Back In The Neighborhood

I don't love everything Matt & Kim do, but I damn sure love some of their songs.  They have the recipe on making a killer catchy song.  Their newest album, Sidewalks, has its fair share.  I heard "Block After Block" the other day and it brought me right back to when I first heard "Daylight."  It's not as fantastic, but its a good track.  Enjoy the song, and check out Matt & Kim's new album.
Matt & Kim - Block After Block by Tills

Back, A Month Early

The Decemberists have been one of my favorite bands for a long time.  They hit a serious road block with me when they released The Hazards Of Love.  That was by far their worst album.  This was their attempt at a sort of rock-opera, theme style, album.  It didn't work.  They are getting ready to release The King Is Dead, which I'm hoping goes back to their good-old ways or at least in a new direction.  From what I have heard so far, it seems like that is the case.  Thank God!  Here is the first song they are sharing with the public, "Down By The Water," and a few videos of Colin Meloy playing some of the new songs and a classic, "Crane Wife 3."
The Decemberists - Down By The Water by Tills

Bill, Ted, and Marnie

So this may seem like something straight out of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, but Marnie Stern is way more legit as an artist.  I mean, that doesn't sound like a compliment since Keanu Reeves and the blond dude aren't real musicians, but Marnie is a serious guitarist.  "For Ash" is one of her newer tracks.  Give it a couple plays.  You may not think you like this style of music, but it will grow on you. Link to Marnie on Myspace
Marnie Stern - For Ash by Tills

I Can Still Hear Them

The Phantom Band just released The Wants.  When I heard this band, I wasn't blown away.  They have a few good songs, but what intrigued me was their mix of sounds that I have heard before.  They remind me of a UK/Scottish Gomez.  A Folk/Rock band that has a few members that sing and also have moments when they just jam.  There is a definite resemblance to Twilight Sad.  This may be due to the link this band has to Glasgow.  There are also shades of People In Planes, which is an obscure band, but one that has a unique dark electronic/rock sound.  At some points I heard Wintersleep and Snow Patrol.  I guess my point is, this band has many sounds, and you should probably like one of them.  Here are a few tracks off The Wants.  I recommend "Walls," but try listening to all of the tracks, even the 8 minute "The None of One."
The Phantom Band by Tills

Album of the Week

In retrospect, I have been a little too judgie on new albums of the week.  Clearly, there have been good albums.  One's that I have at least given you samples of.  My new direction will be to share more and let you decide on whether or not the album, as a whole, is good.
For this week I am giving praise to Pepper Rabbit. A young band from California that is on track to be your new favorite opening act.  Their new album Beauregard is well crafted.  Their sound is a folk/alternative/rock.  Your typical new, indie-rock sound.  At points they remind me of Morning Benders, especially on their most touted single, "Older Brother."  I enjoy their ability to change sounds with seamless precision.  If you need to skip around when listening to this album, at least listen to the opener "Clarinet Song," and then skip down to "Older Brother" and finish the album to the end.  The back half is pretty solid.  Enjoy Beauregard.
Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard by Tills

Small Black

I'm glad you noticed this was week two of no album of the week.  This was my closest contestant, and I still debate whether or not the album, as a whole, is awesome.  I really love Small Black, and New Chain is solid work for them, but there are some down points on the album.  These are my go to's from New Chain, which got a lot of play this week.  If you are looking to have something to relax and listen to,  this is your pick.  "Goons" may wake you up from your trance, but it's a good change.  Make sure you listen to the whole album if you like these selections. Also, Pitchfork has some cool POV videos of a live show of theirs.  Check out the link to "Photojournalist" and the rest of their show:  Photojournalist Video

Small Black - New Chain by Tills

Up In The Aer

So, I don't know much about this new band Aer.  They are from Massachusetts, and make music.  I am excited to see where they go.  They have a cool hip-hop/rock/reggae/electronic chill sound.  I'm not sure if they have any other songs floating around out there, but the one I did find is pretty cool.  Enjoy "Water On The Moon."
Aer - Water On The Moon by Tills

Disney 2.0

I have never seen the Disney movie Snow White. So, when I heard this song by Labyrinth Ear I only appreciated it for its catchy sound and cool lyrics.  Come to find out, this is, essentially, the main song from the movie.  Ms. White singing in the forest over a well which echoes her voice.  In any case, this made the song that much cooler in my mind.  This may make it that much less cooler in yours, but it's worth a listen. If you like the Labyrinth Ear's style, I added a link to their Soundcloud page where you can listen and download their tracks for free. Link to Labyrinth Ear
Snow White by Labyrinth Ear

Everyone's Gonna Love You

Cee-lo Green has got to slow down.  He is just all over the place.  With Gnarls Barkley, to his new solo album, and now with an amazing cover of "No One's Gonna Love You," by Band of Horses, Cee-lo may have a heart attack.  I mean, I'm concerned.  Regardless, I love this guy and love what he's doing.  You will definitely enjoy this cover song!
Cee-Lo Green - No One's Gonna Love You (Band of Horses Cover) by Tills

Song of the Moment

This band sounds like bad news. However, Dog Is Dead has an amazing track that needs to be heard. This young band from the UK has some serious potential. They don't have a full album out yet and haven't toured outside of England, but be on the lookout. Here is their best track, in my opinion.
Dog Is Dead - Glockenspiel Song by Tills