New Releases - 2.5.08

[Another Cover Songs Edition!]

I am embarassed I didn't know about Sons & Daughters before now. This album is full of fierce, female fronted rock. But it's catchy too! Enjoy this cover; it's the b-side for the "Gilt Complex" single.

Sons & Daughters - Killer (Seal/Adamski cover)


It's hard to believe that this album is just being released in the U.S. It was one of my early favorites in 2007, thanks to Basia's sweet vocals and all the ukelele! She recorded this Sam Cooke gospel classic for the US iTunes version of Oh, My Darling.

Basia Bulat - Touch the Hem of His Garment (Sam Cooke cover)


All is Well is subtle and delicate and so gorgeous that it overwelms me at times. Only after a few listens do you start to notice the variety of instruments in the background, because it all melds and flows so effortlessly.

Samamidon - Fall On My Knees (trad.)


Other honorable mentions for 2.5.08:

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark (addictive indie-dance)
Nada Surf - Lucky (shimmering pop)
HorrorPops - Kiss Kiss Kill Kill (tongue-in-cheek Danish-punk)
Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off the Lavender Bridge (unlikely troubadour)
Jason Collett - Here's to Being Here (mellow Americana/pop)
Air Traffic - Fractured Life (inoffensive Brit-rock)
Kamera - Resurrection (80's-throwback pop)

New Releases - 1.29.08

[Cover Songs Edition!]

If you like Feist, Cat Power and the like, then you are bound to like Thao Nguyen. Her voice has a lazy, sultry sound (akin to Catherine Feeny). Enjoy this cover; it's the iTunes bonus track.

Thao - You've Really Got a Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles cover)


AllMusic.com describes Yoav as a "mix of Nine Inch Nails, Justin Timberlake, and Peter Gabriel." I would have never though of the Nine Inch Nails or JT comparisons, but I can hear it now. Pensive & dark singer/songwriter with percussion skills.

Yoav - Where Is My Mind (The Pixies cover)


I can't believe that I almost forgot about Shelby Lynne. I Am Shelby Lynne was one of my favorites back in 2000. This album is her tribute to Dusty Springfield, produced by Phil Ramone. She does a fine job on one of my all-time favorite songs "How Can I Be Sure" (seriously, best bridge ever!).

Shelby Lynne - How Can I Be Sure (The Young Rascals cover)

Other honorable mentions for 1.29.08:

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (blogged-to-death prep-rock)
Joe Jackson - Rain (AAA radio-friendly)
Louis XIV - Slick Dogs and Ponies (catchy retro-rock)
Chris Walla - Field Manual (Death Cab solo)
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (Dylan-esque indie)
Xiu Xiu - Women As Lovers (too-weird-for-me noise)
Radar Bros. - Auditorium (subdued indie)

New Releases - 1.22.08

So there were a TON of new releases yesterday. I tried to sift through them all, but The Yellow Stereo did a far more thorough job than I ever could. So I'll be lazy and just link to it.

The only addition I have for you:

Rooney - Forever Young (Youth Group cover)
(from the "I Should've Been After You" EP)

And, in case you care, my most highly recommended albums released from yesterday are:

Cat Power - Jukebox (more covers!)
Matt Costa - Unfamiliar Faces (acoustic goodness)
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (fun dance/rock)
Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning (acoustic GREATness)
Jack Penate - Matinee (domestic arrival!)
Steve Poltz - Traveling (acoustic cleverness)
Anna Kramer & the Lost Cause - The Rustic Contemporary Sounds of... (rocking rootsiness)
Bodies of Water - Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink (California throwback sounds)
The Whitsundays - The Whitsundays (quiet prettiness)
Hey Willpower - P.D.A. (indie Mika-meets-JT)

New Releases - 1.22.08

So there were a TON of new releases yesterday. I tried to sift through them all, but The Yellow Stereo did a far more thorough job than I ever could. So I'll be lazy and just link to it.

