Harlem

There's something so inspiringly awesome about a good lo-fi rock band.  I love it when I can just grit my teeth and bob my head to some raw, visceral rock tunes that were recorded by a guy, or a couple of guys in their basement, or their garage.  Where ever it's recorded, or whatever it's recorded on (a computer, an old tape deck, reel to reel), more than anything it's the sound, and Harlem has an amazing sound.  Loads of distortion, jangly hooks and lyrics that speak to the lonely and disillusioned.  They are a band that harkens back to a time that disregards production value for quality songwriting and a love for music and a desire to have their voices heard.  When I listen to Harlem, I think of the Kingsmen and the Troggs, two of my favorite bands of all times that were amazing garage bands that inexplicably made it to the mainstream, if only for a fleeting moment.  I think that what we call "lo-fi" today is what they called "garage" in the '60's.
Harlem's 2009 debut, Free Drugs, is an excellent example of the indie spirit, and I for one am extremely excited about what they will do going forward.  Check them out for sure!

morning teleportation

When I first started listening to Modest Mouse several years ago, there were a few songs that I absolutely loved.  It was generally the radio friendly, more straight forward rock songs that lured me in, since I tend to buy full albums, and not just single songs, I grew to love their whole body of work.  And now, they are without question one of my absolute favorite bands.  The same thing holds true for Morning Teleportation. I guess the irony here is that Morning Teleportation plays on Glacial Pace records, which is Isaac Brocks label, and Mr Brock is the front man for Modest Mouse.  Morning Teleportation has a frenetic sound that tends to be jumpy and psychedelic, but with roots in classic rock, citing influences like James Gang and Crosby Stills Nash and Young.  There were only really one or two songs on their debut, Expanding Anyway, that I really liked, but the more I listen to them, the more all of the songs grow on me.  I guess that another large part of it is that I wanted to like them.  It sometimes works that way.  There are always things that come along that aren't that accessible right up front.  Sometimes it takes work to appreciate something, and that makes the experience more rich and fulfilling.  Morning Teleportation is like that, you will have to work at it, but in the end you will be better for the experience.

Liam Finn - Better to Be (live) (official high quality)

This is a great version of Liam Finn's Better to Be. I have been a big fan of Liam Finn for quite some time now, his father is Neil Finn of Crowded House, a band that I really enjoyed as a wee lad in New Jersey. What I like about his music is that it seems so effortless. That the songs are pleasant and poppy, and not pretentious. It almost feels like he's doing something that anyone could do, but at the same time the simplicity is what's so difficult. What he does is tells a nice story to a great tune, and beckons you to join him in his journey. It's nothing that's going to blow your hair back. It's not something that makes you jealous, or make you think that you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing. It isn't unique or by any means avant garde, but it's good singer/songwriter music that will leave you with a good feeling in your soul.

L'oie Insidieuse: Whirlwind Heat

L'oie Insidieuse: Whirlwind Heat: Somewhere between Sonic Youth and Mudhoney, there is a band called Whirlwind Heat. A band that is on Jack White's Third Man Records label (...

Whirlwind Heat

Somewhere between Sonic Youth and Mudhoney, there is a band called Whirlwind Heat.  A band that is on Jack White's Third Man Records label (surprise, surprise), but while the former two bands have a decidedly experimental bent, the later tends to be a little more poppy and accessible.  Air Miami and Up-Tight are two tracks in particular that resonate with me, reminding me of the lo-fi 90's sound that I really gravitate to.  Thurston Moore and Stephen Malkmus are two names that come to mind when I listen to these guys.  Of course, I have only really listened to one record, Types of Wood which has great and provocative cover art, so I'm only really qualified to discuss this one moment in time for this band, but I will listen to more of their body of work and post again when I can speak more intelligently on the subject. but what I've heard so far is something that impresses me and I'm jazzed to hear more.

The Kinks - Alcohol - Live '77 London

Again with the punk pioneers. The indie spirit. without whom none of it would be possible. the tune Alcohol that proves that there is more to the band than just Lola and 20th century man. This is off one of the Kinks greatest records that really went outside the box, Muswell Hillbillies. taking a very american idea and making it decidedly british. Alcohol being a great track and Here Come The People in Grey coming in at a close second. enjoy the clip.

Elvis Costello Beyond Belief 1983 Rockpalast

it's important to look back to look ahead. there are people like Elvis Costello who paved the way for the snotty indie point of view, the punk pioneer who didn't give a damn what anyone said, and became one of the most influential rock stars, and an unlikely one at that. He was instrumental in creating the intelligent side of the rockstar personae. His songwriting was literate and poignant, but still had the hard edge of the angry young man british punk. it's hard to make any comparisons with him, because he broke the mold and did it all on his terms. Always fun, always inspirational.

LOU REED 'rock'n'roll' 1974

it might be a little crazy of me, but Lou, as whacked out as he is, gave a great performance here.

Brett Dennen (Sydney I'll Come Runnin') 2/17/2011 Hipcooks

i'm a fan. There are a lot of singer/songwriter types out there who annoy the hell out of me, but Brett Dennen makes me feel like there is something out there to believe in again. He reminds me of a more upbeat and fun Nick Drake, in the sense that he's doing this wholly for himself and that he's not in it for the fame and fortune, but he legitimately has something to say and says it well. dig it

The Wombats - Kill The Director

I love the Wombats. They have a really fun vibe, really good sing along pop. The infectious tunes and witty songwriting make for a great feel good band. I posted something about this type of brit-pop, and how there are so many bands with this sound out there right now, but all of them I really get into. I love all of their songs, and think that they are poised for greatness. "Let's dance to joy division" is genius, as well as this song, "Kill the Director". definitely worth a listen, and then a second listen, because they keep getting better every time I put them on.

Laura Marling - Rambling Man

Laura Marling is the real deal. At just 21 she's got the chops of a whole generation of folk singing women who paved the way for her to be where she is, and you can even hear the ghosts of Joni Mitchell in her heart felt lyrics. I think that she's going to be a big star... soon...

Los Campesinos

There is a recent trend, or perhaps not so recent, but I seem to be digging a certain kind of brit-pop, but really, I think that it's really the only brit-pop out there at the moment.  When it comes to other types of music, when everything sounds the same I get annoyed, and turned off, but of late I am really liking a couple of bands that if you aren't familiar with them you would think that they are the same band.  To name a few I would say Arctic Monkeys, The Wombats, The Kooks, A Band of Bees and the band I'm talking about tonight, Los Camesinos.  They have the whiney angry young man vibe and all seem to be reared by the early days of The Who, The Kinks and The Clash, but make it more contemporary pop and less blues based, but they all seem to have a great time making silly feel good music that's easy to dance to.  Ultimately they aren't anything special, but they are fun, and have really witty songwriting.  Once you start listening to them you can hear distinct differences, but any way you look at it, it's wicked pop stickiness.  But I do like Los Campesinos, and the fact that they are keen on the glockenspiel.  I don't think that there is enough glockenspiel in the world today.

Titus Andronicus perform A More Perfect Union