New Yo La Tengo

I am heading off to Connecticut tomorrow for my 15th college reunion. Music played a huge role in life during those four years. One of the great highlights of my time in college was working at the radio station both as a deejay and later as the promotions director. Through both roles, I got to meet a ton of bands and artists and see some pretty amazing shows. Some artists were incredibly friendly - Mike Watt, Laura Ballance of Superchunk. Some were incredibly arrogant - Eric Gaffney and Lou Barlow of Sebadoh. Some were totally fun and hilarious - Archers of Loaf and Velocity Girl. Some were a little scary (but totally cool) - Mule. And some were so unassuming and down to Earth, it was hard to believe they were a rock and roll band - Yo La Tengo.

It turns out that the Hoboken three piece has a new album coming out on Matador on September 8th entitled Popular Songs. So in celebration of my 15th college reunion, I offer you a sneakpeek at the first single. Have a great weekend.

Periodically Double Or Triple (mp3) from Popular Songs
Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind (mp3) from I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass

Happy Birthday To Me - 37 Years Of Music

The Pixies

Since I have been described as a list-obsessive, I thought I'd put one together on the occasion of my 37th birthday. So for each of my 37 years, I selected my favorite song and album. Some were my favorite then. Some are my favorite now. And some have always been loved. Enjoy.

Song

2008 – The Gang “Sea So”
2007 – Arcade Fire “Intervention”
2006 – William Elliot Whitmore “Dry”
2005 – Sufjan Stevens “Chicago”
2004 – Ted Leo/Pharmacists “Me and Mia”
2003 – The Wrens “Everyone Choose Sides”
2002 – Spoon “The Way We Get By”
2001 – Ted Leo/Pharmacists “Biomusicology”
2000 – At The Drive In “One Armed Scissor”
1999 – The Get Up Kids “Holiday”
1998 – Refused “New Noise”
1997 – Rainer Maria “Tinfoil”
1996 – Jawbox “Mirrorful”
1995 – Superchunk “Detroit Has A Skyline”
1994 – Weezer “Say It Ain’t So”
1993 – Fugazi “Walken’s Syndrome”
1992 – Buffalo Tom “Taillights Fade”
1991 – Nirvana“Smells Like Teen Spirit”
1990 – Deee-Lite “Groove Is In The Heart”
1989 – Bob Mould “Wishing Well”
1988 – The Pixies “Gigantic”
1987 – The Replacements “Never Mind”
1986 – R.E.M. “These Days”
1985 – Husker Du “Celebrated Summer”
1984 – The Replacements “Unsatisfied”
1983 – Michael Jackson “Wanna Be Starting Something”
1982 – R.E.M. “Carnival Of Sort (Box Cars)”
1981 – Queen & David Bowie “Under Pressure”
1980 – AC/DC “Back In Black”
1979 – The Police “Message In A Bottle”
1978 – The Who “Who Are You”
1977 – The Sex Pistols “God Save The Queen”
1976 – Boston “More Than A Feeling”
1975 – Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody”
1974 – Big Star “September Gurls”
1973 – The Stooges “Search & Destroy”
1972 – David Bowie “Ziggy Stardust”


Album

2008 – Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago "Skinny Love"
2007 – The National The Boxer "Fake Empire"
2006 – The Hold Steady Boys and Girls in America
2005 – Spoon Gimme Fiction
2004 – Arcade Fire Funeral
2003 – The Wrens The Meadowlands
2002 – Pretty Girls Make Graves Good Health "Speakers Push The Air"
2001 – Ted Leo/Pharmacists The Tyranny of Distance "Squeaky Fingers"
2000 – PJ Harvey Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
1999 – Rainer Maria Look Now, Look Again - "Breakfast of Champions"
1998 – Elliot Smith XO
1997 – Pavement Brighten The Corners
1996 – Versus Two Cents Plus Tax
1995 – Superchunk Here’s Where The Strings Come In
1994 – Archers Of Loaf Icky Mettle
1993 – The Afghan Whigs Gentlemen
1992 – Sugar Copper Blue
1991 – Superchunk No Pocky For Kitty
1990 – Fugazi Repeater
1989 – The Pixies Doolittle
1988 – The Smithereens Green Thoughts
1987 – The Replacements Pleased To Meet Me
1986 – R.E.M. Life’s Rich Pageant
1985 – New Order Low Life
1984 – Prince & The Revolution Purple Rain
1983 – U2 War
1982 – Violent Femmes Violent Femmes
1981 – Men At Work Business As Usual
1980 – The Cure Boys Don’t Cry
1979 – The Clash London Calling
1978 – The Police Outlandos d’Amour
1977 – Elvis Costello My Aim Is True
1976 – Ramones Ramones
1975 – Aerosmith Toys In The Attic
1974 – Big Star Radio City
1973 – Stevie Wonder Innervisions
1972 – Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street

