Gertie Fox is four guys doing their thing in LA. They have put out an EP and two full albums with their latest being “An Imaginary Meeting in the Woods.” It’s pretty raw, yet fun due to it’s laid back nature. A song of theirs I seem to have on constant repeat is “Modern Love.” I just have one gripe - recording quality. I hear potential, just need to make it a bit clearer.

Gertie Fox: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Gertie Fox - Modern Love
Gertie Fox - She’s So Married
Gertie Fox - Mansions
Gertie Fox - Keepin On Track

Real Los Angeles rock and roll, The Doors. Recently I have been annoyed listening to bands that nobody has heard of or will hear of. To say the least I feel out of “it” whatever “it” is. What better way to get out of a rut than to listen to classic rock. Arguably some of the best rock. The Doors were revolutionary in that they brought the rock and roll life style of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to the masses. What I really mean by that is Jim Morrison brought the rock and roll lifestyle to the people. The band didn’t take shit from anybody and did whatever they wanted in their day. They became a band in 1965 right in the middle of the 60’s when conservatives and hippies were at an all out war with each other. In some ways I want to say the hippies won because of The Doors and other bands of that time.

Today I’m enjoying The Doors, and I think you should aswell. Hey, pick up The Doors DVD and enjoy some more for yourself. Val Kilmer did an amazing job of personifying Jim Morisson; he even sung himself instead of lip syncing.

To classic American rock and roll, to The Doors.

The Doors: Official Website | Wikipedia Entry

MP3
The Doors - Light My Fire
The Doors - When You’re Strange
The Doors - Riders On The Storm

Anybody into garage/psychedelic rock? The Living Blue, formerly The Blackouts are from Illinois and released their only album back in October 2005. You may ask why am I writing about them then? Because it’s good ol rock in it’s raw form. Lead singer Stephen Ucherek has those infectious Morrissey or Robert Smith like vocals. The whole garage rock movement is something I’m not all that familiar with the garage revival movement, yet I do like some of the stuff I’m hearing so keep the “revival” going and we’ll all see what comes of it.

The Living Blue: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
The Living Blue - Tell me Leza
The Living Blue - Serrated Friend

You could think it’s the 80’s, yet it’s really the end of 2006 and a band from Sweden that started making music in 2000. Yet it feels so Smiths and Cure which is usually a good thing. I don’t really remember how I found this band, yet sounds such as this catch my attention especially because they are somewhat out of the typical indie norm right now. (For myself at least) If you like The Cure and the Smiths and that day and age, you’ll like these couple tracks from The Mary Onettes.

The Mary Onettes: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
The Mary Onettes - Lost
The Mary Onettes - Whats So Strange

I serioulsly just heard about Christopher Willits and can’t get enough of it. It’s dreamy indie pop with no short of imagination and unique harmonies. Willits is from San Francisco and is currently working his way around the US promoting his album release Surf Boundaries. I really don’t know how to explain the music. Comforting at times, inspirational at times, yet most of all completely his own. As a random side note, I Pprsonally all the songs that I’ve heard could and should be licensed out for films. I’m looking forward to any music videos that pop up. Keep an eye on Willits and let me know how his live shows are.

Christopher Willits: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Christopher Willits - Color Shifting
Christopher Willits - Yellow Spring

Hello Youth Group from Sydney, Australia. Why didn’t I pay attention to you awhile ago? I don’t know I guess I was in a different musical mood. Sorry, but to make up for it I love your shoegaze like pop music. It’s really awesome and perfect for listening while reading a book or taking a drive on a sunny saturday afternoon. Thanks for being good at what you do.

p.s. Your website is awesome.

Youth Group: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Youth Group - Shadowland
Youth Group - Last Quarter

Remember the David Ford video I posted awhile ago? Well I thought I’d share some mp3’s. I’ve got to admit I like the video alot more than the audio track - yet it’s all good anyways. David Ford is an amazing singer/songwriter from the UK. Months back or so he was in the media a bit for the release of his latest album, I Sincerely Apologize For All The Trouble I’ve Caused. For more thoughts on David Ford, make sure you head here.

David Ford: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
David Ford - State Of The Union
David Ford - I Don’t Care What You Call Me

Beat Radio is one of those really indie bands that put their work and soul into their music. Then gave it all away for free. To clarify, their whole debut LP is available for free download on their website. Kinda like another band I’ve talked about before, Bel Auburn. Beat Radio has a bit of a folk rock sound with escalating songs and story filled lyrics. The LP really feels like fall, if you know what I mean.

Beat Radio: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Beat Radio - Treetops
Beat Radio - Fearful
Beat Radio - Everything is Temporary
Beat Radio - Ancient As The Stars no. 2

The Postmarks are a Miami, Florida band perfect for listening on a cloudy day. Much like LA today. The music is elegant and classy yet so appealing to the ears I don’t think anybody would have a problem listening. They recently released a remix EP, which is actually quite unique considering they have not released their debut full length album yet. Remixes by Roger O’Donnell, Cassettes Won’t Listen, James Iha (from Smashing Pumpkins), Spooky Ruben (from Ladytron) as well as others. Take a listen, I think you’ll enjoy.

The Postmarks: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
The Postmarks - Goodbye
The Postmarks - Goodbye (Roger O’Donnell remix)
The Postmarks - Goodbye (Cassettes Won’t Listen remix)

I’ve mentioned Phoenix before yet never wrote a little bit on them. Here it is, I like them, they play good music. It’s pop ish, it’s rock, it’s awesome. Yes I know they were more “hip” to talk about like months ago, yet why not bring some attention back and put your dancing shoes on.

