Flipper's Guitar - good ol' indie/pop band from Tokyo, Japan

Flipper's Guitar was an indie pop band from the Tokyo, Japan late 80's/early 90's scene. A couple of the members went on to form solo careers following the demise of the band. One of them made quite the name for himself under the moniker of Cornelius. Anyways, this charming band was introduced to me a number of years ago by a dear friend named Hiroho, whom went to school with one of the members back in the day. For that I am forever grateful as their songs have brought me joy for many years. My favorite is "Hello" from Three Cheers for Our Side.


Some years afterwards, I discovered their album Doctor Head's World Tower. You might be questioning my grammar, though I said that correctly. That title has turned some heads upon recommending the album previously to others. Where do bands get these names from? If you go to their Wikipedia, surprisingly they have an answer for that. I was a bit shocked to learn of their shoegaze influence and what they had evolved into. Check it out, it's a doozy.

Vintonic "I Want You Back" & "Cinta Yang Baru" (singles)

Vintonic is a trio from Jakarta, Indonesia. Although they got their start in 2019, their stage presence is so powerful that they give the impression they've been around far longer. At their secret show in the summer of 2019, they opened with a-ha's "Take On Me" and I never thought I'd witness a singer hitting every note of that song. The video for their single "I Want You Back" is entertaining and very well done. The lyrics are bilingual, a mix of Bahasa Indonesia and English. The title of course seems self explanatory and it is somewhat, though upon watching the video, you'll see both sides of wanting someone back.

As for their other single "Cinta Yang Baru", which in English translates to 'new love' is very catchy. Unlike "I Want You Back", this song is strictly in Bahasa Indonesia. Even if you don't know or understand the language, it is indeed a very catchy song and has high potential of crossing borders into other countries. Although Indonesia is the worlds fourth most populated country, music from there is grossly under represented in other countries outside of Asia.

The average indie music lover in America or Europe for instance would likely struggle to name three bands from Indonesia. With that said, you'll be hearing more about Indonesian music on this blog in the weeks, months and years to come. Vintonic's music in general definitely has a welcome 80's vibe going on. I'm looking forward to hearing more from them. I've posted their lyric video so hopefully you can sing along and perhaps use google translate and learn a new language while you are at it.

Stereolab "Margerine Eclipse"

The focus of this blog is and largely always has been, to have an emphasis on relatively unknown bands. It's hard to say that Stereolab would fit into that mold, though I've found that more times that not, a number of folks I have spoken with in recent years either aren't familiar with their music or have at least heard the name somewhere but still haven't listened to their music. Anyways... Stereolab's album Margerine Eclipse may be a fair place to become acquainted to their music if you are a first time listener of their tunes.

it is safe to say that Stereolab's music has played a very big role in shaping some of the indie bands of today and yesterday. Let's start with a couple of my personal favorites. I grew up listening to a lot of Ivy. For those familiar with Ivy, you could tell that their singer Dominque Durand's voice had to gather at least some inspiration from Stereolab. Even Swedish band Testbild! evokes or is at least overly compatible to Stereolab. The vocals and melodies on Margerine Eclipse are insatiable.

Give their track "Margerine Melodie" a spin:

Tender Tones "In Dreamed Lives"

After a long (very much unplanned) break from music blogging, I am back. Despite all the past reviews, I believe this is my first attempt to ever embed a video on the blog, so hopefully it's showing up fine. Any tips for making that look better are welcome (or take the bypass to YouTube). Anyways onto the band...

Tender Tones are a duo from Paris, France. Although they may not describe their music as dream pop, "In Dreamed Lives" is the epitome of dream pop. I've shared this video with a few folks already and one of them laughed when I said how much I loved the beats and another remarked that they hoped that I wasn't going to say they had broken up the band or something nonsensical like that. The intro to their latest single "Pay More Pray More" reminds me a lot of Loveless era My Bloody Valentine and also has a similar vibe to Joy Division.

I may be the first or among the first to describe the following in this manner... During these difficult times, it's great to support musicians, however it's perhaps better if you can find ways to support them more directly... You know, to do the most good. I encourage you reach out to musicians directly asking how you can best do that and not to merely rely on cues from folks taking a sizeable cut from that.