Bob Mould/Juliana Hatfield Birchmere 4/7/09

Juliana Hatfield

To celebrate the release of his new album The Life and Times (Anti Records) Bob took to the stage at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Opening for this date only was Juliana Hatfield fresh off an 8 hour Boston to DC Amtrak ride. Juliana, joined only by her Gibson SG, was battling a bit of a cold but plowed through a set of mostly new songs from both 2008's How To Walk Away and an as not-yet-titled effort that she describes as acoustic in character (despite being played on an electric). Not to shy away from deeply personal lyrics, her new songs appear increasingly so on the heels of the release of her memoir When I Grow Up. Her voice suffered from her cold until she made the decision half way through the set to offer a blistering cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Cover Me". From that point on, everything clicked.

Bob hit the stage with a little pep in his step, presumably related to the release of his new record. Jason Narducy (bass) and Amy Domingues (cello) joined Bob on stage for what started as a 20th anniversary celebration of Bob's 1989 solo debut Workbook. This album was of great importance to me as it transformed me from casual Husker Du fan into Bob Mould obsessive. Six songs from that landmark release started the evening and I was on my way to night of bliss.

Had the night ended with the Workbook retrospective I would have more than received my money's worth. Bob brought out longtime collaborator, Rich Morel (keyboards), and ran through four songs from the new disc all of which translated well to the semi-acoustic renderings offered. With seven songs left in the program, Bob switched over to his trusty blue and white Stratocaster with its signature sound (a sound I have spent the last several years trying to recreate on my own).

It has been Bob's habit ever since I first saw play an acoustic show in April of 1991 to play a number of songs with his electric guitar. I have often felt these songs suffered at times in comparison to the beauty of the acoustic offerings. Even with the addition of keys and bass for these songs, something was lost. I like my Bob Mould both ways - acoustic and electric - but I think if it is going to be electric bring Brendan Canty along for the ride.

Setlist: Wishing Well/See A Little Light/Sinners And Their Repentances/Poison Years/Lonely Afternoon/Brasilia Crossed With Trenton/Life And Times/The Breach/Bad Blood Better/I'm Sorry, Baby, But You Can't Stand In My Light Anymore/Walls In Time/Circles/Hoover Dam/The Silence Between Us/Your Favorite Thing/I Apologize/Celebrated Summer//encore//If I Can't Change Your Mind/Makes No Sense At All

The Silence Between Us (mp3)

Bob Mould Daytrotter Session

In advance of next Tuesday's release of Life and Times, Bob stopped by the Daytrotter Studios to play acoustic versions of a few songs from said long player. I'll be seeing Bob perform on the evening of the album's release at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Should be exciting as the ever-intriguing Juliana Hatfield is opening. Enjoy.

The Breach (mp3)
I'm Sorry, Baby, But You Can't Stand In My Light Anymore (mp3)
Life And Times (mp3)
Bad Blood Better (mp3)

Monday Morning Mix

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Like Barry bringing in his Monday Morning Mix into Championship Vinyl in High Fidelity, I offer you all the following. While it might not offer the same level of debate as to who has the better version of "Little Latin Lupe Lu" (the correct answer is Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), it should help get the week started.

We start with a hefty dose of indie pop to allow the muscles to warm up. Stop and stretch during the quick instrumental interlude courtesy of Dexter Romweber of the Flat Duo Jets - he has a new band with his sister Sara (Snatches of Pink, Let's Active) on drums and a new album due out on Bloodshot Records this spring. Once your muscles are limber and your stretching complete, check out the final four tunes courtesy of the good people at Jade Tree Records. Usually by this point on a Monday morning I'm ready for a little post-hardcore. Enjoy these free and legal mp3's.


