Just an awesome weekend. The skies gave us a break from the grey, cold misery just in time to spend the weekend walking around the Highlands (in Louisville) to catch some Vitamin D and good sidewalk conversations. On top of that, I’m really happy with this week’s turnout of music. Something about this whole set just works so well together, so if you’re at your house or work, turn it up and let it play you through whatever your doing. It’s an hour’s worth of the best soundtracking you’ll get all day.

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – The Mighty Sparrow

Ted’s songs are simple rock music through some upbeat pop-punkish tempos. It’s his formula and what he’s known for. It may be nothing that you can sink your teeth into, but if you’re looking for some goodtime fun, he’s your guy. He’s an entertainer and a pretty great one. Come to think of it, I’d love to catch a triple bill with The thermals and Andrew WK.

Kiki Pau – An Old Song

There’s something in the strum that makes me think of the Proclaimers a lot in this cut from the Finish popsters. “An Old Song” comes courtesy of the latest World Music Alliance Pact and was the first one to grab everyone attention from the amazing group of artists.

Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club

BRMC seem to walk cool in every note they sing. While the last record didn’t grab me, this new single definitely has me re-interested. It’s a confident stroll through indie land showing the new breed who’s been carrying the load just fine for the past decade. Take note kids, you’re playing their songs.

The Broken Bells – Vaporize

The record folks told me that I’d be getting the full length this week from the James Mercer / Dangermouse duo and I seriously can’t wait. Yes, I know there is a leak circulating, and usually I’d be over it, but this one sounds like it’s going to sound soooo good on vinyl. Call me old fashion, but I’m waiting to soak this one in.

Trail Magic – Don’t Grow Up

Have you seen those incredible YouTube video’s from the dude who takes Disney movies and uses just the sounds of the movie to make a music megamix? Well, this reminds me a lot of that, minus the Disney affiliation. It’s a sample mash/mix thing that evokes its own youth and magic, and puts me in a pretty great mood every time.

Lightspeed Champion – Marlene

I was told this song would grow on me, and it has for the most part. There is still something about the chorus that drives me away that I can’t pinpoint, but those “whoa-oh’s” are a lot fun.

The Morning Benders – Excuses

There are so many things about Excuses that puts me at the school dance scene in Back to the Future. It’s got a 50’s sway to it that would make Bobby Darin happy, even when they’re singing about everyone turning to dust. Quite nice, and caught a lot of folks off guard by a recent live take on Yours Truly.

The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire

For much of the past two weeks, this has been one of the biggest blogged songs out there, and I’m just not sure I get it. Catchy little ocean-side key style intro with a playful bass, but ultimately, it’s just not grabbing me. In less I’m missing something, I think this is a hype machine a’working.

Yeasayer – Ambing Alp (Alan Wilkis Remix)

Alan has made some of my favorite remixes of the past year, which is exactly how long he’s been at the job. You can hear the full phone call here where we discuss how he accidentally got involved as a remixer, as well as plenty of clips of other awesome tracks that he’s left his thumbprint on.

Janelle Monae – Tightrope

It’s about time she wrapped up her sophomore disc. This is the lady that blew us all away with her debut that eventually landed her some Grammy’s and kept us from mourning the loss of any new Outkast for the last few years. In fact, Big Boi helps her out on this tune, and since she was brought in under the wings of Andre 3000, it’s not hard to imagine that he’s present here as well.

Japandroids – Art Czar

Japandroids had one of the best avant-punk records of last year. Put em’ up against No Age and you’ve got a heckuva fight. I would say that this is a one-off between records, but that would imply they’ve stopped touring behind the last one, which isn’t true. Catch em’ at least through the summer, and enjoy a few more of these seven-inches in the interim.

Grand Atlantic – Coast Is Clear

There hasn’t been a song like this that’s caught my ear in a while. It’s reeks of mid 90’s guitar rock and I absolutely love it. Those harmonies are all STP. In fact, this feels like a few of those STP songs that I actually liked, which isn’t something that’s very cool to admit these day, but whatever. It’s a fine song on a great record. Amazingly, we’ve come full circle to where this is interesting again. Has it been that long?

Robert Smith – Very Good Advice

Sure it’s weird and off tempo and feels creepy, but it’s the dude from The Cure and he’s covering a 1951 Disney song! That’s awesome, because he’s doing exactly how you think he would do it. I think this one has been hit and miss with a lot of fans, but I’d love to hear him do a few more tracks in this Elfman vein. I don’t, however, recommend the Almost Alice soundtrack that it comes on, unless you like you’re Smith jammed up next to Avril Lavigne and Shinedown. Boooooo, Buena Vista Records. For shame.

Baby Monster – She Comes Alive

Fun electro track, but nothing special to say about it. You know, you can sing along to it to some slow movin’. Highly enjoyable though.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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Did anything happen this week? I felt like went through some warp and ended up in the weekend. I guess some pass undetected, and then you’re in the next one. Crazy.