Tell me your name, tell me a story, edition #1 - Matt Beat / Electric Needle Room

I decided to start a new column on this blog, where various personalities of distinction music related and non music related, will be approached on a spontaneous basis, and will be asked to tell me their name along with a story. Of course many of the people featured in this column are people that I am familiar with musically or non musically, some of them I have already met, and some of which I have not met before. Anyways, enjoy!

edition #1 - Matt Beat from the band Electric Needle Room
(non omitted text below)

"I am a big history dork, and I have always been fascinated with the lives of the ordinary people who have led our country as President. For a few years, I've envisioned writing and recording songs about each of the 43 Presidents of the USA. I finally got around to recording the first song, about George Washington, in the fall of 2009, and I've been recording them ever since. As a true dork, I am recording them chronologically, and I am currently recording a song about Grover Cleveland. I'm halfway done with the project! I'm releasing the first batch of President songs on Presidents Day (go figure!) 2011. I'm actually trying to raise money right now to properly release the album. To find out the details of this, check out http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1845346621/the-presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america-alb. To hear the songs already recorded, check out http://electricneedleroom.bandcamp.com/track/george-washington. I like to think the songs are not only catchy, but educational as well!"

Music Recommendation #27: Haleiwa

Haleiwa hails from Sweden. The project is a solo effort of Mikko Singh, whom I’m quite fond of musically, largely because he is doing his own thing. In comparison to his previous offering, his most recent offering “Pura Vida dude”, also has a diverse assortment of instruments. The fact that the instrument selection is so diverse and also that he places what appears to be an unusually large emphasis on his instrument play are just some of the enablers in his creation of a distinguishable sound, with all practicality his own.

There is an abundance of interesting information among Mikko’s notes, and here I offer a passage he has made “Pura Vida Dude. Go out and live life. Skate Forever. Peace and love. Let’s be kind to each other, the earth and the animals. Meat is not food. Beans, fruits and vegetables. Healthy and positive lifestyle. Meditation, prayer and contemplation. Freedom of mind. Positive approach on things. Laughter and jokes. Waves breaking over a tropical beach. Have dreams. Fun and create. Palm trees. Two dolphins came by to say “Hello!”. Friends. Hope and meaning. Goodness. Sunlight.” Disclaimer: Bono had no part in that passage.

If there were more musicians like Mikko whom began to show the musicianship qualities of which he hones so well, we would most definitely feel a better known impact and importance of this artist on a music community far and wide, but until then, enjoy his songs.

Haleiwamusic.com

Music Recommendation #26: Gabe Cahill

Gabe Cahill aka You Don’t Know Me, hails from Omaha, Nebraska. Musically, Gabe’s music is just as strange as it is diverse. He reaches vocal heights that recall moments of Stephen Malkmus, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley and a dash of Conor Oberst era Desaparecidos. With regards to genre diversity, I hear recollections of Detroit Garage music all the way to eerie folk pop. At times, the songs muster up no more hope than you would find in music by Elliott Smith or Nick Drake, while briefly reaching cheery heights.

On the web: http://www.myspace.com/gabecahill

Recommended if you like: Stephen Malkmus, Jeff Buckley, The Odd Fiddler, Beck, Elliot Smith, Desaparecidos, Nick Drake, Manchester 80’s scene…

FROM: Christopher...TO: ‘Record Labels’

Without a doubt, there is uncertainty as to where the physical format is going in terms of self releases and record labels, yet I still believe in the physical format. Upon looking around at the current activity, the definite change in cultural landscape of the ‘label’ has been spotted, there is an 'influx' of artists/bands running their own labels (self-release labels) in place of traditional labels, due to ‘label walkouts’ that appear to be all too common within the past several months.

These ‘self-release labels’ are currently taking the void for the ‘traditional label’, yet many of these self-release labels only intend to release ‘their own’ work, solely. For those still operating traditional labels, I think it is important to be a 'hold out', and by that, i mean not giving up, because by the time someone gives up, opportunities often times continue to show and result in ‘misses’, and it appears that in 'down times', we are more likely to be subject to more positive interaction, opportunities, you name it, than in a time when the market has fewer opportunities per an over abundance of seekers.