The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You - mp3
Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine - mp3
Say Hi - November Was White, December Was Grey - mp3
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - Lamp Post (demo) - mp3
Crystal Stilts - Shattered Shine - mp3
Sexy Kids - Sisters Are Forever - mp3

Pedro The Lion - Discretion - mp3
Dex Romweber Duo - Black Christmas - mp3
Cloak/Dagger - Runways - mp3
These Arms Are Snakes - Horse Girl - mp3
Fucked Up - Baiting The Public - mp3
New Mexican Disaster Squad - Tightrope - mp3

Big Shoulders Ball w/ Andrew Bird, Ted Leo et al

Andrew Bird & Tortoise

After taking a day or two to reflect on the Inauguration (as well as thaw out) I thought I'd drop a quick review of Monday's pre-Inaugural Big Shoulders Ball at the Black Cat in DC. Sponsored by Hideout Chicago, the "Ball" featured a number of Chicago artists as well as Ted Leo who records for Chicago-based Touch & Go Records.

My buddy Mike and I arrived around 9:30 to hear the music of Sun Ra interpreted by Jeff Parker and John Herndon of Tortoise and jazz saxophonist Ken Vandermark. Looking around we found an odd array of the usual Black Cat crowd combined with those in actual Ball garb (both ironic and formal). Tortoise, for whom I was most excited to see having never seen them live before, were next. They ripped through five or six songs in their alloted 25 minutes including Along the Banks of Rivers and Seneca although I was a little sad that Herndon didn't bring his vibraphone, cause really who doesn't love a vibraphone?

Andrew Bird, who for all intents and purposes, was considered the headliner hit the stage at 10:30 with Tortoise backing him for the first few songs - as well as Sally Timms of the Mekons and Janet Bean of Freakwater and Eleventh Dream Day on vocals. I don't Andrew was given enough time (~25 min) to hit his stride although his rendition of Syncthian Empires was really quite amazing.

After a bizarre set of covers by the Waco Brother - a sort of TexaCali rockabilly outfit fronted by a set of aging Brits - Ted Leo hit the stage. Ted, to no one's surprise, was the rare performer who expressed a degree of cynical reservation about the new administration before launching into some of his more cautionary tales like Bleeding Powers and The High Party.

After another drunk ranting by Ball emcee Tim Tuten, Eleventh Dream Day hit the stage. By this point in the evening it was past midnight and Mike and I knew we had to rise early to hit the Mall for the Inauguration so we left mid-set although what we heard sounded awesome.

I don't have any comments about the Inauguration to share here that haven't been shared by
others in far better terms. Let's just say I'm cautiously optimistic. Enjoy the music.


Andrew Bird performing live on the UK show From The Basement (video)
Ted Leo performing The High Party at Rolling Stone Studios (video)
Tortoise Eros (mp3)
Eleventh Dream Day Writes A Letter Home (mp3)

Best Songs of 2008

Bon Iver

Some have described 2008 as an "off" year for new music. In many ways I agree with this sentiment. If you asked me twelve months ago which albums I was most excited for in 2008, I would have answered the remastered and expanded Replacements records - well at least Let It Be, Tim and Pleased To Meet Me. And yes, they are awesome as are the remastered and expanded New Order catalog as well as R.E.M.'s Murmur. But what about new music, what was good? Albums by Bon Iver, Crooked Fingers, The Hold Steady, The Sea and Cake and Thao with the Get Down Stay Down topped my list. Save the Bon Iver album, none were mind blowing, just solid, well written rock and roll albums. So as we head toward 2009 (new Andrew Bird, Rival Schools, Neko Case, Morrissey) we'll leave you with our top 20 songs of 2008. Enjoy.

20. Paint It Black - Past Tense, Future Perfect
File this under "Mid 30's male who still enjoys a bit of the punk rock".

19. British Sea Power - Down On The Ground (stream)
I get the impression that the guitarist listened to Judas Priest in high school. At least, I hope he did.

18. Caithlin De Marrais - The Fire (stream)
Yet more evidence that Caithlin was the most important piece in the Rainer Maria puzzle.

17. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Baltimore
I will never know what Steve is talking about and I kind of don't care.

16. Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes
This one caught me by surprise.

15. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Being a 36 year old who has two children and still loves to go to rock shows I now realize that Craig Finn is talking to me directly through my record player.

14. French Kicks - Abandon
My buddy Josh's brother used to play guitar for the French Kicks. It would be cool if he still did.

13. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Same building as Death Cab for Cutie, though I can listen to this guy's voice for a lot longer without getting sick.

12. Crooked Fingers - Your Control
Eric Bachmann is quickly becoming my new Paul Westerberg. Having the great Neko Case to duet with doesn't hurt either.

