Hindsight

Built to Spill

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Here’s a track of the upcoming album from one of my favorite bands. Built to Spill, known for epic, spacey guitar rock brings a little country to the sound. It’s like the gray hair that’s finding a way into their beards is also weaving its way into their music.

Just got home from seeing these guys live tonight. They couldn’t be playing any better. For a band that has struggled a little with being the center of attention, a little age, a little less concern, suits them well. They’ve never seemed so comfortable. Or rocked so hard.

MORE:  Built to Spill on MySpace

Push

The Redwood Plan

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The Redwood Plan is an army of robots led by a spunky punk rock grrl. Keyboard lines blast like lasers, guitars slice like spinning death blades, drums pound with the heavy steps of these monsters, screaming vocal lines declare war, and hand claps make sure you are dancing for the whole thing.

MORE:  The Redwood Plan on MySpace

Percussion Gun

White Rabbits

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This Britt Daniel produced outfit is going to struggle with a lot of Spoon comparisons.  The thundering drums and sincere vocals declare the White Rabbits’ independence from the aforementioned producer who shall not be named, while the rumbling, bassy piano octaves can’t help but make you feel like that’s the way they get by. If they’re derivative at all, it’s a loving mix of Spoon and Radiohead.  And I’m going back for seconds.

MORE: White Rabbits on MySpace

Work

The Get Em Mamis

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These ladies strut, thump, and roll out of Baltimore with the biting toughness and swagger that radio-friendly hip-hop pretends to have. G.E.M. got a little name recognition after being featured on HBO’s the Wire. Take a listen to their mixtape and you’ll feel like your down on the corner with the hoppers. I’m not a huge hip-hop fan, but the effortless flow and ferocity of these ladies can’t be ignored.

MORE: The Get Em Mamis on MySpace

Bless this Mess

David Bazan

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Here’s a little ditty from Pedro the Lion frontman gone solo David Bazan. I like the folky transition. Plus, I love it when doubt-riddled religion wanders into my pop music, which this whole album is about. Enjoy.

MORE:  David Bazan’s Website