Some people don't like to wait too long, but when there is resurgence, those of which stay are certain to see quicker results. What I've learned is that despite the times, people come and go as they choose, and at times like these, it allows dead wood to be removed and allows those of which were meant to stay, to simply stay put.

This is a subject that recurs, but one of which undergoes little attention today, with special respect to those which have truly worked/aspired to ‘develop’ artists/bands whether it be local, regional, national, international; In order to encourage growth, it is ever important to support what is active today and it doesn’t have to be purely through ‘record sales’, sometimes sending letters/e-mails, what have you, in support of the things you enjoy, and with those certain efforts of appreciation, it is certain to perk some of us up a little, and may keep some more of us active.


Sincerely,
Christopher

Music Recommendation #25: This Girl, That Boy

This Girl, That Boy, is a Canadian band, hailing from Edmonton Alberta Canada. Any band that has been around a few years, a band of which marks their only official release to date, as a 5 song self titled EP, isn’t likely going to be a story line that will capture a lot of interest, which makes it safe to say this band has been tremendously under looked considering their current musical accomplishments, and their forthcomings, which are said to be very near. In all kindness, to me this band sounds very little like their influences, all because there is a certain originality flowing in throughout their songs. Although influences may be the bread and butter for upstart bands, this band has enough confidence to go out there and for all practical purposes, to do their own thing.

EP’s rarely blow people away due to their shortness and also since they are normally served to tease and wet appetites, and this was no exception, although this self titled release certainly gives me the feeling what is next for this band certainly holds the potential to blow our ears away. What may attach listeners to This Girl, That Boy perhaps could be the emotions captured, and the poignancy of the vocals. They leave me waiting and wondering, which direction will they go and how far. Why would I worry this? I want them to play right here in Nebraska : )

On the web at: www.myspace.com/thisgirlthatboyband

Recommended if you like: Hideka, Ivy, early Keane, The Wandering Bears, Spencer McGillicutty, early Stills, late Mahogany, Sondre Lerche, Honey and Darling;

Music Recommendation #24: The Soft Hills

The Soft Hills are an American band hailing from Seattle Washington. This band has made what I would describe as one of the best ‘under the radar’ albums of which I’ve ever heard. Some great bands on early releases base a certain commonality of sounds within all songs within a said release, but this newer band captures something uniquely different within their sound from song to song, within practically every song. I foresee that fans of the album(s), Kings Of Convenience “Quiet is the New Loud”, Coldplay “Parachutes”, Radiohead “Kid A”, Radio Dept “Lesser Matters”, may certainly be fans which find complete joy in the hard work displayed on The Soft Hills full length release “Noruz”.

On the web at: www.myspace.com/thesofthills

Recommended if you like: Kings Of Convenience, Radiohead, Radio Dept, Vashti Bunyan, Nick Drake;

New Stars in Coma LP

Stars in Coma's latest LP And the Cloud Withdrew From the Sky is a goodun.
Let me be the first to tell you: it's really lush. The electronics are very well programmed and have a strange way of walking a fine line by being gestural and well orchestrated.

The release is out on Kingem Records - a little label started by Mark Zonda. It is the very first release on the label, but they have since released another, to all the DIY nuts out there I recommend getting on this stuff straight away so that you can have a label's discography!

Having said all that, the album has its quiet and introverted moments, namely My Hidden Fears, which I would say is my favourite track on the album, but is not necessarily the quintessential Stars in Coma number. Theres a song called NYE which is number 9.

Anyway the album is available on iTunes and through the website, as a CDR, with gorgeous artwork made by Håkan Carlsson and Mark Zonda. Staying true to the national Swedish identity, this is catchy indie-pop that will stay on your music player for extended periods.

Check them here.

Nebraska Pop Festival 2010: Press Release + Digital Mixtape

Hi!