Caribou – Odessa

I skipped posting this for two weeks, but the little bugger wouldn’t go away. Actually, by the end last week, it was one of the top five most blogged songs on the net. My bad. All in all, it’s okay, and the more I listen to it, it has elements that remind me a lot of Gorillaz, minus the soul-screaming R&B chorus and phoned in Mos Def rap.

The Golden Filter – Hide Me

Now, on the other side of electro, here is one that’s instantly jumped thanks to a handful of singles that’s made The Golden Filter’s ramp all the more successful. I wouldn’t stack it up against Goldfrapp, but it blows the Caribou track away.

Spoon – Is Love Forever

If you haven’t heard the full phone call with Spoon’s drummer, Jim Eno, you can do so here. The creation of Is Love Forever is brought up with instructions from lead man Brit Daniels to beat the skins like he had only been playing for three days. Lock this one in the left-of-center side of the Spoon catalog – the ones that have made them one of the most interesting bands to keep up with.

Dr. Dog – Shadow People

I hadn’t realized Dr. Dog had left to go make another record. They’ve been such tireless tour-horses that it seemed like they were still killing with the live show. Alas, they’ve written a nice love letter to their hometown, Philadelphia PA, with a song that grabs me more with each listen. I like hearing about the mundane neighborhood characters getting all mixed up in each other’s lives. Its set to a catchy, early 70’s style piano beat, and might be the one stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Josh Ritter – Change of Time

I was late to the party on Josh Ritter, always curious as to why so many people held him in such high regards. It’s only taken a few listens courtesy of some trustworthy recommendations to finally get it. An amazing lyricist, he draws you in with a simple story that feels familiar and completely new at the same time. Like, you expect it to be cliché, but never is. The disc won’t be out until May, but judging by his track record and this first taste, it’s going to be another doozy.

The Thermals – Canada

The duo took a second to pause their recording for their 2009 follow-up to pump out this ode to the Great White. As usual, you get an instantly catchy sing-along in pop-punk glory. In the hands of any other band, this grows old fast, but The Thermals give it just the right kick to keep the fun times fun, without it coming off as funny, though IF you want to scream out “Hello Wisconsin!” after it’s all said and done, no one’s gonna think the lesser of you.

Sharon Van Etten – Love More

A hypnotic, music box intro opens up into a spacious, delicate build in this slow dance. Her voice reminds me so much of someone I can’t place, but it’s near perfect in the mood it’s casting. I’m not familiar with the rest of Van Ettan’s work yet, but I’m definitely interested.

OK Go – This Too Shall Pass

Our 2^nd phone call this week came from Damian Kulash, front man for OK Go, who’s latest disc was my first crush of 2010. This song specifically feels like a more traditional OK Go track, amidst an album of Prince-ified dance-offs, but it’s already given a memorable marching band video, and will soon get a 2^nd visual treatment, complete with NASA engineers and crazy contraptions.

The XX – Islands (Nosaj Thing Remix)

While there’s nothing wrong with it, I’ve not been as sold as the rest of the press world seems to be on these kids. However, lately I’ve loved a good remix, and Nosaj pulls off a great one here.

Erykah Badu – Window Seat

Seriously, this gal can do little wrong to my ears. I even enjoyed the freakiness of her last record, but it is nice to hear Ms. Badu slip back into that warm bath that had us all drooling at the beginning. More perfection to kick off New Amerikah part 2.

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim – Here Lies Love

This project could have went anywhere, and the jury is still out on if it’s trying to go everywhere, but getting Florence Welch (of Florence & The Machine) to head the title track to the concept record was a great decision. It’s sweeps and dives and soars and grabs and nails.

Free Energy – Hope Child

While it’s a bit of fun to hear the big 70’s guitar rock coming around again through the latest generation, this track ultimately falls short of being anything too memorable. I’ll 2^nd Sterogum’s sentiment that it’s incredible they’re not including the song “Something In Common” on the James Murphy produced debut, as it’s easily one of the best songs they’ve written.

Felix Cartal – Popular Music

Beep, beep, bop. Beats and throbs. Nothing new here, move along.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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There are certain times during the year that Louisville has a great spark drifting around it. Usually, it’s during a winning season for UK or UL heading into March Madness, but it came a bit early this time ‘round. Not only is the town hanging on every dribble for Kentucky’s near flawless season, but the Super Bowl just happened to be happening as well. I learned a long time ago that most of the games became a lot more fun when I didn’t follow anyone. With no affiliation, you’re always a winner. Sure, some will say it’s a copout, but I never have a bad game. As long as it’s entertaining, I’m happy, but with as much excitement is going around – football, basketball, and the upcoming World Cup – even for a guy who really doesn’t care, it’s not hard to get caught up.