The only addition I have for you:

Rooney - Forever Young (Alphaville cover)
(from the "I Should've Been After You" EP)

And, in case you care, my most highly recommended albums released from yesterday are:

Cat Power - Jukebox (more covers!)
Matt Costa - Unfamiliar Faces (acoustic goodness)
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (fun dance/rock)
Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning (acoustic GREATness)
Jack Penate - Matinee (domestic arrival!)
Steve Poltz - Traveling (acoustic cleverness)
Anna Kramer & the Lost Cause - The Rustic Contemporary Sounds of... (rocking rootsiness)
Bodies of Water - Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink (California throwback sounds)
The Whitsundays - The Whitsundays (quiet prettiness)
Hey Willpower - P.D.A. (indie Mika-meets-JT)

New Releases - 1.15.08

[Cover Songs Edition!]

Band of Horses guitar player and North Carolinian Tyler Ramsey released his second solo album this week. It is a quiet, melacholy affair with lovely finger-style acoustic guitar picking, reminiscent of Leo Kottke.

Tyler Ramsey - These Days (Jackson Browne cover)


The Battle of Land and Sea is the dreamy sounding duo of Sarah O'Shura and Joshua Canny. After first listen, it's impossible not to think of Mazzy Star. Trivia: O'Shura recorded several songs while in the nude, but she won't tell which ones.

The Battle of Land and Sea - Harden My Heart (Quarterflash cover)

This duet with Canadian songbirds Anne Murray and Nelly Furtado is dreadful, amusing, and fun all at once. Anne Murray's voice was never truly great, and it's teetering on unlistenable at this point, but still - Useful for kitsch factor alone!

Anne Murray with Nelly Furtado - Daydream Believer (Monkees cover)

Other honorable mentions for 1.15.08:

Magnetic Fields - Distortion (title-says-it-all)
The Eels - Meet The Eels: Essential Eels 1996-2006, Vol. 1 (nice introduction)
The Eels - Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities & Unreleased 1996-2007 (serious fans only)
The Steeldrivers - The Steeldrivers ("rhythm'n'bluegrass")

New Releases - 1.8.08

For those of us that weren't alive in '69-'71, I'm happy to say that we now have a chance to hear (and see) some of the best performances from The Johnny Cash TV Show. This duet with Joni Mitchell is particularly wonderful.

Joni Mitchell & Johnny Cash - Girl From North Country

"My Declaration" was the song that introduced me to Tom Baxter back in 2004. He is often compared to Jeff Buckley, but I find Tom's music to be much more accessible. Short of paying $30 for an import CD, it's pretty much impossible to buy his music in the US. A travesty!

Tom Baxter - Better

This is (Willie) Wisely's fourth album, and it features lovely and melodic singer/songwriter pop. He has a famous friend in Jenna Fischer (Pam of "The Office"), who appears in his video for "Through Any Window". It's like if Badly Drawn Boy made an album full 70s AOR.

Wisely - California

Other honorable mentions for 1.8.08:

Sia - Some People Have Real Problems (smooth/soulful pop)
Kate Nash - Made of Bricks (US release, finally!)
Marah - Angels of Destruction (bluesy roots-rock)
Amanda Shaw - Pretty Runs Out (New Orleans fiddler)

New Releases - 11.20.2007

Almost a week late, but better late than never, right?

Usually label compilations are a bit of a mish-mash... And not so good to be listened to from start to finish. But since most of Morr's releases fall into a category I like to call "for the quiet times", this 2-CD set is actually fairly cohesive. Beeps & blips & pretty sounds abound!

Butcher the Bar - Leave This Town

I'll admit it. I love Christmas music. But even if you despise most Christmas tunes, I think you might still enjoy this EP from singer/songwriter Joshua James. It's like a soft and sweet indie-style Christmas, unobtrusively adding some holiday cheer to your day!


Joshua James - Winter Storm

Being The Format completist that I am, I already had most of the songs on B-sides & Rarities. But that didn't stop me from spending $30 on Format merch, just so I could get a physical copy of the CD. It was worth it because I now have their incredible new DVD and a whale t-shirt.