My name is Christopher and I am the curator and organizer of Nebraska Pop Festival (www.myspace.com/nebraskapopfestival), I am writing you to let you know about the second edition of Nebraska Pop Festival. The beneficiary for the 2010 Nebraska Pop Festival is UNO Mav Radio. All proceeds made from the festival will go directly to the station.


The Nebraska Pop Festival 2010, will be held on September 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19 (those dates being Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday), with a pre festival show on Saturday, August 28th


35 independent pop bands have joined forces with Nebraska Pop Festival 2010, with representation including Local, Midwest, Coastal and International;

The bands will be coming from (11) different states: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Washington, New York & California. Also the Nebraska Pop Festival 2010 will include international bands from Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, France and Canada.


Tickets are $5 nightly and are available at the door only, anytime during each Nebraska Pop Festival event. The Friday and Saturday shows in September will be all ages. The shows held on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and the pre festival show, requires those attending to be 21 years and older.


Nebraska Pop Festival 2010 lineup of performers

Saturday, August 28th (pre-festival show) @ Barley Street Tavern. Official start time 8:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *21+


1. The Love Technicians (Omaha, Nebraska)

2. The Sleepover (Lincoln, Nebraska)

3. Platte River Rain (Omaha, Nebraska)

4. Mumford’s (Ames, Iowa)

5. I Am The Navigator (Lincoln, Nebraska)

6. The Renfields (Lincoln, Nebraska)


Wednesday, September 15th NIGHT ONE @ Barley Street Tavern. Official start time 8:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *21+


1. Panda Face (Lincoln, Nebraska)

2. Cleemann (solo) (Copenhagen, Denmark)

3. Coney Island (Madison, Wisconsin)

4. The Bedsit Infamy (Denver, Colorado)


Thursday, September 16th NIGHT TWO @ Barley Street Tavern. Official start time 8:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *21+


1. You Don’t Know Me (Omaha, Nebraska)

2. Normandie Wilson (San Diego, California)

3. Dexter Poindexter (Wheeling, Illinois)

4. Electric Needle Room (Kansas City, Kansas)

5. Pezzettino (Brooklyn, New York)


Friday, September 17th NIGHT THREE @ The Pizza Shoppe Collective. Official start time 7:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *ALL AGES


1. Floating Opera (Lincoln, Nebraska)

2. Gilbe (Des Moines, Iowa & Chicago, Illinois)

3. Kissing Party (Denver, Colorado)

4. The Mother Z’s (Chicago, Illinois)

5. Seaside Stars (Berlin, Germany)

6. Alone With Everybody (Toulouse, France)

7. Thunder Power (Omaha, Nebraska)


Saturday, September 18th NIGHT FOUR @ The Pizza Shoppe Collective. Official start time 7:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *ALL AGES


1. Eric In Outerspace (Omaha, Nebraska)

2. Mammoth Life (Lawrence, Kansas)

3. Matty Cries (Seattle, Washington)

4. Paris When It Sizzles! (Omaha, Nebraska)

5. James and the Express (Olympia, Washington)

6. Doug Hoyer (Edmonton, Canada)

7. Maid Marian (Iowa City, Iowa)


Sunday, September 19th FINAL NIGHT @ The Sydney. Official start time 7:00PM with end time approximately 1:30AM (This show is 5 USD at the door) *21+

1. Seedlings (Des Moines, Iowa)

2. Paper City (Long Beach, California)

3. Cleemann *full band (Denmark/Omaha & Lincoln Nebraska)

4. Modes of Resuscitation (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

5. Spencer McGillicutty (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

6. The Homestories (Winterthur, Switzerland)

7. The Wandering Bears (Iowa City, Iowa)


I would greatly appreciate it if you could help us spread the word about the festival.

Here is a free mixtape from the bands playing the festival

http://www.indiepages.com/seriestwo/Nebraska_Popfest_mix.zip


NB: if you need information about bands, press passes, coordination of interviews, etc. please contact Christopher @ NebraskaPopFestival@gmail.com

Regards,

Christopher



Christopher
Curator and lead organizer of the Nebraska Pop Festival (2009 & 2010)
Post Office Box 875
Columbus, Nebraska 68602
nebraskapopfestival@gmail.com & www.myspace.com/nebraskapopfestival

Music Recommendation #23: Paper City

Paper City hails from Long Beach California. For a few years now, I’ve been overly familiar with member Marisa Predisik’s various recording projects, and received a most proper introduction to her moniker of “Paper City”, in late 2009, with her self titled full length release. The “Paper City” album is filled with confidence, intelligence, and unique instrumental/vocal delivery. Vocally at times, the songs visibly recall Elliott Smith, and vocally, lyrically and instrumentally, the songs often recall Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson.