Anyway, let’s plat some music. A bit more of a slower week than last, but that just means that I get to turn you on to a few bands you probably haven’t heard of. Needing that fix? I got ya.

The Welcome Wagon – But For You Who fear My Name

For all of my adoration for Freelance Whales right now, The Welcome Wagon is a welcomed accompaniment. It feels southern and as comfortable as the Sunday morning that it’s painting, and the horns that play it out N’awlins dirge style is a nice surprise that only adds to this song’s simple greatness.

Goldfrapp – Believer

… and this song couldn’t be further away sonically from the above Appalachian stream. Last week announced Goldfrapp’s latest, the eighties-tastic Rocket, and with the follow up leak, she’s really trying to spoil us. Believer carries on the dance theme but feels a little less time specific. Whereas Rocket was definitely birthed from the past, Believer keeps one foot in the future. Watch out for this full length! If this is only a portion of the story, I can’t wait to see if the rest lives up to what we’ve heard so far.

Surfer Blood – Take It Easy

If you haven’t listen yet, the full Phone Call with JP from Surfer Blood is now up. Take It Easy is another fine track from this Florida debut that assures a guitar hook as memorable as the bounce in his vocals, a common occurrence throughout Astro Coast.

Lali Puna – Remember

I wasn’t familiar with the first Lali Puna record, which is now behind us five years. The latest, however, plays into a smooth electro mood, sometime reminiscent of the quieter Postal Service moments. It could be thoughtful soundtrack fodder, just as much as late night driving music, though not exactly an ear worm that will stick around.

Prairie Cat – Given Up

The story of this Canadian is just as good as the song that seems to have an ironic title. He liked a girl so much that he packed everything up and followed her cross-country, only to get dumped soon after. And then he lost everything in a fire. Serious bummer. But hey, tragedy is usually the best inspiration for writing, and the song Given Up is quite nice.

The Soft Pack – C’mon

Buzz alert! It was hard to surf around without running into The Soft Pack with every new mouse click. Well deserved, they’ve had a steady build over the last couple months on the strength of their pop-ish rock. There are no gimmicks here and very little dipping into subgenres. Musically, it may not be the Big Innovator, but it’s taken the basic idea of rock n’ roll and played it to it’s best part, which in itself makes it quite the anomaly these days.

Beach House – Walk in the Park

The other band that the world is in love with right now. Dream-pop has been a difficult genre to push into the mainstream, but every now and then a band figures out how to do it, and this Baltimore duo are in that too-few club. This version comes from a Daytrotter session, that also has 3 other fine performances.

The Mynabirds – Numbers Don’t Lie

I caught the band Georgie James just in time for them to disband, so it’s nice to have a relatively quick new project from front gal Laura Burhenn. Throw a little Dusty Springfield into the Belle & Sebastian pile and you get The Mynabirds. That Sunday morning opener we had? This one hits its stride in that late afternoon sun.

Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Russ Chimes Remix)

I’m not sure Ellie can rise above the countless other female electro numbers, but she’s getting setup for the chance. Good press, decent music and folks clamoring to remix her. Once again, the wheel’s not being reinvented here, but it rolls well.

Phoenix – Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands (Bob Dylan cover)

Honestly, this isn’t how I like to hear Phoenix. This isn’t even close to one of my favorite Dylan tunes, but I have to get some great props to finding a respectable way to cut an 11-minute song down to 5 during this live performance. On the other side, it shows the versatility of these recent Grammy winning veterans. They’re not a pop band, or a rock band, or a folk band. They’re of the extremely rare breed who can be all at once.

Japanther – None’s Listening

Sure, they get big points for the name. Throw them on tour with Japancakes and Japandroids, and I wouldn’t miss it. Musically, it’s lo-fi punk with some easy singin’ along, something that we’ve played quite a bit lately. Lost in the mix, but not for not trying.

Shearwater – Black Eyes

There are moments when I like Shearwater, the side project of a couple of the Okkerville River guys. Then there are moments when I feel like Iron Maiden decided to give it a try as an indie troop. At least, I guess, it’s interesting. Eh.. nah, jury’s still out here, but at the same time, for some reason, I can’t stop listening.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – I Learned the Hard Way

I wanted to be blown away from the newest from Sharon and the boys, but I’m just now. 100 Days was fantastic, and I really hoped for another barnburner like that, which may not be fair. This isn’t bad, and sure she’s still pulling this sound off worlds better than the rest, but it just isn’t as grabbing.

