my obligatory list of favorite songs. Let me know your thoughts on these and anything else I may have missed this year.


1. Deerhunter - Desire Lines

2. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round

3. Arcade Fire - Spawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains

4. Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo

5. Deerhunter - He Would Have Laughed

6. Toro Y Moi - Low Shoulder

7. The War On Drugs - Comin' Through

8. The Walkmen - Stranded

9. The Moondoggies - It's A Shame It's A Pity

10. Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait

11. Girls - Carolina

12. Janelle Monae - Tightrope

13. Wild Nothing - Chinatown

14. Surfer Blood - Anchorage

15. The National - Lemonworld

16. Twin Shadow - Castles In The Snow

17. Glasser - Apply

18. The Hold Steady - The Weekenders

19. Futurebirds - Battle For Rome

20. Belle & Sebastian - The Ghost of Rockschool

21. Toro Y Moi - Minors

22. Keep Shelly In Athens - Cremona Memories

23. Reading Rainbow - Wasting Time

24. S. Carey - In The Dirt

25. Freelance Whales - Enzymes

26. Woods - Blood Dries Darker

27. Arcade Fire - Suburban War

28. Lower Dens - Hospice Gates

29. Best Coast - Crazy For You

30. Tennis - Marathon

I'm Back!!! - December 2010 Mix

I'm back to write about music that is invading my sphere and subsequently, share it with you.

Here is a mix I made on the newly discovered website, 8tracks.com. Enjoy this mix of new and old folky gems.

Tracklist after the jump:





Back To My Roots (New & Old) - Christmas 2010 Mix
1. Tomorrow Is A Long Time - Bob Dylan
2. Badlands - Bruce Springsteen
3. World Leader Pretend - R.E.M.
4. Down By The Water - The Decemberists
5. Blackbird Through The Dark - Patrick Park
6. For The Summer - Ray LaMontagne
7. Great Rejoicing - Thad Cockrell
8. If The Creek Don't Rise - Dylan LeBlanc
9. Road - Nick Drake
10. Area Code - The Samples
11. Hold It In - Siskiyou
12. Let Go Lightly - Donovan Woods
13. How Long - Dire Straits
14. Carbon Ribs - John Mark McMillan
15. He Set Me Free - Thad Cockrell
16. A Lot of People On My Mind - The Moondoggies
17. My Hometown - Bruce Springsteen
18. When You Coming Home - Widespread Panic
19. Family - Caedmon's Call
20. God of My Fathers - Andrew Peterson
21. Christmas Lights - Coldplay

Surfer Blood - "Swim (To Reach The End)

Continuing with my recent surf theme, the name of this band should strike a chord with my brother Chip. During his last PA rotation in San Diego, Chip's was enjoying a nice break on the left coast. However, after a fall, his surfboard decided it was quitting time and came out of nowhere to split open his head. Needless to say with head wounds, there was much blood.

The band, Surfer Blood, is actually from the right coast, West Palm Beach, Florida. Their first proper album, Astro Coast, is due out on January 19th. They take that 80's sound, which is still gaining momentum amongst indie band these days, and drench it with a fair amount of reverb. This cut is instantly gratifying and I anticipate hearing more from Surfer Blood.

Artist: Surfer Blood
Label: Kanine Records
Style: Surf Rock
Fact: "None of us surf"




Song: Swim(To Reach The End)

Ola Podrida - "The Closest We Will Ever Be"

Been slacking again lately my people...my sorryness (like my new word?) to you. In an effort to bring you more posts and hence, more great music, I am going to trim down my posts a bit. Will post the music and let it speak for itself for the most part.

With that being said, here is a song by lo-fi songwriter, Ola Podrida. The more I listen to him, the more I want to hear. His second LP, Belly of the Lion, came out on November 10th.


Artist: Ola Podrida
Label: Western Vinyl
Style:  Lo-Fi Songwriter
Fact:   Real Name is David Wingo and he is actually a film composer.



Song:  The Closest We Will Ever Be

The Drums - "Let's Go Surfing"

Mentioned this highly addictive song by The Drums to my brother last night. Since he and my other brother were just catching waves in sunny San Diego, thought it was a perfect time to post it. Oh yeah, did I mention I am jealous that they were surfing without me! At any rate, this song has been catching a good amount of buzz on the blogs. I guess I will add to it.

The Drums are actually from the right coast (brooklyn, NY) and have an excellent EP out titled "Summertime!". Not sure I like saying this but this song, the chorus in particular, reminds me a bit of early Weezer. I think a swell is coming this weekend....Let's Go Surfing!


The Drums - Let's Go Surfing

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.

Local Natives - "Wide Eyes"

The more I hear from California band, Local Natives, the more impressed I am. As you know, I recently touted them and their excellent song "Sun Hands". Their unique brand of indie folk is quite infectious. Here track number one, "Wide Eyes", from their upcoming album Gorilla Manor. Check out the percussion on this song, too cool. Cannot wait to hear the rest of the album which hits on 11/2. Keep a close eye on these guys!

Local Natives - Wide Eyes

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