The Format - Does Your Cat Have A Mustache? (originally on For the Kids III)


Other honorable mentions for 11.20.07:

To My Boy - Messages (fun 80s-style-pop)
Benjamin Biolay - Trash Yeye (French folk)
Ed Harcourt - Until Tomorrow Then: The Best of Ed Harcourt (great introduction)
British Sea Power - Krankenhaus (to-tide-you-over EP)
The Devil Makes Three - The Devil Makes Three (old-timey americana/punk)
Ayo - Joyful (sweet R&B songstress)

New Releases - 10.31.07

I thought that I didn't care for Gomez, but turns out every song I heard featured Ben Ottewell as lead vocalist instead of Ian Ball. Now that that I know which one I prefer, I can listen to some Gomez! This is the first solo CD from a Gomez member, and you should tune in if you like laid-back acoustic rock a la Josh Rouse.

Ian Ball - When We Were Cool

Up until now, if you wanted to buy an album from Sweden's Anna Ternheim, you had to pay import prices. Finally, we see a U.S. release by Anna on Decca Records, even if it is just an EP of songs from her international releases. Her voice is pretty and haunting and sad all at once.

Anna Ternheim - China Girl (David Bowie cover)

I'm the dreaded casual Dylan fan. You know, the type that owns Dylan's Greatest Hits (because you have to) and Nashville Skyline (because it's the one time Dylan doesn't sound much like Dylan). I've yet to see this movie, but the soundtrack is an interesting tribute to the man.

Glen Hansard & Marketa Inglova - You Ain't Goin' Nowhere


Other honorable mentions for 10.30.07:

Nicole Atkins- Neptune City (retro-styled neo-folk)
Blue Rodeo - Small Miracles (nice roots-rock)
Various Artists - Goffin & King: A Gerry Goffin and Carole King Song Collection 1961-1967
(necessary compilation)
Alice Smith - For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (funky soulstress)
Graham Colton - Here Right Now (Kelly-Clarkson's-ex-makes-guilty-pleasure-pop-rock)
Kyle Andrews - Find Love Let Go (Local goodness)

New Releases - 10.16.07

It's so sad that Semisonic is often regarded as a one hit wonder from the 90s. Although I doubt lead singer Dan Wilson is too upset, seeing he's been busy earning Grammys for his work with the Dixie Chicks. This song was recorded first for Taking the Long Way but Dan recorded it as well for his recent album Free Life, produced by Rick Rubin.

Dan Wilson - Easy Silence

Back in the day (I think I can say that since it was ten years ago!), I was a huge Dar Williams fan. I haven't kept up with her newer work, but listening to her new live album brought back a lot of memories of my past life as a folkie. Songs like "February", "After All", and "When I Was a Boy" still stand out, whether you like folk music or not.

Dar Williams - Ripple (Grateful Dead cover)

The blogosphere is crazy about Maritime, and rightly so. Heresy & The Hotel Choir is the third album from this band started by former members of The Promise Ring and The Dismemberment Plan back in 2003. This is sensible music that won't offend anyone but still rocks hard enough to please the indie kids.

Maritime - Aren't We All Found Out


Other honorable mentions for 10.16.07:

Angie Stone - The Art of Love & War (old-school R&B)
Steel Train - Trampoline (above-average rock)
Octopus Project - Hello, Avalanche (instrumental indie)
The Launderettes - Fluff 'N Fold: The Best of The Launderettes (Norwegian garage)
Kenna - Make Sure They See My Face (genre-defying-music-from-Ethiopan-artist-discovered-by-Fred-Durst-but-somehow-it's-good)

New Releases - 9.18.07

I was first introduced to Firefox AK (aka Andrea Kellerman) from the video for Hello Saferide's "Long Lost Penpal". Her music is not similar to Hello Saferide, although they both hail from Sweden, and they are both completely adorable. Sounds like a mix of Tegan & Sara and... Kylie? Yum!

Firefox AK - Zodiac

This Philly power pop band has done it again with their sophomore album Silver Storms. If you liked Hello, Hello, or even if you have never heard of them... It's the kind of indie pop that is really hard NOT to like (very Shins-like). They recently signed to Vagrant Records.

