Hanging out in your room/apartment/house on a snowy day can have the same effect that the commercial with that Rhapsody guy saying that Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition" is his 'moment' song. You go a little crazy inside. But, then you find something great to listen to, and you forget about that 'anyone' dude riding his bike off into the sunset at a moment's notice to what used to be your favorite song. Here are a few of our snowy day weekend picks to listen to as you doze off to your favorite episode of Extras playing in the background.
Shout Out Louds - Fall Hard from Merge Records on Vimeo.
SHOUT OUT LOUDS - FALL HARD (Merge) Digital Only EP
"Fall Hard" (up-tempo and full-on pop with girl/boy vocals), "Fall Hard, Pt. 2" (cue the alternate but plodding version of the first take off "Fall Hard") and "Can't Explain" (pounding, and rhythm-driven, this stand-out track features Adam Olenius' breathy vocals) are the three songs that foreshadow Shout Out Louds' forthcoming album "Work", which will be their third release following 2008's "Impossible". Like granules of sugar on your fingers; these saccharine songs are just a taste of the material to come from the group's new release (February 23rd, 2010, on Merge). Pre-orders are available until then, and the three tracks they've unleashed as a single are so simple and fun that they're sure to leave you wanting more. We only wish that they had included a fourth because frankly, "Fall Hard Pt. 2" just doesn't count as a second track! Tour dates are coming soon: Music Hall of Williamsburg is already sold out, but that doesn't mean you can't get your hot paws on surrounding date tickets; 9:30 Club, Washington (03/02/10) and First Unitarian, Philadelphia (03/03/10), Webster Hall, NYC (03/05/10)... Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, The Dodos, Built to Spill, The Shins) produced.
p.s. for those watching the vimeo, keep an eye out for the name check, hint: The Smiths...
Shout Out Louds - band site / merge / myspace
THE HUSH NOW - CONSTELLATIONS (Independent)
If you have a passion for power-pop and sing-alongs in the vein of musicians and groups like Adam Schlesinger, Grizzly Bear, or The Beach Boys you will be happy to hear new tracks from Boston-based group The Hush Now who are receiving raves from critics as far-reaching as the BBC and UK Telegraph right back to their home here in the US. Guitarist turned producer Dave Newton (from The Mighty Lemon Drops) produced their new album "Constellations" (out February 16th, 2010), which is brimming with bright tones on layered compositions that vary from lush guitars, and feature warm vocal harmonies, to a horn sendoff and organ (think the production of Van Dyke Parks from our favorite track, "Smokescreens"), as well as banjo and piano. It's albums like these that are a perfect joy to listen to because of their timeless qualities.
The Hush Now - band site / myspace
While you are inside and not hip-deep in snow digging out your car whilst listening to the new Hot Chip in your headphones (and if you live on the East Coast like Girl About Town does)--give the rest of the internets a rest (and maybe the 'rents too), and take some time for poring over and previewing a hot new book release online called "I Swear To Good You Are God At This", sub-headline: "an inspiring guide to being creative and making awesome.". The new book ("72 pages of awesome") is by one of our favorite music cum graphic design and PR profiles (based on the West Coast, and called Holiday Matinee). HM gets out the viral jawn like no others, and better still; their cohort David Brown is co-owner of Better Looking Records (home to The Album Leaf, Electric Soft Parade, No Knife, and more). But, back to Holiday Matinee who are releasing a great book this month called, "I Swear To Good You Are God At This". The book is a compilation of their greatest found hits, a compilation of their favorite artists and goodies from around the World that inspire them and that they feel should inspire others to get creative as well, and well--just give you that little extra push. The preview only holds three of their top finds, but we're loving it and wanting more already, and as their motto goes: "Love your work, and work your love." Work your love, people, and buy this book! Get creative, get awesome!
Holiday Matinee - web site
and now for some Hot Chip...
Comments