Peter Gabriel – Flume

I think this had little chance to fail. Gabriel may not have been a totally recognizable song to the latest generation, aside from having that cool song in the movie their parents grew up with, but anyone who’s even halfway followed his career can attest to the usual genius that comes from this man. He’s seamlessly blended classical orchestration into world sounds into pop music for four decades, and this latest idea – a covers record, saluting new acts as well as old – is pretty darn close to perfect. His version of Flume may not be drastically different, but where he throws at the mountains during the chorus, you can feel it resonate all the way to the valley.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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I woke up this morning with the sun shining through the window and the bluest sky I’d seen in months. Up until I took a look at the world around, it sure did feel like Spring. Even so, the near zero temps and snow covered ground are a lot easier to take when the sky’s not grey. I think I’ll go for a walk. Time to shed this cabin skin.

And I couldn’t ask for a better soundtrack to listen to. Our first major-artist week of the year: Yeasayer, She & Him, The Tallest Man on Earth, Drive-By Truckers, Goldfrapp & Joanna Newsom. Some cool covers as well with Justin Townes Earle teaming up with Dawn Landes to update a Dolly Parton Song, Grizzly Bear takes on Hot Chip and Peter Gabriel has one of the most stirring, moving renditions to an Arcade Fire song that I’ve ever heard. Ch-check it out.

Man/Miracle – Back of the Card

I’m not the first to say it, but imagine if Talking Heads were a country/Americana band and you’d basically get this song. It’s a ton of fun that ends with a noise jam, just to keep you on your feet. I’ve gotta check out the rest. I’m guessing it’ll be a good accompaniment to the new Mumford & Sons release.

Freelance Whales – Rise & Shine

Aahhhhhhh. I haven’t found/played a bad song by the NYC collective yet. I’m not exactly sure what it is, other than the beautiful instrumentation, gorgeous harmonies, and simple lyrics, but I’m head over heals for them. They did an indie release of their debut last year, but gained so much attention that French Kiss picked them up and will be re-releasing soon. This one’s a live cut from the WOXY studios.

Yeasayer – O.N.E.

First off, I would post the full phone call I had with Chris Keating, but we were having a lot of reception problems (you get lots of cut outs), so that clip in the show is about as good as ya get. Now, more importantly, THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING! If you were a big fan of the last Phoenix record, and to a point the Passion Pit disc, and have been looking for that next slayer, look no further. It holds front-to-back, but what’s great, and evident in this 2^nd single, is that it doesn’t play the formula card. Yes, there are verses and a chorus, but the way it structured, and all of the other bits thrown in making it an album to unwrap and work your way through, all the while dancing with your hands in the air. If you haven’t got the picture yet, it’s one of my favorite albums. Go do it!

She & Him – In The Sun

Following in the tradition of their debut, Zooey & M. Ward are back with another bit of AM Gold inspired sweetness. She still sounds as sultry and sugary as always and Matt keeps the music on par, giving us what’s sounding like a pretty fantastic sophomore run, and hopefully setting up this duo up to keep the moniker going.

The Tallest Man on Earth – King of Spain

It really in quite incredible what this Swede has done to a sound as well worn as the early-Dylan genre that he charges into; those lyrics, those melodies, and the way he cuts right to the core of it. I’m not trying to add any hyperbole here, but he’s currently doing it as well as Dylan ever did. Don’t be angry at the audacity, just be ready to be knocked off balance.

The Antlers – Two (Buffetlibre Remix)

This song made a few fans around this time last year, but it never really had much of a lasting impact on me personally, and was kind of lost by the time of the end-of-year shuffle for everyone else. Luckily, Buffet Libre has given it the big beat shine and made it quite catchy. It feels more like Hot Chip now, which is nice since Hot Chip is sounding more like The Antlers lately.

Drive-By Truckers – This F*ing Job

If you’ve been waiting for a big rock record from the Truckers, you’re wait is over. The Big To-Do is their return to big crunchy guitars and doesn’t feel different from any of their past catalog. That’s not a put-down. It’s nice to have some consistency, especially with a band you’ve grown to love for a specific reason.

Sean Cannon from Buzzgrinder Interview

Dawn Landes & Justin Townes Earle – Do I Ever Cross Your Mind

This week, we invited Sean Cannon from Buzzgrinder.com to share his current ravs. The crop of Dolly Parton covers that have sprang up lately has given him cause for celebration, and this one especially fits in nicely to anything the two crooners have done previously.

Peter Gabriel – My Body is a Cage

I should have expected this, but I still had problem picking my mouth off the floor after listening. As the story goes, Gabriel recorded a bunch of his favorite, current artists with an invitation for them to return the favor attached. Here, he takes the Neon Bible closer and gives it an enormous cinematic soundscape as only he can. While the opening is pretty true to the original, the big strings kick in about a quarter of the way through and turns the whole thing into nothing short of epic. I can’t wait to hear what he’s done with all of the other covers.

The Scruffs – Conquer Me

As the story goes, The Scruffs were a band back in the 70’s. They’re new to me, and that’s just fine, though if their early releases were half as catchy as this comeback single, I’ve got to catch up. Don’t expect a sound drenched in nostalgia. If you didn’t know that piece of rock history, you’d guess they fall in line with anything else currently making a buzz. Excellent way to stay relevant.

