AndyY9587
10-08-2007, 12:12 PM
Another week, another Listening Station, another struggle for submissions. After begging there was an awesome turn out though. Thanks to all who submitted, especially the two picks at the bottom from members of two very respectable bands. Again this week features some very nice picks, I recommend checking them all out if you have not done so in the past. After all, that's why there are links for each one. Enjoy.
Brian Myers:
Bat for Lashes - Fur and Gold
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kmO%2BIdgCL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.batforlashes.co.uk) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/batforlashes)
I'm finding myself listening to a good deal of female fronted bands as of late. Paramore, Taken By Trees, Feist, etc. That is where Bat For Lashes comes into the picture. Not only is the band female fronted, they are female backed! I haven't liked an all female group since...Whitesnake! Fur and Gold is a great album that sits somewhere between Bjork and Taken By Trees; Portishead and Feist. Natasha Khan's voice is soft and peaceful, while the instrumentation is intricately simple so not to take away from the sound and structure of Khan's delivery. If you need something soothing to relax to, give it a whirl!
Nick Zimmer:
Trenton - Unknown Shores
http://cdbaby.name/t/r/trenton.jpg
Website/Listen (http://www.myspace.com/trentonband)
Normally I would be more inclined to include something that is metal, but this EP by Trenton has been getting some heavy rotation lately. Piano driven, ambient rock band from Hudson, FL that recently relocated to Nashville, TN. Unknown Shores was produced by Matt Goldman (Copeland, Underoath). Some of the most melodic, laid back songs I've ever heard. I've known them for years and they are some of the most chill individuals I have ever met. They have overcome a lot of misfortune and tragedy and deserve all of the success they come across.
Ross Hamm:
The Cardigans - First Band on the Moon
http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/3f/de/b32dd250fca0706048e78010._AA240_.L.jpg
Website (http://www.cardigans.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thecardigans)
I mean sure, we've all heard the song "Lovefool" from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack, but how many of you have actually listened to album that this song was plucked from? If you haven't, you're missing out on some first rate pop music. The Swedish group combines laid back grooves with the angelic crooning of singer Nina Persson. Plus their adult contemporary cover of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" is a hilarious bonus!
Ben Rice:
Oceansize - Frames
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/414aChMeKDL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.oceansize.co.uk) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/oceansizeuk)
If you work in a record store and see someone selling an Oceansize album, I'm fairly sure you are legally required to punch that son of a bitch in the face and refuse to purchase it. The law does not care about this person's excuse. "I don't like it." Get better ears; don't sell the disc. "I already own it." Give it to someone who hasn't heard it. Don't expect someone to stumble across it in the used bin and think it sounds awesome. GIVE IT TO A MOTHERFUCKER! "I'm deaf." Yeah, well, scientists proved Oceansize is so fucking good that even people who can't hear are beyond amazed by them. Long story short, you have to buy this album new. Buying it used would be a shame. Because that means somebody failed in their CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY to avoid having this happen. And if the store you're in doesn't carry it new, file a lawsuit for enjoyment infringement. They're also required to have at least one copy in stock at all times. Because DOWNLOADING IS ILLEGAL. God says so.
Jack Hey:
Reuben - In Nothing We Trust
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/5114OiX-3rL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.wordsfromreuben.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/wordsfromreuben)
It takes something special to write an album that is capable of capturing your heart one moment, and grabbing you by your balls the next. For me, Reuben is a band that does just that. They create moments of moving melodic euphoria; sandwiched in between sonorous screams that, to be honest, wouldn’t sound out of place in Poison the Well’s Tear From The Red.
Although this band my be unfamiliar to a lot of you, their latest album In Nothing We Trust sees them take influences from bands with a higher stake to international fame, such as Biffy Clyro and Hundred Reasons, and experimentation akin to Oceansize. Reuben, much like the sandwich, contain many different fillings that on paper could look like a bit of a mess, but in reality, the blend of genres found within this album turns out to be pretty darn tasty.
As a band determined to get places on their own label, I felt the least I could do was give you guys a heads up as to what will hopefully be coming your way.
Chris Conlan:
Armor For Sleep - Smile For Them
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/AndyY9587/afs.jpg
Website (http://www.armorforsleep.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/armorforsleep)
The big jump to the majors. Was it good decision for the guys of Armor For Sleep? Let’s just say Smile for Them showcases a bigger sound for the band. With tracks like “Stars In Your Eyes” and “End of the World”, the band is showcasing what they are truly capable of. Smile For Them is damn good. Damn good.
Dan Alcinii:
Efterklang - Parades
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61OCKEoXF5L._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.efterklang.net) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/efterklang)
Efterklang are a four piece from Copenhagen, Denmark. Anyways, it's two in the morning, I have to wake up in less than six hours so I'll make this brief: Efterklang are damn good. Also, long weekends are sweet too. To every Canadian out there, Happy Thanksgiving!