Although there are no songs on this particular album titled “steppin’ out”, “miss misery” or “peace, love and understanding”, the Paper City album is surely more than enough to keep the listeners content.

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/papercityband

Recommended if you like: Elvis Costello, Spoon, Joe Jackson, The Cars, Brian Wilson, Belle and Sebastian, The Smiths, The Beatles, The Police, Cocteau Twins, Elliott Smith, The Sea and Cake;

Music Recommendation #22: Anthony Rochester

Anthony Rochester hails from Hobart, Tasmania Australia. I’ve been listening to his songs since sometime 2007. My most memorable introduction to the music of Anthony Rochester came in the form of a handmade record titled “Music for the Spaceship”. Upon first hearing that record, it didn’t leave my player for many weeks.

Overall the songs were very well crafted, and although he did have precious contributors on his album, he did the lion’s share. On a high note, Anthony Rochester closely evokes Erlend Oye (vocally), Kings of Convenience (all the way), and Jens Lekman (lyrically, at times). Anthony Rochester has successfully released a few full lengths, and a series of EP’s, appearing on various labels, stretching from California, to his home land of Australia. Also Anthony Rochester is well known for his collaborations with Japan shoegaze artist Hideka, and members of Testbild!, among other notables.

Check him out here: http://www.myspace.com/anthonyrochester

Also hear some of his collaborative efforts including “aaah” featuring Hideka: http://www.myspace.com/thesunshinespectacular

Download (3) free and legal songs from “Music for the Spaceship” here: http://indiepages.com/seriestwo/025.html

Recommended if you like: Kings of Convenience, Testbild!, Jens Lekman, Belle and Sebastian, The Hepburns, The High Llamas, The Lucksmiths;

We're back

After an unannounced JUNE break, starting this month JULY, I will be back in the process of writing and adding additional reviews to the Even In The Future blog ++ also I will catch up with the weekly recommendations as well.

Thank you for your continued support.


- Christopher

Music Recommendation #21: The Tinycakes

The Tinycakes hail from Chicago Illinois. The sole member of the band is Jim and he plays guitar and keyboard and also sings. The first time I came across his music was a few years ago, when he had sent me his (2) CD’s along with several lovely homemade comics of which come highly recommended by myself and precious others. His music to me is very simple yet honest and well crafted. Through his own words and he makes his songs for himself, but also for “People to listen to and forget about the bad stuff”, a message that he successfully conveys through humor, honesty and also through his various emotions of which he expresses from song to song.

Vocally he sounds very original to me, but at times his voice can cause cracks of laughter from listeners, especially through his humorous lyrics. In recent years Jim has succeeded in finding more opportunities for himself to perform at various independent live music venues with many of his favorite up and coming artists in Chicago.

His influences include: Jonathan Richman, Tom Waits, Syd Barrett, They Might Be Giants, Robyn Hitchcock and more.

Check him out here: http://www.myspace.com/thetinycakes

(9) free and legal downloads available here: http://indiepages.com/seriestwo/087.html

Music Recommendation#20: The Big Picture

The Big Picture hails from Beijing China via Stockholm Sweden. It is primarily one member named Mikael Salomonsson, though he receives help from several talented musician friends. He’s been making music under this moniker for about 5 years now, and has successfully held performances in both Sweden and China. Basically a few years ago he had moved to Beijing to further study Chinese and while there he settled with a label which helped him release his music in China and the label also helped him with live performances there too. That label is 1724 records. Mikael’s voice has a great range, best described by me as a style closely evoking late great Elliott Smith.