Goldfrapp – Rocket

I hit repeat on this way-back throwback quite a few times this week. Goldfrapp tackles that impatient watermark that made so many 80’s movies great. Its montage music. Let’s build a boat in One Crazy Summer. It the opening credits to Who’s That Girl. It’s a wardrobe change in Mannequin. I’ve railed on this retro-decadence as much as I’ve rallied for it, but this one definitely falls in the love-it pile.

JoAnna Newsom – ‘81

There has been a small chamber movement happening for a bit, a little less known than others, but I just haven’t been able to get on board. JoAnna has a pretty rabid fanbase who love her take on the ol’ style, but it’s just been lost on me. Now, if you are a fan, her newest will be a 3 disc set; plenty to sink your teeth into. Also, if you’re into this, check out Midlake. The two compliment each other perfectly.

Grizzly Bear – Boy From School

A few weeks ago, the Griz stopped into Triple J Radio in Australia and gave an acoustic cover to this Hot Chip song from The Warning. It’s beautiful and has probably gained more spins from me this week than any other. So much that I had to go out an grab the vinyl of the original just to gain more depth. If you’re familiar with Hot Chip, then you may have even got introduced to them through the more dance oriented original, but I’d dare say that Grizzly Bear may have just given the definitive version.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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Did you all catch Conan’s final show? Whether you’re a fan or not, there are fewer classy ways to wrap it all up. When he could have lambasted NBC, he thanked them for over two decades of loyalty. When he could have been down on the whole deal, he instead begged us all not to become cynics. And then, of course, we were all treated to Freebird. And why not? Will Ferrel, Beck, Ben Harper, Billy Gibbons, Max Wineberg, and another dude who I never figured out who was; Not a bad backing band to close out the shortest Tonight Show run yet, cementing him as the George Lazenby of late night.

Anyway, let’s play some music, yeah? I got some great stuff I wanna play ya. Turn it up.

April Smith & the Great Picture Show – Colors

I was pretty easily smitten by this one. It’s quirky, charming, fun, and interesting. Aside from the usual instruments, April paints in accordion, what sounds like clanging pipes, kazoo’s and more, without it ever sounding out of place. Word has it she’s touring with Langhorne Slim. I imagine that to be a pretty great night of music.

Gorillaz – Stylo

I’m honestly not as excited about this new Gorillaz single – their first in five years – as I thought I would be. There are nice elements of electronica going on, but if you’re looking for a hook as big as Feel Good, Inc., 19-2000, or Clint Eastwood, you won’t find it here. Now, as long as you go into it knowing that, it’s a pretty decent song and just goes to show that Mos Def is the hardest working man of the month, making one of his numerous, recent appearances here. The verse has a throwback to The Cure’s “Lullaby” which gives the whole song a bit of easier access. Just the same, I’m still looking forward to hearing the album play out, since this first taste seems more fitted to a full set rather than just a compilation.

Harlem – Friendly Ghost

Lo-fi from the Lonestar State. Of course, they’re in Austin, because music doesn’t so much exist elsewhere right now. As usual, they play into the 60’s garage sound and are generally fun. You’ll like it if you’re into the genre, but it doesn’t really offer too much for something new.

Jj – Let Go

It’s hard not to meantion The XX when talking about JJ. Not just that the two are touring together, but basically emerged on the worldwide scene simultaneously with a similar dream-meets-trip sound. Now that The XX are well on their way, JJ are getting their shine with a new disc out in March via Secretly Canadian. It’s a fine song, but I can’t help but feeling like I’m listening to Enya when that chorus hits. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You know, it’s good chill music. Let the Orinoco flow.

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim (f/t Santigold) – Please Don’t

Now here is an interesting, if not exciting project. The two masters team for a concept album about a former wife of a Pilipino head – an odd choice, but not really the immediate, important part here. Obviously, you’ve got two huge talents that brought in an slew of other big talents to voice the whole thing. So far so good, though honestly, I wanted to hear a lot more – or any – of David Byrne singing. Otherwise, it’s good pop music with very a different style of lyrics.

Retribution Gospel Choir – Hide It Away

I got this one stuck in my head and it’s rarely left all week. Maybe I just needed a good shot of rock, but just the same, it’s a very catchy, sing-along chorus. As the story has now been told, RGC is really just the band Low, minus Mimi Parker (wife of lead man Alan Sparhawk), but is the excuse not to mix to different sounds into one outfit. Low gets to keep its minimalist pop and RGC gets to crank it up and yell some. Either way, I likey.

Happy Birthday – Girls FM

How ‘bout that? That name apparently wasn’t taken. Good for them. Lo-fi pop song number two for the week, though this one with a more lasting taste. You can sing with it pretty quick and it plays for a cutesy audience. Parts of me want to hear Sleater-Kinney play this one.

