Hot Chip - Sensual Seduction

They’ve done it again…& by that I mean made a kick-ass cover of a song. This time they channeled Snoop Dogg’s latest “Sensual Seduction”.

Obviously, nothing can top the original but it’s still one for the collection.

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ADDITIONAL NOTE: Remember that they’re coming to First Avenue on Friday, April 18th! I missed them last year when they were here for “The Warning” so I’ve vouched that only death will keep me from this performance! Get your ticket!

The New Pornographers

ZOMG. Not a CD, but totally post-worthy.

The New Pornographers have been set to play Minneapolis at the Walker Art Center on June 21st. Not much more info than that, but we’ll keep you updated.

Look for a CD review soon…ish…maybe.

As Tall As Lions - As Tall As Lions

“sing into the moonlight,
who could ask for more?”

As Tall As Lions can soar like U2, groove like Days Away, get as technical as Gatsby’s American Dream, rock out like Brand New, experiment like The Mars Volta, and even emote like Damien Rice. Seamlessly streamlining these qualities, the band has turned out a surprisingly adult, grown-up, complete, hypnotic, entrancing, brave, and layered sophomore effort with lasting appeal to boot. I’m just about out of adjectives, but please don’t miss one of the best that 2006 has to offer. It requires more than a single listen to truly consume and digest the songwriting which at first might seem to blend, but all efforts will be handsomely rewarded, and soon each track becomes distinct. Even summer sometimes succumbs to rainfall, nighttime, and gloom, and this record soundtracks those darker times, when sunshine gives way to the moonlight and the fog.
-absolutepunk.net

also, an interview with mpls scene

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Andrew Bird - Soldier On EP

Andrew Bird continues to progress wonderfully as a musical artist. His albums seem more and more like collections after each one is released due to all of the familiar elements. His 8-track EP “Soldier On” appears to be a collection of sorts. One demo, one remix and other pieces from the past few years are brought together in this rather lengthy EP. Some of the tracks come from various compilations, while some are new and offer fans a slight hint as to what’s next. No need to worry, however, the whistling and violins are still ever-present!

I recommend the early version of “Heretics”. That’s my favorite song off of his last album “Armchair Apocrypha” and this version is really stripped down.

support independent musicians! buy it | (on iTunes)

Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

Scottish Indie Rock. New leak. Thanks GhostMane.

can you see in the dark?
can you see the look on your face?
when the flashing white lights been turned off
you don’t know who is in you bed

oh you won’t find love in a hole
it takes more than fucking someone
to keep yourself warm

i’m drunk, i’m drunk
and you’re probably on pills
if we both have the same diseases
its irrelevant girl

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This Will Destroy You - Young Mountain

A 6-song, 36 minute composition of aural brilliance.

Much like Explosions in the Sky and Mono, This Will Destroy You use their instruments expertly to create a brooding anxiety that threatens to erupt at any moment. They often build in traditional instro-post-rock fashion, starting calm before growing to a dense wall of guitars and cymbals, but they never really feel bound by that formula. The opening track, “Quiet”, is more about repetition than evolution, as once the instruments kick in early in the song, they don’t spend much time further developing the melody. That’s not a bad thing, though, because the atmosphere is there, hidden beneath the swirling guitar noise.

But mostly this is an exercise in controlled arrangements. The band employs its fair share of effects, especially delay and reverb, but rarely does the noise spiral out of control. “I Believe in Your Victory” bucks this trend, exhuding a more triumphant and upbeat spirit. All of the foreboding elements are still there, but a slight shift in the melody makes all the difference. “Grandfather Clock” also sets itself apart, this time with a skittering electronic beat that flutters behind the guitars and keys up front. These two tracks offer a brief respite from the bulk of the album, which is dark and intense.

Unfortunately, the disc ends far too abruptly. At a scant 36 minutes, this feels more like an EP than an LP. Given that Magic Bullet’s release is actually a reissue of what the band self-released last year, I can’t help but wonder if another song or two wouldn’t have strengthened it. After all, if you’re going to call your band This Will Destroy You, you damn well better. As it is, I feel like they’ve only delivered the initial blows.

-Cory D. Byrom, August 23, 2006

This post is This Will Destroy You’s 2006 EP. Here is their 2008 full length.

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Gorillaz - G-sides

G-sides is a compilation of the B-sides from Gorillaz’ first (and self-titled) album. Originally only released in Japan in 2002, these tracks got about as much buzz as the album. I know it’s kind of old news, but they are must-haves if you consider yourself a Gorillaz connoisseur. So here is that:

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Also, Pitchfork took the liberty of composing what they consider to be the ultimate album by substituting some of the best G-sides in for the weaker of the tracks off the self-titled album. If you would prefer just to have that, here you be:

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Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair

The word electronica doesn’t even begin to describe Hercules & Love Affair’s 70’s beats and smart use of horns. It can’t be explained any better than this: “It is where beautiful, bruising harmonies and tensile rhythms collide in resurgent soundscapes and emotive Disco workouts”. That’s gotta make you curious, so you’ll have to check out this New York-based electro-dance group for yourself!

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Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple

Here it is! The much anticipated sophomore album from Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green. Topping St. Elsewhere’s fame with Crazy posed as a bit of a hurdle, but this team shouldn’t be underestimated. The Odd Couple got rave reviews, so you should give it a listen. Check out the first single, Run, and also a couple of my favorites: Going On and Whatever.

“I got some bad news this morning
Which en turn made my day…”
–Who’s Gonna Save My Soul

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Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future

This album was released a little over a year ago and I still find myself turning to it every time I need a pick-me-up or a spur-of-the-moment dance party with the roomies (cough, Emily). You should prooooobably download it.

I’m a little bit obsessed with every song but “It’s Not Over Yet” is particularly great for a dramatic interpretive dance session. If you’re not down with your inner dancer you could always just go for a jog whilst playing this album too, that’s cool.

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