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Track Reviews

Cave Birds – Some Lightning Thrill x Love From Afar (demo)

cave-birds

Cave Birds are a new 4 piece out of Leeds that we won’t be surprised to be hearing lots more from. Their catchy blend of indie pop has the perfect touch of ‘brit’, not to mention it makes way for the dance floor. Can’t wait to see these guys in a live setting. “Some Lightning Thrill” is their only released track so far and “Love From Afar” is a great demo that offers a glance at what’s to come.

Cave Birds – Some Lightning Thrill


Cave Birds – Love From Afar (demo)

Cave Birds england (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
10-26-11

Kurt Vile – It’s Alright

soouttareachkurtvile

“It’s Alright” is new from Kurt Vile and taken from his forthcoming So Outta Reach EP, dropping November 8th via Matador. Kurt is back in top form.

Kurt Vile – It’s Alright

Kurt Vile pennsylvania (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
10-26-11

She & Him – Baby It’s Cold Outside

averysheandhimxmas

A track truly worthy of the James Brown Christmas wreath. Yeahhh… you know James would totally kick it with Zooey Deschanel! This cover of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is courtesy of she and Mr M. Ward and is my girlfriend (aka #superfan) Nessa’s pick from the band’s new A Very She & Him Christmas collection. This new version is a bit chirpier than Zooey’s earlier take on the track with Leon Redbone from the ELF soundtrack back in 2003. We think you’ll like it!

She & Him – Baby It’s Cold Outside

She & Him california (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-26-11

XV – U.F.C.

xv3

A new video has dropped for “U.F.C.” from XV’s Zero Heros mixtape. If there ever was an actual U.F.C. (MMC) this dude would so be in.

XV – U.F.C.

XV kansas (Facebook) (Bandcamp)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
10-26-11

Kris Mars – Conversation With Myself

kris-mars

Kris Mars flips the classic XX “Intro” and it takes. No denying “Conversation With Myself” is hungry.

Kris Mars – Conversation With Myself

Kris Mars california (Official) (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
10-26-11

Chris Wollard & the Ship Thieves – Same to You

chriswallard

Former Hot Water Music guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Chris Wollard has recently released his first solo record. The Gainesville native shows us a different side from his well known punk rock roots. Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves intertwines folk, acoustic, and alternative rock to create infectious melodies and ear-grabbing rhythms. “Same to You” is an upbeat and driven song, offering a melody that attracts your attention right away. I listened to this album several times while driving across the United States and there is something about Chris’s voice that offers a rare verisimilitude to its listener. Contributed by Trevor Meyer

Chris Wollard & the Ship Thieves – Same to You

Chris Wollard & the Ship Thieves florida (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11

Hammock – No Agenda (feat. Steve Kilbey)

hammock

Post Rockers Hammock team up with the ever talented Steve Kilbey of The Church on “No Agenda,” an ethereal piece that is both allaying and powerful. The 2011 album “Asleep in the Downlights” is officially being released today (October 25th). Order it, pick it up, do whatever you have to do to purchase this one because you will not be disappointed. Contributed by Trevor Meyer

Hammock – No Agenda (feat. Steve Kilbey)

Hammock tennessee (Official)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11

Piers Faccini – Tribe

piersfaccini

Piers Faccini takes us all on a trip with the expressive “Tribe”. The track’s worldly, soulful and almost retro sound captivates from it’s initial measures. And speaking of captivating, you’ve got to check this video below! It’s in the running to be one of our favs of the year. You can get “Tribe” on his My Wilderness LP available now via Six Degrees Records.

Piers Faccini – Tribe

Piers Faccini england (Official)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11

Wale – Slight Work (Ft. Big Sean)(Prod. By Diplo)

waleambition

Big Sean gets a feature on the latest leak from Wale’s Ambition LP dropping next week. The track is produced by Diplo. #HEATER

Wale – Slight Work (Ft. Big Sean)(Prod. By Diplo)

Wale districtofcolumbia (Official) (Twitter) (Myspace)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11

RAVE’S FAVE: Thomas Dolby – Spice Train

thomasdolby

I was Dolby’s A&R guy at Capitol when “She Blinded Me With Science” came out. The Golden Age of Wireless album was already released but when Thomas played “Science” for me, there was no way we could wait. I suggested a special release for “Science” which Thomas agreed to. The song went to #3. His first studio album in 20 years drops today. It’s really good but mostly pretty quiet. The dancy “Spice Train” contains lots of the fun we remember Thomas for. It’s so good to have him back and making fine music again. Sure I’m biased but if you’re a Dolby fan, I doubt you’ll fault me for this pick. Contributed by Bruce Rave

Thomas Dolby – Spice Train

Thomas Dolby england (Official)

Check out Bruce’s “Go Deep” show on Friday’s around 2p Pacific, 5p Eastern. Also listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog.

reviewed by
10-25-11

Anchorsong – Ghost Touch

anchorsong_slide

Electro outside the box. Composer/producer Anchorsong is Masaaki Yoshida and “Ghost Touch” is the flip side on his latest double A-side single with “Plum Rain”. If you appreciate an intellect with syncopation, space and minimalist ideas in your music then Anchorsong is someone for your radar. Get familiar.

Anchorsong – Ghost Touch

Anchorsong england (Twitter) (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11

JMSN – Alone

jsmn

If you dig anything The Weeknd is doing with pop music, shit if you dig slow jams with soul then you need to give “Alone” a spin. #LUSHASFUCK. The self produced track by JMSN is the strong follow up to his debut song “Hotel”. Somebody get Drake on this shit.

JMSN – Alone

JMSN michigan (Soundcloud) (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

brown8

reviewed by
10-25-11