The A Sides - Amazing Grace

Now, after three albums, I am still wondering why less people have heard of Magnet (aka Norway's Even Johansen). He makes the kind of gorgeous, laid-back electronica-tinged singer/songwriter pop you will ever hear. In the vein of David Gray, Ed Harcourt, Thomas Dybdahl... 100% Lovely!

Magnet - Slice of Heaven


Other honorable mentions for 9.18.07:

Hard-Fi - Once Upon a Time in the West (nicely-done Britrock)
Matt White - Best Days (cheesy-but-lovable singer/songwriter)
Jesca Hoop - Kismet (quirky/eclectic pop)
Ben Lee - Ripe (always awesome)
Bella - No One Will Know (pretty indie-pop)
Plasticines - LP1 (French-pop goodness)
Rogue Wave - Asleep At Heaven's Gate (Gibbard-esque indie)
Drug Rug - Drug Rug (boy/girl twangy rock)

New Releases - 8.21.07

This Johnson City, Tennessee band is in the same category as Gillian Welch, The Avett Brothers, and Hem. Both previous albums from The Everybodyfields are favorites of mine, and their sound and songwriting has only improved on Nothing Is Okay. Heartbreakingly sad sounding Americana (but in a good way).

The Everybodyfields - Over and Done

I have to admit I haven't listened to this album much yet, but what I have heard sounds like The Bee Gees and... Jewel? It seems everyone has an opinion on Rilo's new sound. People either love it or hate it. I don't hate it, but some songs on the album are truly dreadful (ie "The Moneymaker").

Rilo Kiley - Big Break (B-side to "The Moneymaker" 7 inch single)

Josh Ritter has been called the modern day Springsteen and the modern day Dylan... Both are fitting comparisons. His major label debut has a bigger, fuller sound, but when it comes down to it, Josh is still writing incredible folk songs when you strip away all the extra instruments.

Josh Ritter - To The Dogs or Whoever


Other honorable mentions for 8.21.07:

The New Pornographers - Challengers (perfect indie-pop)
Cartel - Cartel (irresistible pop/punk)
Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This (quirky Australians!)
Caribou - Andorra (Zombies-like folk/rock)
Imperial Teen - The Hair, The TV, The Baby & The Band (pretty power-pop)
Ingram Hill - Cold in California (nice roots-rock)
Earlimart - Mentor Tormentor (subdued shoegaze)
Over the Rhine - The Trumpet Child (jazzy-pop for the Starbucks crowd)

New Releases - 8.7.07

[I've been a bad blogger lately, and might continue to be for the next few weeks... But I will resume eventually, I promise!]

Orenda Fink (one half of the defunct Azure Ray) ups the tempo slightly with her new project Art in Manila. By upping the tempo, I mean now it might just make you sleepy as opposed to comatose. Still, this is a lovely album full of girly indie sounds.

Art in Manila - The Abomination


This album was just released digitally this week, the physical version does not come out until Sept. 4th. I love everything about Ferraby: His Care-Bears-sounding name, the fact that he's a Nashville boy, his Rufus-Wainwright-but-less-over-the-top pretty vocals, his scruffy hobo songwriter look, etc.

Ferraby Lionheart - Pure Imagination (iTunes Bonus Track / Willy Wonka Cover!)

Moo, You Bloody Choir has been out in Australia for quite some time now, but was just released stateside this week. This Melbourne-based band has been creating melodic dream-pop for over a decade now but still have not received much attention in the U.S. The lead singer is very Jeff Buckley sounding.

Augie March - The Cold Acre


Other honorable mentions for 8.07.07:

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - This is Somewhere (smoky-voiced singer/songwriter)
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (gritty folk/rock)
Magnolia Electric Co. - Sojourner (ambitious box set)
Mirah & Spectratone International - Share This Place (album all about... insects?)
The Brunettes - Structure and Cosmetics (Kiwi indie-pop)

New Releases - 7.24.07

Over 400,000 people viewed Dutch band Alamo Race Track's video for "Black Cat John Brown" on YouTube, and millions more heard the song on Grey's Anatomy. Comparisons I've heard so far: "early Radiohead with pizzicato strings", "Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips with The Strokes", and "slap-happy Peter, Bjorn John".