11. Ladyhawk - S.T.H.D.
This came across my radar very late (like two weeks ago). I love any song that clocks in under two minutes with that kind of chorus.

10. Cansei De Ser Sexy - Rat Is Dead
The song that settles the argument - this band is no joke.

9. Gnarls Barkley - Run
Anyone else see them on Saturday Night Live? Genius!!!

8. Oxford Collapse - The Birthday Wars
The second best song of the year that sounds as if recorded in a vaccuum (see #1).

7. Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - Swimming Pools
The best singer-songwriter to come out of Northern Virginia since Neko Case. Gets my vote for second best album of the year.

6. Mother Mother - O My Heart
Someone has been listening to Surfer Rosa on repeat... and that's a good thing, by the by. A shout out to 3Hive for introducing me to this song.

5. The Hold Steady - Constructive Summer
The best track one side one of the year - no debate. Craig Finn sets the tone for his murder mystery/long playing record with this little number and continues his name checking along the way - Joe Strummer, Dillinger Four (doublewhiskeycokenoice).

4. The Mountain Goats - Sax Rohmer #1
John Darnielle is probably the best story teller in music.

3. Parts & Labor - Nowheres Nigh
Rule #491 of rock and roll: When you want your last chorus to kick ass take it up a half step (or even a whole) and the result will be magic. See Cheap Trick's Surrender for the best example.

2. Bon Iver - Skinny Love
Haunting. From the best album of the year.

1. The Gang - Sea So
I first heard this song about a year ago as it was floating around the internet (yes, I think it was 3Hive that turned me on to it) although it wasn't released on record until this past summer on the album Zero Hits (Absoultely Kosher). How this song didn't break through is one of the greatest puzzles of the universe.

A sampling of the blogosphere

We Are Scientists

A quick sampling of songs from some of my favorite blogs. Enjoy

From 3Hive
Mother Mother "O My Heart" (mp3)
We Landed On The Moon! "Re: Your Letter" (mp3)

From Aquarium Drunkard
Crooked Fingers "Let's Not Pretend (To Be New Men)" (mp3)
Crooked Fingers "Modern Dislocation" (mp3)

From Aural States
We Are Scientists "The Great Escape" (mp3)

From Sixeyes
Parts & Labor "Nowheres Nigh" (mp3)

From Pitchfork Media
Eddie Vedder & Corin Tucker "The Golden State" (stream)

Rival Schools reunited at Ottobar

The recently reunited Rival Schools hit Baltimore last night on their abbreviated East Coast tour. Spurred on by the surprisingly enthusiastic crowd (have I seen too many shows in DC?) and the Obama victory the night before, the band blew through much of their 2001 release United By Fate. Front man Walter Schreifels (ex-Quicksand, Youth of Today) didn't appear annoyed by all the members of the audience calling out songs from any one of his former bands - unlike say, yelling out a Minor Threat song at a Fugazi show; bad bad idea. As reported on Brooklyn Vegan, the band had been featuring a cover of The Smiths' "How Soon is Now", a song Quicksand famously covered in the mid-90's.

Good Things (mp3)

Take One For The Team (mp3)

Quicksand - How Soon is Now (mp3)

Ted Leo/Pharmacists Live in DC

The seemingly never ending tour of Ted Leo and his Pharmacists made yet another stop in DC this Wednesday night, this time opening for Against Me!. Despite the role as support act the crowd was out in force for this (sort of) homecoming. Members of Fugazi and French Toast were in the house and ex-Warmers/Faith/Ignition frontman Alec Mackaye played the role of guest vocalist on the unrecognizable closer. The 45 minute set drew largely from last years Living With The Living as well as several new tracks, including one from the new Rapid Response EP (see below for track). From the sound of the new stuff, Ted is continuing to evolve on the punk/ska/soul fusion that informs his last two releases.

Paranoia (Never Enough) (mp3)

New Andrew Bird

Everybody's favorite singer/songwriter/guitarist/whistler/violinist has a new single out from forthcoming album Noble Beast (out January on Fat Possum). Entitled "Oh No", it is vintage Andrew Bird replete with smart lyrics, wonderful melodies and the aforementioned requisite whistling. Head on over to Pitchfork Media to stream the tune.

"Oh No" (stream)

And while you're at it, check out some more Andrew Bird.

