Painting the Silence

The Swedish band The Radio Dept. released Clinging to a Scheme on April 21, 2010 on Labrador. In his article titled “Indie Pop Band Deserves Play,” journalist Ben Muths of the Daily Cougar describes the album as “synth with class.” He goes on commending its “strong bass underlining lofty, light and layered guitar riffs.” [...]

On December 12, 2009 the debut EP from The Republic of Wolves entitled His Old Branches was released through AmazonMP3. The band from Eastern Long Island formed in August, 2009. They are part of Vintage Hustle Records.

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“For His Old Branches” by The Republic of Wolves

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Have a listen to “Why Does The Wind?” It is available for free download via Tracey’s official site, as its premiered on Stereogum yesterday.

It is the second single from her third solo album, Love and Its Opposite.

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“Why Does The Wind?” by Tracey Thorn

Howling Bells are an indie rock band formed in Sydney, Australia by a few members of the broken up band, Waikiki. Their first album was released on Bella Union, the same label as my recently blogged about artist John Grant. Their sophomore album, Radio Wars, was put out in 2009 by Independiente Records. [...]

Patti Smith presented several excerpts from her autobiography “Just Kids” last night, April 19 at the University of Houston’s Cullen Performance Hall. She also performed a few songs, fielded questions, and recited a poem.

She told us about her first encounter with Allen Ginsburg—he bought her a sandwich and a cup of coffee and mistook [...]

Singer-songwriter John Grant has released a debut solo album with the help of his friends from the band MIDLAKE. Queen’s of Denmark is available at the Bella Union store.

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“I Wanna Go To Marz” by John Grant

I saw the most amazing guitar player this evening! Trace Bundy a phenomenal finger tapper.

He played a medley of song snippets which included “La Bomba,” “Pretty Woman,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “YMCA,” “Celebration,” “Jack and Diane,” “Summer of 69,” and “Everybody Dance Now.” He then played a [...]

The Scottish Rock Duo Codeine Velvet Club is comprised of Lou Hickey and Jon Lawler (a.k.a. Jon Fratelli) of the band The Fratellis. Released today in the US is their debut, self-titled album. The single “Hollywood” was the KCRW “Today’s Top Tune” yesterday.