His self titled known to be debut full length album was released in 2008 in USA and later also released in China. When performing live, The Big Picture has consisted of a revolving cast of musicians including Lina Cullemark (Springfactory) and Peter Gunnarson (SKWBN) among other talented musicians.

Hear more here: http://www.myspace.com/picturethisbig

Download (3) free and legal mp3’s here http://www.indiepages.com/seriestwo/027.html

Recommended if you like: Elliott Smith, Springfactory, Suburban Kids With Biblical Names, Jose Gonzalez, Minakumari, Spiders for Love, Oh Sweet Music!;

Music Recommendation #19: Sweet Sweet Concorde

Sweet Sweet Concorde hails from Orebro Sweden. It is a solo project of Anders, whom also has played some with a very well known Swedish indie band named Robert Church and the Holy Community. To date his primary released recordings appear on a collection he has titled “Life In The Canopy” which is a solo effort of 10 songs, of which are apparently recorded in a bedroom. Initially without having the knowledge he had played in Robert Church, the recording quality reminded me of what it would sound like if someone recorded on the same equipment as R.C.

Whether that is in fact true maybe doesn’t matter all that much. A notable characteristic of Anders is his creativity appears to peak within every song, and this rarely occurs, especially on a debut album.


Recommended if you like the follow qualities: energetic, charm, heartfelt, genuine, humor, playfulness, etc.


(3) Free and legal downloads available here http://indiepages.com/seriestwo/041.html


Hear even more here: http://www.myspace.com/sweetsweetconcorde

Music Recommendation #18: Broken Folk Transistor

Broken Folk Transistor hails from Collingwood Ontario Canada. I received a package from Ryan including (3) full CDs of music he has made under 3 different monikers. The album that struck my fancy the most is his solo project Broken Folk Transistor. One might think already, three different band names, what does this guy do with his time? Well in Broken Folk Transistor, Ryan conveys his message through 21 songs, and further cements the title of being “prolific”.

Sometimes albums by solo musicians with this quantity of songs, usually achieve quantity over the overall quality of an album, but this piece will certainly be one of the most sublime 20+ song records I’ll probably ever hear. Ryan’s lyrics, vocals and instrumentation qualities surely outmatch the work of several members within many bands. Never having heard of Collingwood before in my life, it’s easy to assume that in obscured areas that most of the time you have to do things yourself, the DIY way, as opposed to exhausting searches for band members. If/when Ryan decides to take a step out of Collingwood, he will surely garner a lot more notoriety for his musical talents.

Heavily recommended if you like early recordings from the following: Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Beck, Jesus and Mary Chain;

Check em out here: http://www.myspace.com/brokenfolktransistor

Music Recommendation #17: My Autumn Sons

My Autumn Sons hails from Sweden. There are four total members, each of them having significant roles within the band. The vocals of Anna Ödlund could be described as “lush” and evoke Dominique Durand (Ivy), & Tracyanne Campbell (Camera Obscura). The male vocals tend to have a darkness/ borderline gothic sound evoking 80’s Manchester bands.

Overall the songs have a very catchy melodic basis to them, and the vocals/lyrics also take just as strong of a hold within the songs on a regular basis. There are several side projects; one I’d recommend highly is Leonwalls. Among their several videos, I choose to post their video for song “Plain”.

Recommended if you like: Ivy, Camera Obscura, The Chameleons, The Smiths, Joy Division, Peter Bjorn and John, Radio Dept, Adrian Borland;

Check them out here: www.myspace.com/myautumnsons

(3) Free & Legal downloads here http://indiepages.com/seriestwo/058.html

Music Recommendation #16: Modes of Resuscitation

Modes of Resuscitation is a quartet which hails from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. One thing that has always amazed me about this band is the variety of sound that they offer up in their songs. “Triggers” for example recalls my good memories for 80’s Manchester bands like The Chameleons and The Sound. “Triggers” also evokes Joy Division in a very odd way, more so instrumentally and not at all vocally. This observation and artistry has been rarely achieved by followers of Joy Division, they usually mess up the song by trying to make their voice sound exactly like Ian Curtis, but to his own credit, lead vocalist Matthew has a distinct voice.