"Skin Is, My" (mp3) from Live in Montreal

"Heretic" (mp3) from Armchair Apocrypha

"Fiery Crash" (mp3) live at First Avenue, Minneapolis

Braid reissued on vinyl

All of the sub-genres of independent music at sometime or another jump the shark and become yet another category of music disdained by the elite. New wave, grunge, hip-hop inspired rock were initially seen by the music industry as foreign. But as the music industry became better and better at establishing youth culture in America these sub-genres became victim of a force more interested in financial potential than artistic integrity. In the last ten years, no sub-genre was more affected by these market forces than so-called "emo".

Culling a bloodline that starts with Rites of Spring in 1985 and making its way in to the 1990's with bands like Texas is the Reason and Braid, emo was, in its purest form, just a subset of post-punk. The call and response, non-traditional time signatures, octave chords were just a few of the hallmarks of emo. But just as bands like The Get Up Kids and The Promise Ring looked poised to break out of the underground, the industry caught wind of something - suburban high school kids really dig this music. And what do suburban high school kids have? Money. Enter the Yellowcards and Fall Out Boys of the world. Result: emo is ruined.

So Mike, thanks for the history lesson. Why don't you get off your high horse and tell us why this all matters.


Time allows us the distance to reflect back on history with some degree of objectivity. Ten years have passed since one of the seminal albums of this sub-genre was released, Braid's Frames & Canvas. Produced by J Robbins of Jawbox/Burning Airlines/Channels and recorded at legendary Inner Ear studios in Arlington, VA, the album holds up in time. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, Polyvinyl Records is re-releasing Frames & Canvas on 180-gram vinyl for your listening pleasure on August 29th. My copy is already pre-ordered.

from Frames & Canvas
Killing A Camera (mp3)

from Movie Music Vols. 1 & 2
Please Drive Faster (mp3)
Do You Love Coffee? (mp3)

from Where is My Mind? a Pixies tribute album
Trompe Le Monde (mp3)

New Jennifer O'Connor

The good folks at Matador have taken it upon themselves to sneak a couple of tracks from Jennifer O'Connor new release Here With Me (release date: August 19th). I could go on for hours gushing about Jennifer but you're better off just listening for yourself.

Here With Me
Valley Road '86'

Bonus MP3
Exeter, Rhode Island

Charm City Roller Girls

So I took the kids, the Mrs., my brother and his lady to the roller derby Saturday night at Du Burns Arena in the scenic and lovely Canton neighborhood in Baltimore. It did not disappoint. The Mobdown Mods squared off again the Night Terrors and Speed Regime did battle with the Junkyard Dolls. From top to bottom the packed house was treated to high quality entertainment - Pabst Blue Ribbon was the only beer available and the head referee's name was Justice Feelgood Marshall - how's that treating you. So in celebration of the Charm City Roller Girls, here's a little Baltimore mix. Enjoy

Beach House - Gila

The Death Set - Negative Thinking

Matt & Kim - Yea Yeah

Pontiak - Shell Skull

Pontiak - The Brush Burned Fast

Arbouretum - I Am A Somnabulist

Dan Deacon - The Crystal Cat

The Gang

So I realize it has been forever since my last post. Work has been nuts and the younger kid is teething so sleep has been a little on the inadequate side. Through it all, I've been able to find some new stuff to get excited about. Which brings us to The Gang.

Thanks to the good folks at 3Hive, I was turned on to this New Jersey fourpiece (most famous for the fact that Ted Leo's little brother, Danny, plays drums) a few months back. Relatives of Ted aside, these guys ROCK. Fans of Les Savy Fav, We Are Scientists and The Go! Team take note - there is a new kid on the block. If you want a kick ass anthem in the spirit of the aforementioned outfits, check out The Gang's first single, "Sea So", which is currently holding the spot of My Favorite Song of 2008. Check out their full length Zero Hits on Absolutely Kosher Records when it hits June 3.

Sea So (mp3)

Weekend in Baltimore Mix - Vol. 5

Southeast Engine

Well, it has been a long time between posts as I've been working a ton. Looking forward to my first day off in a couple of weeks - play with the kids, hang with the wife and listen to some good music...among other things. Enjoy the weekend.