Armand Babian:
Lights Out Asia – Tanks and Recognizers
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/92/a2/f43162e89da0580afc204110._AA240_.L.jpg
Website (http://www.lightsoutasia.com/) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/lightsoutasia)
I was initially going to pick the new Swod album for this week’s submission, but I couldn’t find a place to link their music, so I went with my runner up Lights Out Asia. If you like fuzzy electronic music ala Port Royal, The Album Leaf, or The Ansion, then check out Lights Out Asia. Their new album Tanks and Recognizers is pretty nice.
Andy Young:
Bad Religion - New Maps of Hell:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61FnAlEMtgL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.badreligion.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/badreligion)
Bad Religion is definately one of my top five favorite bands of all-time. Their brand of punk has just enough of a catchy element to it that makes it stick with you for days after hearing them. New Maps of Hell is, I believe their 14th album to date. Any band with that sort of longevity has to be respected, I mean they've been playing music since before I was born. In that time they still haven't lost their touch. I've been spinning this album this week to get better acquainted for when I see them live on Wednesday. Should be incredible.
Nick Ghanbarian
(bassist, Bayside (http://www.myspace.com/bayside)):
Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/515FH2goikL._AA240_.jpg
I have been listening to Rilo Kiley for a few years now, since their last album came out. I became obsessed a little over a year ago when Jenny Lewis came out with her solo album. So I have really been looking forward to their new release Under the Blacklight. Once I got it it took a few listens to get the vibe of the album since it was a slightly different direction than their last album. Jenny Lewis's outlook on life shows through her lyrics and that may be my favorite part about them. I recently saw them live and they are perfect perfect perfect live. Standout tracks are: "Silver Lining", "Breakin Up" and "Smoke Detector".
Darren Simoes
(bassist, The Bled (http://www.myspace.com/thebled)):
The Cancer Conspiracy - The Audio Medium
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EEXHB6V6L._AA240_.jpg
Website/Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thecancerconspiracy)
A record that I have been listening to a lot lately is The Audio Medium by The Cancer Conspiracy (who are now somewhat defunct). Early next year they are releasing an album that they recorded three years ago that never got around to seeing the light of day, so I've been listening to them a lot in anticipation. They are one of the most instrumentally talented and organized three piece bands that I have ever heard. People who are into The Mars Volta, Yes, or Russian Circles might like them a lot. Members have gone on to form such projects as Daughters. Check them out if you've got the time.
-Andy Young
Brian Myers:
Bat for Lashes - Fur and Gold
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kmO%2BIdgCL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.batforlashes.co.uk) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/batforlashes)
I'm finding myself listening to a good deal of female fronted bands as of late. Paramore, Taken By Trees, Feist, etc. That is where Bat For Lashes comes into the picture. Not only is the band female fronted, they are female backed! I haven't liked an all female group since...Whitesnake! Fur and Gold is a great album that sits somewhere between Bjork and Taken By Trees; Portishead and Feist. Natasha Khan's voice is soft and peaceful, while the instrumentation is intricately simple so not to take away from the sound and structure of Khan's delivery. If you need something soothing to relax to, give it a whirl!
Nick Zimmer:
Trenton - Unknown Shores
http://cdbaby.name/t/r/trenton.jpg
Website/Listen (http://www.myspace.com/trentonband)
Normally I would be more inclined to include something that is metal, but this EP by Trenton has been getting some heavy rotation lately. Piano driven, ambient rock band from Hudson, FL that recently relocated to Nashville, TN. Unknown Shores was produced by Matt Goldman (Copeland, Underoath). Some of the most melodic, laid back songs I've ever heard. I've known them for years and they are some of the most chill individuals I have ever met. They have overcome a lot of misfortune and tragedy and deserve all of the success they come across.
Ross Hamm:
The Cardigans - First Band on the Moon
http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/3f/de/b32dd250fca0706048e78010._AA240_.L.jpg
Website (http://www.cardigans.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thecardigans)
I mean sure, we've all heard the song "Lovefool" from the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack, but how many of you have actually listened to album that this song was plucked from? If you haven't, you're missing out on some first rate pop music. The Swedish group combines laid back grooves with the angelic crooning of singer Nina Persson. Plus their adult contemporary cover of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" is a hilarious bonus!