Phoenix: Official Website

MP3
Phoenix - Rally
Phoenix - Napoleon Says
Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better

Brett Dennen is from Oakdale, CA or so his myspace says. His music is folky and easy to listen to. Could be comparable to Kevin Devine, Ben Swift and others. I was able to get a few words from him via a email interview, and by few I mean a few. Turns out Brett’s a sarcastic funny guy and what a relief it is to hear that a singer/songwriter is serious all the time.

1) About the new album, what was your
inspiration/creative process?
Brett Dennen: I am trying to reach out to people and spread truth
Brett Dennen:and love.

2) When did you start making music?
Brett Dennen: In College.

3) Any shows on your upcoming tour that you are
excited about?
Brett Dennen: The troubadour in Hollywood

4) Random bits about you:
First and/or favorite instrument?
Brett Dennen:Acoustic Guitar.
Hobbies to pass the time?
Brett Dennen:Frisbee. Skateboarding. Riding my bycicle.

Favorite place to be?
Brett Dennen: San Francisco, or Sonora Pass.

5) What bands are you into right now?
Brett Dennen:Wilco.

Brett Dennen: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Brett Dennen - Aint No Reason
Brett Dennen - So Much More

Today i feel like getting back to my younger years in music. San Diego band Noise Ratchet 5 years ago is what We Are Scientists are to me now. That just means I liked them alot and listen to their music all the time. The band disolved in April 2005 and became “The Life,” then after a couple months of that I think Joel Hosler (lead vocals) went solo. It was a sad time for me… I used to try and go to their shows all the time growing up in San Diego. Anyways, their music is rock laced with amazing vocals. Joel’s powerful vocals make the band especially in the softer melodic songs. Noise Ratchet may not have been if Joel didn’t pick up the vocal position instead of playing bass. Their amazing full length album Till We Have Faces was quite popular, at least around San Diego… then in 2003 they released the Noise Ratchet EP which was kind of a taste of what we all hoped was coming. Then sadly 2005 happened and they were no more.

Here is a few mp3’s off Till We Have Faces and the Noise Ratchet EP. Just so you all know, “My Day” is in my top 5 favorite songs up till now.

Noise Ratchet: Google Artist Info | NoiseRatchet.net

MP3
Till We Have Faces
Noise Ratchet - Permanent Solution
Noise Ratchet - Vanity
Noise Ratchet - My Day

Noise Ratchet [EP]
Noise Ratchet - When The Loosing Ends
Noise Ratchet - Fiction Arms

Everytime I listen to As Tall As Lions I almost always wish I’m somewhere else. Usually not at work, or driving. I just want to listen at home or out somewhere with good company. It’s a kind of rock-jazz-ambient like music… well at least to me. The four guys from New York came out with their second album earlier this year and it’s a masterpiece. I really don’t know how to describe the sound - except the amazing vocals and lyrics. I listened to this album a good portion of the way on a road trip from San Diego to Utah with my dad. He liked it, I think you will too.

As Tall As Lions: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
As Tall As Lions - Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)
As Tall As Lions - Ghost Of York

Mika is a new artist from the UK that is really unique. I say “really” because its a combination of so many styles yet all completely his own. One minute you’re dancing, the next your are admiring his vocal strength. Different people have said it’s like Beck meets Queen. I’d have to just say it’s that and so much more. Songwriting and sounds that make Mika a candidate to excel to whatever level he wishes. It may sound corney, but I think it’s true.

Mika: Myspace | Official Website

MP3
Mika - Relax
Mika - Happy Ending

Over the past couple weeks I have been listening to edIT alot. Specifically Crying Over Pros for No Reason (2004) which is some of the most complicated intense music I have ever listened to. It’s edgy, industrial hip hop / IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) which is in no way trance or techno. I’ve listened to this album countless times and it never ceases to amaze me. A handful of times I end up writing something crazy story to the music. So hey… why not give you an example.

What if you were to write a complete book about everything you thought.
Just writing for days and days of just random thoughts, ideas, feelings.
would it be worth reading? Would somebody actually buy and read the thoughts from first to last.
what if deep within these thoughts, there was a hidden story. A complex story only unfolding at certain moments, in certain passages. What if for example, I write a complete day of nonsense, but then a day of nonsense could have some sense and become part of the grand scheme of things. Time would pass by and connect with future and past at a place called now. What of the violent thoughts. What of all those thoughts and desires that everybody has that you shouldn’t talk about. Not like killing someone, or breaking the law… yet both of those are things you shouldn’t talk or take part in. But what of a thought to cheat on your significant other. What about the fact that you really don’t care sometimes what your aunt is doing. That she just gives you lame presents anyways. Thats what it is, everything and nothing matters. It’s all changing but it’s all the same. The future is the past and now is then. What are you to make of all this inscent babbling? That there is some meaning to all of it? Very doubtful, yet it is argued that everything said has a degree of truth to it. Ink on a paper of a fiction book is not fiction, it’s real. That thought means nothing to everybody because it’s not supposed to make sense. What of all this question and answer. It’s all just babbling anyways.
[4.18.2006 D.S]

Like it or not, that’s just some random stuff that happens when you listen to edIT. The music is everything. Currently he is going on a tour of sorts and a new album in the works. One other thing to mention, URB’s next 100.

edIT: Myspace

MP3
edIT - Ashtray
edIT - Laundry
edIT - Dex
edIT - Ltlp