Let’s Wrestle – We Are the Men You’ll Grow to Love Soon

…and lo-fi pop song number three. Find a theme for the week? It’s not unwelcome. Sure, we’ve been hearing this style since The Hives pulled it seven years ago, but when it sticks, it’s sticks. And we’re always sticklers for a “ba ba” chorus.

Seabear – Lion Face Boy

Fans of orchestral folk listen up! Sindri Sigfusson is a man who can’t sit still, and hits on something perfect more times than not. He’s got a couple names he records under – some by himself, some with others – but it’s usually a pretty consistent sound, built from the same Icelandic cloth as Sigur Ros and Mugison. It sweeps and flows and will play nicely next to that upcoming Jonsi record.

Rafter – Papers

Ha! Swearing is fun. No seriously, it is. I mean, it’s a fun song anyway, but nothing like an MF chorus to make you feel good about your day. Dance to it, yell to it, and be hip to it since he’s an Asthmatic Kitty signee.

Dum Dum Girls – Jail La La

Sub Pop has been busy-busy for a first quarter. Quite a ton coming out with le Dum Dum Girls perched as one of the next big pushes. Reportedly, this is a song that was featured on a previous independent album, but was given a thicker coat for the national debut.

Bridges & Blinking Lights – Undercover

I can’t find a lot of info on this troop, but they can stay as mysterious as they want as long as something like this keeps coming out. It reminds me of quite a lot of things, including Silversun Pickups, Hum, and a little Sunny Day Real Estate, so if you know what I’m talking about, then you totally understand. That’s a recommendation to seek out yr own copy.

Smashing Pumpkins – Window Wake My Mind

Corgan keeps the drama and gossip high in the tabloids, but keeps his mind on his music in order to continue the 44 songs Teargarden By Kaleidyscope.project. Where as the first track was all classic-rocked out, this one is more reminiscent of his Zwan period. Bright and bouncy without a lot of memorable substance. Just the same, he’s got 42 more chances to nail it. Rule of odds say it’s bound to happen at some point.

Blair – Candy in the Kitchen

“I was dancing to Whitney Houston.” It’s a nice lead-in for a pre-chorus that definitely perked my ears. I really feel like this is the one I wanted Jem to write last album. Minimal beats with minimal orchestra over a minimal acoustic. It allows Blair to really carry the song, something she does easily enough.

V.V. Brown

Speaking of ear candy, it’s almost shameful to admit liking something this bombastic. I mean, it could live just as easy on Top 40 radio with a different marketing campaign. Just the same, when she’s yelling “maybe there’s a shark in the water,” I wanna be first pumping with her, in the exact same way every single one of you did it when Kelly Clarkson was screaming “Since You Been Gone.” It’s okay, these things happen from time to time, and it’s nice when it can fit in a show with four lo-fi garage songs.

Standard Fare – Fifteen

Make that five. This one has some real guts though. Do you remember Ida Maria? She was around this time last year with “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked.” Yeah, anyway, Standard Fare sound like a Brooklyn garage band fronted by Maria. It works, but ultimately, probably, gets lost in an overcrowded shuffle. Lyrically, I could see Morrissey diggin’ on this one.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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Rough week for planet Earth. Good week for music though.

Along with those tunes, we had special, awesome phone calls from both Ben Sollee and Michael Roffman. One plays music, one tells you about good music. Party on, Garth.

Frightened Rabbit – Nothing Like You

I’ve been known to enjoy a few from Snow Patrol’s catalog, but the last bits haven’t had that spark n’ zest that first brought me in. If you subscribe to that club, too, them behold! Frightened Rabbit takes a familiar sound and throws some fire back into it. It drives, pushes, and rarely looks back, all the while keeping a shine that’ll appeal to the masses. Come to think of it, it’d be a really nice paring to see them live on an Echo & The Bunymen bill.

Fyfe Dangerfield – When You Walk In The Room

If the fifteen year-old version of me knew that the now version of me liked this song, he would probably be upset. But unlike the days of my late-grunge youth, I can play a track like this and bop around the room like its freedom. By the wayside have gone the flannel, and I’ve excepted the greatness of a good pop song. Dangerfield (if that is your real name) may be simplistic in his writing, but a topic as well worn as this didn’t need the over thinking, thanks to a melody and piano line that promises to drill itself into your head, regardless of the subject matter.

White Hinterland – Icarus

I’ve been struggling with The xx and jj, being able to grasp and jump right in, so I’m grateful for White Hinterland, who also approaches with a laid back, near trip-hop vibe while keeping an accessible, focused (and humable) chorus. Like the frog in pot, I just needed to be warmed before boiled.