Alamo Race Track - Kiss Me Bar

I am pretty much in love with anything retro, and even more so when it is authentically retro like Nicole Willis and her Soul Investigators. Miss Willis is Brooklyn born and the Investigators are from Finland. Who knew Fins could be so funky?!

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators - A Perfect Kind Of Love

"Spanish Teeth" was one of my favorite songs of 2005, so I was happy to hear that Robbers on High Street had a new album out. Grand Animals is less Spoon sounding, and more heavily Beatles-esque. Their sound is bigger and better this time around - I'm really digging it.

Robbers on High Street - You Don't Stand A Chance


Other honorable mentions for 7.24.07:

Tegan & Sara - The Con (their best yet!)
The Lovemakers - Misery Loves Company (80s leaning pop)
Tiny Vipers - Hands Across The Void (sparse folk)
Bishop Allen - The Broken String (indie must-have)
The Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child (grandoise punk/pop)
John Vanderslice - Emerald City (indie-rock singer/songwriter)

New Releases - 7.17.07

Josh Rouse proves yet again that he is incapable of making a bad album with his 7th full length Country Mouse City House. Don't expect any big changes in his sound, though. Still the irresistible country-tinged pop/rock we have grown to expect from Josh. It seems moving to Spain from Nashville was a good move for him.

Josh Rouse - London Bridges

A Fine Frenzy is the stage name of L.A.'s Alison Sodul. She has a lot going for her: she has celebrity friends (Selma Blair), she is drop dead gorgeous, she's currently on tour with Rufus Wainwright, but most importantly her music is like a fascinating mix of Fiona Apple, Kelly Clarkson, and... Coldplay?

A Fine Frenzy - The Minnow & The Trout

Teddy Thompson (son of folk royalty Linda & Richard Thompson) heard a lot of country music growing up in a commune in England, and so it stood to reckon that he might make a country album one day. His voice has a pure folk sound, but somehow still works on these songs (all covers, except for one). "My Blue Tears" is a Dolly Parton tune.

Teddy Thompson - My Blue Tears


Other honorable mentions for 7.17.07:

Rooney - Calling The World (retro rock)
The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel (Hanson-if-they-were-a-Christian-emo-band-so-why-the-hell-do-I-like-it?)
The Honorary Title - Untouched and Intact (near perfect pop/punk)
The Magic Numbers - Those The Brokes (modern Mamas & Papas)
Eilen Jewell - Letters From Sinners & Strangers (less gritty Lucinda)
The Cribs - Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever (edgier Franz)

New Releases - 7.10.07

This Michigan band was a very pleasant recent discovery for me. Very Decemberists-esque folk rock. Somehow I feel like I've heard all these songs before, and I don't mean that as a bad thing. It's easy on the ears, but never boring.

Great Lakes Myth Society - Midwest Main Street

Oh, sweet troubadour boy... You are such a weakness of mine. The more fragile and precious you are, the better. This album has been out in the UK for some time now, but was just released in the US. Fans of Damien Rice, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley... Prepare to swoon.

Fionn Regan - The Underwood Typewriter

So, it seems Seattle's Josh Hodges has started going by the moniker "Sexton Blake," maybe because he is ashamed of recording a Milli Vanilli song under his real name? But regardless, I am a sucker for well done cover songs and he has made me happy with an entire album full of them.

Sexton Blake - Bette Davis Eyes


Other honorable mentions for 7.10.07 (so many!! heaven!):

Crowded House - Time On Earth (stunning dream-pop)
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (loads of fun)
Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist (disappointment mostly)
Justice - Cross (massive dance party)
St. Vincent - Marry Me (eccentric piano pop)
BOAT - Let's Drag Our Feet (left-of-center indie)
Look Mexico - This Is Animal Music (the-good-kind-of-emo)

New Releases - 7.3.07

[Note: You'll have to click on these links... No right click, save as... Filexoom and Fileden are not being friendly lately. Any suggestions?]