Ben Rice:
Oceansize - Frames
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/414aChMeKDL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.oceansize.co.uk) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/oceansizeuk)
If you work in a record store and see someone selling an Oceansize album, I'm fairly sure you are legally required to punch that son of a bitch in the face and refuse to purchase it. The law does not care about this person's excuse. "I don't like it." Get better ears; don't sell the disc. "I already own it." Give it to someone who hasn't heard it. Don't expect someone to stumble across it in the used bin and think it sounds awesome. GIVE IT TO A MOTHERFUCKER! "I'm deaf." Yeah, well, scientists proved Oceansize is so fucking good that even people who can't hear are beyond amazed by them. Long story short, you have to buy this album new. Buying it used would be a shame. Because that means somebody failed in their CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY to avoid having this happen. And if the store you're in doesn't carry it new, file a lawsuit for enjoyment infringement. They're also required to have at least one copy in stock at all times. Because DOWNLOADING IS ILLEGAL. God says so.
Jack Hey:
Reuben - In Nothing We Trust
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/5114OiX-3rL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.wordsfromreuben.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/wordsfromreuben)
It takes something special to write an album that is capable of capturing your heart one moment, and grabbing you by your balls the next. For me, Reuben is a band that does just that. They create moments of moving melodic euphoria; sandwiched in between sonorous screams that, to be honest, wouldn’t sound out of place in Poison the Well’s Tear From The Red.
Although this band my be unfamiliar to a lot of you, their latest album In Nothing We Trust sees them take influences from bands with a higher stake to international fame, such as Biffy Clyro and Hundred Reasons, and experimentation akin to Oceansize. Reuben, much like the sandwich, contain many different fillings that on paper could look like a bit of a mess, but in reality, the blend of genres found within this album turns out to be pretty darn tasty.
As a band determined to get places on their own label, I felt the least I could do was give you guys a heads up as to what will hopefully be coming your way.
Chris Conlan:
Armor For Sleep - Smile For Them
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g253/AndyY9587/afs.jpg
Website (http://www.armorforsleep.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/armorforsleep)
The big jump to the majors. Was it good decision for the guys of Armor For Sleep? Let’s just say Smile for Them showcases a bigger sound for the band. With tracks like “Stars In Your Eyes” and “End of the World”, the band is showcasing what they are truly capable of. Smile For Them is damn good. Damn good.
Dan Alcinii:
Efterklang - Parades
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61OCKEoXF5L._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.efterklang.net) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/efterklang)
Efterklang are a four piece from Copenhagen, Denmark. Anyways, it's two in the morning, I have to wake up in less than six hours so I'll make this brief: Efterklang are damn good. Also, long weekends are sweet too. To every Canadian out there, Happy Thanksgiving!
Armand Babian:
Lights Out Asia – Tanks and Recognizers
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/92/a2/f43162e89da0580afc204110._AA240_.L.jpg
Website (http://www.lightsoutasia.com/) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/lightsoutasia)
I was initially going to pick the new Swod album for this week’s submission, but I couldn’t find a place to link their music, so I went with my runner up Lights Out Asia. If you like fuzzy electronic music ala Port Royal, The Album Leaf, or The Ansion, then check out Lights Out Asia. Their new album Tanks and Recognizers is pretty nice.
Andy Young:
Bad Religion - New Maps of Hell:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61FnAlEMtgL._AA240_.jpg
Website (http://www.badreligion.com) Listen (http://www.myspace.com/badreligion)
Bad Religion is definately one of my top five favorite bands of all-time. Their brand of punk has just enough of a catchy element to it that makes it stick with you for days after hearing them. New Maps of Hell is, I believe their 14th album to date. Any band with that sort of longevity has to be respected, I mean they've been playing music since before I was born. In that time they still haven't lost their touch. I've been spinning this album this week to get better acquainted for when I see them live on Wednesday. Should be incredible.
Nick Ghanbarian
(bassist, Bayside (http://www.myspace.com/bayside)):
Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/515FH2goikL._AA240_.jpg
I have been listening to Rilo Kiley for a few years now, since their last album came out. I became obsessed a little over a year ago when Jenny Lewis came out with her solo album. So I have really been looking forward to their new release Under the Blacklight. Once I got it it took a few listens to get the vibe of the album since it was a slightly different direction than their last album. Jenny Lewis's outlook on life shows through her lyrics and that may be my favorite part about them. I recently saw them live and they are perfect perfect perfect live. Standout tracks are: "Silver Lining", "Breakin Up" and "Smoke Detector".
Darren Simoes
(bassist, The Bled (http://www.myspace.com/thebled)):
The Cancer Conspiracy - The Audio Medium
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EEXHB6V6L._AA240_.jpg
Website/Listen (http://www.myspace.com/thecancerconspiracy)
A record that I have been listening to a lot lately is The Audio Medium by The Cancer Conspiracy (who are now somewhat defunct). Early next year they are releasing an album that they recorded three years ago that never got around to seeing the light of day, so I've been listening to them a lot in anticipation. They are one of the most instrumentally talented and organized three piece bands that I have ever heard. People who are into The Mars Volta, Yes, or Russian Circles might like them a lot. Members have gone on to form such projects as Daughters. Check them out if you've got the time.
-Andy Young