Red Pens – Hung Out

The same could be said about Red Pens. Lo-fi has been striving in it’s own right off and on since the beginning of rock, and the last few years have definitely taken it to new levels and attention, but for a genre where you have to get it to get it, it’s nice to have something like this that takes less work to enjoy.

Basia Bulat – Go On

It’s hard to read up on Basia without running across the name of Neko Case, and that’s justifiable. She’s got a voice of tenderness that’s tinged in country and mid 90’s chick-rock at the same time. She’s good looking and spends most of her time on the road. So, yeah, it’s pretty parallel. That’s not her fault of course, and shouldn’t scare you away from inviting her in. It’s easy Americana that works.

Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore – Something, Somewhere, Sometime

I’ll say outright that I’m pretty biased when it comes to Ben’s music. Though he is a friend, it’s still pretty undeniable how good his music is, as it’s grabbed tens of thousands of people across the country. This time around, he’s teamed up with Daniel Martin Moore (another Kentucky kid) and enlisted Jim James (another Kentucky kid) to produce, and occasionally contribute. The results are the perfect blend of Appalachian folk-soul-pop with a message (which at it’s base it about mountaintop removal / coal mining). They’ll be touring quite a bit this year, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

The Kays Lavelle – Aftermath

Along with Frightened Rabbits, The Kays Lavelle are our 2nd troop fro Scotland on this week and much like them, there is a polished quality, but accomplished quite differently. This slow brooder takes a while to carry you to it’s destination, but it’s only for the suspense and build. It reminds me somewhat of Swell Season’s “High Horses” in the way it arrives and makes for some nice, cinematic listening.

Portastatic – Foam Hands

Here’s a fun one. The head of Merge Records decided to dig up his Portastatic name and pay tribute to a handful of his artists by covering their songs. If you have a problem with his vocals at the beginning, just wait for the kids choir to come in and the whole thing syncs up. If you’re not familiar with the original, it’s by the band Destroyer. It’s also highly possible you’ll catch yourself repeating the refrain for the rest of the day.

Dirty Projectors – Emblem of the World

The Brooklyn buzz crew delivered a new seven inch to the world that had a couple new songs and a couple Bit Orca era tracks. This one is pretty forgettable (probably why it was passed over for a full length), but carry’s some saving grace in it’s jazz-like experimentation.

The Besnard Lakes – Albatross

I didn’t get it from the first listen, but through some loud speakers on the 2nd go round I understood why they caught so many rave reviews from their ’07 debut. I keep going back to calling them a female Grizzly Bear, which doesn’t feel fair but really does explain the sound. Traces of Beach Boys over shoe-gaze guitars and rolling drum licks.

Michael Roffman – Phone Call / Vampire Weekend – Run

Our guest blog-call comes from Michael Roffman, who helps head and contribute to Consequence of Sound, a site that built it’s foundation on festival reporting, but has gradually turned into a pretty great site for up-to-the-minute music news, introductions to new artists, and still the first place you want to go to find out who’s playing where this summer. Michael chose the song Run from Vampire Weekend’s newest, Contra, for his pick this week and tells you why (but you’ll have to hit the play button to hear the whole review).

Xiu Xiu – Gray Death

The world of Xiu Xiu is a very overdramatic one and I assume to appeals pretty instantly to a 15 year old who’s recently read The Bell Jar. Traces of The Smiths with a strong Goth overtone veers into an industrial transition. And while I could cut on this song for a handful of reasons, they’d all be baseless. Ultimately, it’s a fine song with a great refrain.

Aloha – Moonless March

I like it while I’m listening to it, but haven’t really thought about it when I’m not. That’s to say that there really isn’t much sticking power. Other than that, sure. And with that said, I’ll probably love it in a week.

The Morning Benders – Promises

This Berkley band have toured with just about every cool band you’d want to tour with right now and it’s paid off for them judging by the press on the upcoming Big Echo. There is a beach sound for a late July night hidden somewhere in the background and his voice even contains elements of The Walkmen. I’d throw out a three out of five wit intentions to check out the rest.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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Here we discuss the ins and outs of being relevant in a band for thirty years, their life so far on new label Matador Records, the latest disc, The Eternal, vacations, and the adventure that’s to come in 2010.

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So, it’s the first real show of the New Year. New website, new music, new favorites. Not a bad way to start a decade. There is a lot happening around here (including a new stations playing the show, IndieSF.com), so I thought a little organization might be in order.

New Interviews – I posted the full interviews with Lightning Dust and Sonic Youth this week. Make sure to check ‘em out.

New Videos – How about that new Video Player? You hit play, and your magically transported back to when you could turn on a TV and see multiple videos in a row!!! I know, magic is pretty awesome. This week we added new moving pictures from OK Go, Islands, RJD2, Animal Collective, & Japandroids, along with the rest of big ones making the rounds. Kick back and let ‘em play!

Now, on to the show!