Sara Bareilles makes lovely, accessible singer/songwriter piano pop a la Rachel Yamagata or Anna Nalick. I have to admit I have a soft spot for a female singers with pianos, even though I know that's not cool to admit. Even cheesy, cliche lyrics can't scare me away.

Sara Bareilles - Love Song

Every week, I have a new favorite rock band from the UK. Air Traffic is it for this week. Although I do have that soft spot for female singer/songwriters, my soft spot for cute English boys is probably twice as big. Mix Coldplay, The Feeling, and Kaiser Chiefs and you have Air Traffic.

Air Traffic - Shooting Star

Album releases were pathetic this week. So, I'm going to cheat a little and feature the new single from Iron & Wine. I love Sam Beam because he appeals to everyone - both snobby hipsters and casual music fans. His new album (to be released Sept. 25) is supposed to be more "upbeat" so I am anxious to hear it.

Iron & Wine - Boy With A Coin


No honorable mentions for today. Sad.

New Releases - 6.26.07

[Note: These three releases are great and all, but to be quite honest, I anticipate that the new Kelly Clarkson and the new Ryan Adams will receive far more plays from me. But in the spirit of introducing more unknown artists, I thought it was better not to feature those two albums, excellent as they may be!]

You would never guess that these guys are from Brooklyn, but they are. The Morning Pages make retro-sounding alt-country that sounds like a mix of The Band and The Byrds. Their debut EP The Company You Keep definitely makes them a band to watch for the future.

The Morning Pages - Don't Ask Me

So, if you take The Pipettes and put them in Detriot, you'd have The Gore Gore Girls. This means that The Pipettes would be hardly recognizable as The Pipettes, much tougher, grittier and kick-ass. This song is like surf music meets The Detriot Cobras, and it's an awesome combination.

The Gore Gore Girls - All Grown Up

The band 27 is hindered by several things. First, they are on traditionally metal label Relapse. Second, 27 is an un-Google-able name. Ummm, no third. But that's enough to hold them back when they actually make lovely Mazzy Star-esque spaced out rock. Moody, sweet, and pretty are my unimaginative adjectives for you.

27 - Half Life


Other honorable mentions for today:

Kelly Clarkson - My December (Kelly-is-my-homegirl-and-can-do-no-wrong)
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger (Ryan Adams is Ryan Adams Again!)
Kelly Willis - Translated From Love (twangy Texas goodness)
Marc Broussard - S.O.S. (kind-of-bland-but-I-like-it cover CD)
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Dona Got A Ramblin' Mind (makes me want to square dance)

New Releases - 6.19.07

This album is all over blogland. Most folks say it's just okay, nothing great. But I diagree. It's perfect for what it is, which is beautifully crafted Americana rock a la Pneumonia-era Whiskeytown. His songs are helped by the fuller sound, complete with B-3, banjo, and harmonica.

Rocky Votolato - Silver Trees

There is such a thin line between electronica and pop music these days, and Misha is an act that blends the two perfectly. They take the beeps and blips and add warm vocals and pop hooks and memorable melodies, and it works so well. It's cute, but not overly so.

Misha - Delovedly

Arthur & Yu is comprised of Grant Olsen and Sonya Westcott from Seattle. Their lazy dream pop has a calming effect on me. It makes me want to ditch the office and head over to the local wave pool, something I haven't wanted to do... Since I was maybe 10? I'm sure I'd change my mind once I got there, but right now it sounds nice.

Arthur & Yu - There Are Too Many Birds


Other honorable mentions for today:

The White Stripes- Icky Thump (blues/rock goodness)
Mandy Moore - Wild Hope (can't-help-but-like-it singer/songwriter pop)
Crisette Michelle - I Am (Corinne Bailey Rae for 2007)
Art Brut - It's A Bit Complicated (tongue-in-cheek rock)
Xavier Rudd - White Moth (Australian Paul Simon sound-a-like)
Dimitri From Paris - Cocktail Disco (fabulous compilation)
Amiina - Kurr (Icelandic magic)
Chromeo - Fancy Footwork (synth-y fun)

So many great new releases this week! I have found that The Yellow Stereo has the best sampling of new releases (with MP3s too!), so check it out.