Paul McCartney - Electric Arguments

Finally something Paul does that can make Beatles fans proud of. Sorry, for all you Wings fan's (I just could never get into it). This album's songs and lyrics were written in the space of a day, all instruments played by Paul. This album shows there is something that Paul has still got. He was always known as the cute one, but Paul was always a mastermind as well. He wrote and played most of the famous Beatles tunes, both pre-and post drugs. It seems that maybe because of the short time period to make this album, Paul's ego maybe didn't get the chance to get in his own way. Rock, Blues, Electronic infused songs brings to mind Paul's creativity and raucous vocals on The White Album. Check this out, definetly worth the time, especially for those people wondering where all the artists from years past have gone to. My favs are Highway, Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight, Sun Is Shining, and Sing The Changes. Enjoy, and remember the old Paul.

Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane

Chad VanGaalen is a singer/songwriter/artist from Canada. He creates most of his songs and art from his home, rarely ever leaving. His story brings to mind the life and times of Daniel Johnston. Like Johnston, Chad VanGaalen sings about life, death, and existence using good imagery and creative lyrics and song structures. A VERY, VERY great album. This is a one man album, he uses guitars, drums, and also various electronic instruments as well as a xylophone to create almost childlike music with very adult like subjects. He also creates and directs his own music videos. Check them out below. Soft Airplane favorites are Willow Tree, City Of Electric Light, and Inside The Molecules. Enjoy

Department of Eagles - In Ear Park

Newest album from the Grizzly Bear side project. Pretty good stuff, sounds almost exactly like a Grizzly Bear album to me, which means awesome. This is kind of a nostalgic album from Daniel, most songs are about his childhood and the album is dedicated to his father who died not too long ago. Take a trip back in someone else's mind here. Favorites are No One Does It Like You, Phantom Other, and Floating on the Lehigh.

Ruby Suns - Sea Lion

Originally meant to be a world music album, but became much more. The beauty of Ryan McPhun's musical vision will engulf you in a blanket of happiness, warmth, and reverb. The sound always makes me think of a bunch of different musicians from all over the world sitting in a room on a summer day and playing good time music. Download this and you wont be disappointed, my favorites are "Oh, Mojave", "There Are Birds", and "Tane Mahuta". Enjoy

LCD Soundsystem - S/T

I originally had listened to the follow up to this album "The Sound of Silver", and discovered this one after becoming obsessed with all the songs. This release is just as good as Sound of Silver. Basically electronica pop at its best. You know an album is going to be really great when the opener is as great as "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House", which is a story we all wish we were part of. This entire album is spectacular, whether your alone looking for some energy, running, or throwing a party this album is perfect. Other standouts from this album are "Tribulations", "On Repeat", and "Great Release". Enjoy.

Endless Highway - The Music of The Band

A pretty nice collection of contemporary bands covering some of their favorite Band songs. Notable bands are My Morning Jacket covering "It Makes No Difference", Gomez playing "Up On Cripple Creek", and Bruce Hornsby's take on "King Harvest". Enjoy, Disc 1, Disc 2.

Condo Fucks - Fuckbook

Essentially a Yo La Tengo release except in name. This is very lo-fi heavy, dirty rock n roll. I really like these tracks a lot. Very different than most if not all the other YLT releases. Through their albums they have established themselves as one of the pillars of modern rock n roll. Using different sounds and effects to traverse the landscape of ambient, experimental, shiny, and sometimes dark pop music. On "Fuckbook" the guys and girl switch up to more straight up rock, seeing them live I was surprised how hard fast and loud they play. It surprised me at the time, so listening to this, I knew it was in them for awhile. The record sounds to me like the early Beatles if they played with the Black Keys. My favorite tracks are "Dog Meat", "Gudbuy T'Jane", and "With A Girl Like You". Enjoy

M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas And Lost Ghosts

Beautiful Noise.

Parlovr

I always love it when bands send me stuff to listen to. Alex from Parlovr recently sent me a few of his bands material. I was grabbed immediately by their sound, quality, and craftsmanship. After hearing all the songs they sent me, I am going to buy their independently releases self titled album. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves where modern rock is going. There are elements of noise, fast/furious drumming, and melodic lyrics. And according to their myspace, they only use a k-mart guitar, a bad drumset, and a keyboard that has a mind of it's own. Remind me a lot of Arcade Fire on their song "All The Wold Is All That Is The Case". Their hit song it seems would be "Pen To The Paper", I really like the repetitive lyrics. I always enjoy new directions in songwriting. In a day of a myriad of bands, its ironic that it gets frustrating or just seems impossible to find a new sound or band to remind you just how great music can be, this is it.

Avey Tare - Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished

Avey Tare is another bandmate of Animal Collective, and this is his solo effort. Panda Bear also plays drums on this effort. This is a lot more experimental to me than most of Animal Collective efforts and Panda Bears solo stuff. Each member has a completely different view point on music as well as different loves of particular music genres. I think that is why each AC album is so much different and why their music is so crazy and beautiful. Somehow four guys with completely different loves and influences can come together and make focused music. Enjoy.