Southeast Engine Quit While You Are Ahead

Centro-matic Triggers and Trashheaps

Hallelujah the Hills Hallelujah the Hills

Sleeping States Rivers

Palomar Our Haunt

Weekend in Baltimore Mix - Vol. 4

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Aloha - Body Buzz - from the album Light Works

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die - from the album Pershing

Metal Hearts - Foothills - from the album Socialize

Minus the Bear - Dr. L'Ling - from the album Planet of Ice

Chin Up Chin Up - This Harness Can't Ride Anything - from the album This Harness Can't Ride Anything

764-HERO - Sunburnt - from the album We're Solids

Weekend in Baltimore Mix - Vol. 3

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You - from the album Cease To Begin


Elliot Smith - Memory Lane - from the album From A Basement On A Hill

Refused - New Noise - from the album The Shape Of Punk To Come

The Weakerthans - Pleas From A Cat Named Virtue - from the album Reconstruction Site

Youth Group - Sorry - from the album Casino Twilight Dogs

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Coma Girl - from the album Street Core

Radio Flyer - (312) - from the album In Their Strange White Armor

Slumberland Mix

Sarandon

The time: 1991-1997
The place: Washington, DC

So many competing forces came together during this time period to make this period the most vital musically (in a rocknroll sense) in DC's history (all apologies to 1981-85). A quick sampling of the bands and artists at work in DC during that time - Fugazi, Jawbox, Tsunami, Velocity Girl, Lois, Bratmobile, Nation of Ulysses, Chisel, Hoover, The Impossible Five, Girls Against Boys, Shudder To Think, Make Up, Unrest, Lucy Brown, Bluetip, The Dismemberment Plan, Slant 6, Smart Went Crazy, Warmers, Frodus, Edsel, Eggs, Air Miami, The Ropers... - one can see the great diversity as well as the profound influence cast upon all things post-punk, alternative and indie.

Following the lead of Dischord and TeenBeat records, other DC-based labels sprung up during this period, most notably DeSoto (created by members of Jawbox), Simple Machines (created by members of Tsunami) and Slumberland (created by members of Velocity Girl and Big Jesus Trash Can). So much has been written about the DC sound - namely the post-punk sound of the late 80's/early 90's Dischord bands (Fugazi, Jawbox, Hoover, Capitol City Dusters, etc) - but a careful examination of the sound coming out of DC at that time demonstrates that a number of bands owed a lot more to the Jesus and Mary Chain and Ride than they did Bad Brains and Minor Threat.

Slumberland Records started operations in 1989 in nearby Silver Spring, MD as a means to release efforts by Brit-Pop/Shoegaze inspired bands like Velocity Girl and Black Tambourine. Like the pop influenced TeenBeat Records, Slumberland looked beyond the Beltway for its roster releasing efforts by Stereolab (UK), Small Factory (RI), The Swirlies (Boston), The Softies (Pacific NW) in addition to locals like The Lilys, Velocity Girl and The Ropers.

Having moved the operation to the left coast, Slumberland has weened its roster significantly now with a predominance of British bands - bringing it back to the source, I guess. 2007 saw releases from London's Sarandon and The Lodger from Leeds - both bands clearly read the label's formula for creating tight brilliant pop songs. Enjoy the new with the old.

Sarandon - The Linguist (2007) - London, UK
The Lodger - The Story's Over (2007) - Leeds, UK
The Lodger - Let Her Go (2007) - Leeds, UK
The Lilys - February Fourteenth (1991) - Washington, DC
Velocity Girl - My Forgotten Favorite (1992) - Silver Spring, MD
Small Factory - Giant Merry Go Round (1992) - Newport, RI
The Ropers - Waiting (1993) - Washington, DC
The Ropers - I Don't Mind (1994) - Washington, DC
Boyracer - Passionflower (1994) - Leeds, UK
The Aislers Set - California (1998) - San Francisco, CA
The Saturday People - Slipping Through Your Fingertips (2001) - Washington, DC

and plenty more music to sample at the Slumberland website.

Weekend in Baltimore vol. 2

Steve Malkmus and The Jicks
A nice collection of both new and old songs to chew on this fine winter weekend.

Nada Surf - See These Bones - from Lucky

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - Beat (Health, Life and Fire) - from We Brave Bee Stings and All

Chris Walla - Sing Again - from Field Manual

Steve Malkmus and the Jicks - Baltimore - from Real Emotional Trash

Smoosh - Find a Way - from Free to Stay

The Soviettes - Multiply and Divide - from LP III

Paul Westerberg - We May Be The Ones - from Stereo

Braid - Killing A Camera - from Frames & Canvases

Get Up Kids - Holiday - from Something to Write Home About

Rainer Maria - Tinfoil - from Past Worn Searching

Saves the Day - At Your Funeral - from Stay What You Are