Posts by Avanhizzle:
Megafaun drop brilliant new single “Get Right”
September 6th, 2011
Megafaun have become a band that I look forward to. They’re a constant. Whether it’s a new record, a show within driving distance or mp3s of one of their gigs, they’re always on my radar. They magically shift shapes musically (say that three times fast) and have an uncanny ability to create delicate and beautiful harmonies.
There’s a tidal wave of buzz building behind their self titled record (out on Hometapes 9/20) and I’ve read a lot of chatter about it channeling the Grateful Dead. That shouldn’t be anything new to Megafaun fans, but if it is, don’t be silly enough to let that deter you from digging the hell out it. Take a listen to “Get Right” and breathe in what’s left of summer as the 8 minute plus track takes you on ambient roller coaster.
Dig in: Carter Tanton’s (Tulsa/Lower Dens) Debut Single “Horrorscope”
September 6th, 2011
Today’s mail has been better than average. I might even say that it’s been amazing. This comes as a big surprise, with the news reporting that the USPS is so broke that actual mail may go away for good, and we’re not actually sure why we’re being so aurally blessed on this first day of school. Anyhow, just in is the debut single off of Carter Tanton’s forthcoming record, Freeclouds.
Tanton, formerly known as Tulsa and the newest member of SC faves Lower Dens, with the help of Marissa Nadler’s vocals, brings “Horrorscope” to life as a reanimated mash up between The Raveonettes and early (read awesome) Cheap Trick. It’s lower than lo-fi and that’s just how we like it. After hearing two songs from this release, I am more than excited!
Look for Freeclouds (Western Vinyl) on November 15th and be sure to go see Tanton with a full band touring with The War on Drugs this fall!
MP3: Carter Tanton – Horrorscope
Dig in: Northern California’s Brown Shoe
September 6th, 2011
Four brothers and a fella that might as well be a brother make up the northern California outfit, Brown Shoe. They’ve gotten some press recently and the audio for their new single, “Late Nights,” just landed in our daily mail. The sound doesn’t move mountains but it’s got a wondrously broken in feel. Give it a spin and let us know what you think. Oh, and if you dig it, peep Brown Shoe’s bandcamp and look for their new record out in October!
MP3: James Vincent McMorrow Covers Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love”
September 1st, 2011
While I’ve always been a big fan of Steve Winwood’s early work with Spencer Davis, Blind Faith, and Traffic, there’s a very small part of my being that appreciates his 80s output. When I was a kid I used to set up a piece of plywood in my garage and do nothing but fakies and kick turns on my skateboard while listening to the Shadoe Stevens top 40 countdown on Sundays. If it wasn’t UB40 or Debbie Gibson ruling the top of the pops, it was Winwood’s “Roll With It” or “Higher Love” that were dominating forces. While these songs didn’t have the same punch as the Suicidal Tendencies or The Cramps, the shit the rest of the world was skating to, it sure was catchy and the pop sensibilities cushioned every fall.
It seems that Ireland’s James Vincent McMorrow may have a similar tie to Mr. Winwood as he just recorded a great cover of “Higher Love.” It’s done up pretty well, but still doesn’t make a good skate soundtrack.
Give it a listen. I think you’ll dig it. And if you do, be sure to head to Turner Hall on September 16th to see McMorrow in action!
MP3: James Vincent McMorrow – Higher Ground (Steve Winwood Cover)
MP3: Ryan Adams Covers Iron Maiden or Ryan Adams (-Iron Maiden + Wasted Years) = Fucking Awesome
August 31st, 2011
Unless you’re one of the few people that live on Earth that are into Ryan Adams’ heavy metal moments, I know what you’re thinking. I was thinking the exact same thing when Stereogum tweeted that David Ryan Adams covered Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years.” After releasing the pretty and return to form “Lucky Now,” one has to wonder why this has to exist. But, after a five minute debate on whether or not to click the play button, I was shocked by just how good and ‘return to form’ this cover sounded.
Set aside your devil horns (or disgust for them) and listen to this pleasant surprise.