OK Go – This Too Shall Pass

It’s my first great find of 2010, from a band I didn’t expect. According to the band’s new bio, Damian Kulash decided it was finally time to indulge in his Purple Rain infatuation, and it turned out to be pretty awesome. There are multiple big tracks on the new record, Of The Blue Colour of the Sky, (and a cool video of the song WTF), but I thought this one kicked off a show nice enough.

Broken Bells – The High Road

The collaboration between Danger Mouse and James Mercer from The Shins, it took me a couple listens for it to hit, but it finally did and I haven’t taken it out of the shuffle yet. There are parts that remind me of really good Verve, and just goes to show that Danger Mouse can make anyone great. I get the feeling that he sits back and randomly motions for his henchmen to grab the nearest musician, regardless of who it is. Of course it sounds great in the end. It didn’t matter who was on the other side. When you’re working with the Mouse, you’re golden. My only gripe for this song is the ending. Throwing in a change that late in the game should have made it epic, but instead it just kind of teeters out. Hopefully, it’s a move that plays into the album more, instead of being just a spot in a single.

Love Is All – Kungen

Maybe it’s the bands name, but I hear this song and I think, “yeah, it’s decent, and it’s fun, but Karen O did it better when she did the “All Is Love” song.” Either way, you’ll get the chorus after one-time, making it a pretty easy sing-along to slip into.

The Flaming Lips – Speak To Me / Breathe

We all should have seen this coming. So many times they’ve been called “the modern day Pink Floyd.” They put out an album earlier in the year that was definitely not for the mainstream, so to balance it all out, they cover Dark Side of the Moon from front-to-back. To help out, Wayne calls up his nephew’s band, Stardeath & The White Dwarfs, Henry Rollins, and Peaches to add the color into the jaunt. Oh, how is it? It’s pretty great. And it sounds exactly like you think it will.

Vampire Weekend – Cousinz (Toy Selectah Mex-More Remix)

Are you tired of this song yet? If so, I recommend this remix. It brings out all of the strong points and adds a heck-uv-a great beat for good time party-party. The full album is up now on Ye Ol’ Myspace. Prepare to hear this one on the radio for the next whole decade.

The Watson Twins – Midnight (live on KCRW)

These Louisville gals were easy to like with their previous soul-folk discs, but they’ve just made it even easier. A little sex appeal layered on top of a battle between a B3 and a blues guitar. Its jams out in all of the right spots, and you can taste that midsummer late-night air.

We Are Wolves – Holding Hands

A quick blast of Stooges style raw power. Its aggressive, and yet you can dance to it. And hey, look! The whole Wolves name makes a quick comeback, and from Canada, too. I now assume those Canucks spend an ample amount of time fearing the dog-beast. It consumes their mind enough to make great art. Alas, we benefit from their torture.

Surfer Blood – Floating Vibes

These fellas made a pretty big impact late last year with their song “Swim (to Reach the End), enough to land them atop several hundred Band-To-Watch lists for the New Year. Here lies single number two to make the rounds and finds them diving deeper into the sound that caught us all the first go-round. Keep an eye on ‘em folks!

Portishead – Chase The Tear

It’s hypnotizing from the very beginning. The fact that the riff doesn’t change for five minutes should make it drag, but it only keeps me spellbound. This comes as a possible new marketing direction for the group, teaming up with Amnesty International to debut the song on World Human Rights Day, with all proceeds going to help the cause. Reportedly, the band is in the studio working on more goodies. I’m hoping they follow suit.

The Album Leaf – Falling From The Sun

Here’s one you’ll have to pay more attention to. It’s a slow builder from the return of The Album Leaf, after having been absent for four years. Sources say this was a full on band doing this time around, instead of the usual “dude brings a song in and adds the other dudes to it.” I’m not familiar enough with their history to know the difference, but I like what I hear now.

Boy Eats Drum Machine – Hoop + Wire

Another that had to grow on me for a few listens, but its fun enough. Of course, you could get close to the same thing from an Islands record.

jj – Ecstasy

This new re-discovery of trip-hop is big news. It’s what the kids are latching onto right now, and I guess that makes sense being it’s one of the only genres-of-past to not have been mined to death in the last few years. Much likes the sound’s first time through – circa late 90’s – it’s not something I can easily sink my teeth into, but I’m rather fine with it playing in the background. The XX may have made it to the finish line first, but jj is running close behind with their next record (number three) coming out on Secretly Canadian in March.

Quasi – Repulsion

Fans of the 90’s have more reason to rejoice with the first new Quasi record in a few years. For those just checking in, it’s the ex-husband-wife duo consisting of Janet Weiss from Sleater-Kinney fame and Sam Coomes from The Donner Party and Pink Mountain. The formula stays the same and you get a blast of power chord vs. riff rock expertly assembled with a shout-along chorus, as done by the folks who helped create it. Take notes, kiddies.

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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?

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