The band describes their sound as “New Wave, post punk, folk, and blues. Thankfully, not all rolled into one, though”. I’d say that statement is quite valid, and makes their music all the more intriguing to the beginning listener. Lyrically, Matthew would fit in quite well with the late great Adrian Borland (of The Sound fame).

Recommended if you like: 80’s Manchester including The Smiths, Joy Division, The Sound, The Chameleons, New Order; Also recommended if you like: Mahogany, Cleemann, Magnetic Fields, High Llamas;

Check them out here: www.myspace.com/modesofresuscitation

Music Recommendation #15: Äänijännite

Äänijännite hails from Helsinki Finland. The first I heard of them was in 2008 and it was their song “Quantum Leap” that struck my fancy. When exploring more of their songs it becomes more and more clear the electronic basis in their songs and also a great emphasis on keyboards as well. Äänijännite’s sounds remind me of how Radio Dept could be if they were upbeat. It is normal for music in this “vein” to not catch my attention all that much, but there is something very special about this band. One significant attribute of this band is not only are they all over the place but also the clear fact that they keep things interesting.

Recommended if you like: Cleemann, Radio Dept, Television Keeps Us Apart, early Keane, SKWBN, Stereolab, early vhs or beta, Thurston Moore, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, early The Rapture;

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/aanijannite

Music Recommendation #14: Chuck Morgan

Chuck Morgan hails from Goteborg Sweden. I must let the cat out of the bag; his real name is actually Anton Ekman. One of the most interesting qualities I find in the music of Chuck Morgan is the voice sounds very fresh, and clear. The melodies in the songs are very catchy, and accompany his voice very well. Also another interesting quality is that Anton is really quite young, in his early 20s. His song “Our Future Could Be So Bright” catches the irony. His sole full length to date is “Patchworks” and it’s a collection consisting of some of Anton’s finest songs to date.

Recommended if you like: Nick Drake, Kings of Convenience, Cleemann, Radio Dept., Ossian Ekenger, Oh! Custer, Jose Gonzalez, etc.

(3) Free and legal downloads here http://indiepages.com/seriestwo/070.html

Hear more here: www.myspace.com/chuckmorgan8

Music Recommendation #13: James and the Express

James & the Express hails from Olympia Washington. When I first heard their album “Are Your Tomatoes Safe?”, I was quickly satisfied by the sound. I felt this way because the playfulness in his songs, the emotions being shared, the joy that can be heard from the vocals and the melody, among other great qualities. In the lyric writing, there is clearly parts that appear to have spontaneous lines that are classic, for example “Something New”. Songs such as “Built for Two” for example contain bucket loads of charm and loveliness.

Recommended for fans of: Anything melodic and poppy, including: Lucksmiths, Eggstone, Marshall Crenshaw, Spearmint, Magnetic Fields, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, and Beatles. Pretty much most 60's pop and Swede pop.

Check them out here: www.myspace.com/theslappies

Spiders For Love "Shotgun Wedding ep"

Spiders for Love hail from Omaha, Nebraska. I’ve seen this band perform live three different times; try to understand this, ok? First time I saw them play, they had two members, 2nd time they had three members, and the 3rd time they had four members. You probably know where this is going ha! Anyways now that this tidbit is out of the way lets talk about the music.

Member DL Diedrich shares vocal duties with his wife Cryssy Jean-Diedrich and as you could possibly guess, they go back and forth in song. Originally when I first heard their songs, I thought Beat Happening meets Adam Green. On the “Shotgun Wedding ep”, DL Diedrich reminds me a lot of early Beck recordings, and it’s important to note that the vocals appear to come out forceful (at times) yet pleasantly capture moments of humor.

Despite the recordings being relatively lo-fi, they are still good to my ears. As a side note, the Diedrich’s operate Hell-o Ferocious Records of Omaha, which has made some hand releases to date; also recently they started a tape label. Both projects primarily focusing on releases for bands from the Omaha area, and they legitimately strive to be inclusive. Also Spiders for Love member Sara also plays in Omaha indie/pop band Honey & Darling.

Check them out here: www.myspace.com/spidersforlove
& here www.helloferociousrecords.com