Let's Sexy Fighting

ON HIATUS

2010-01-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, I've been doing this blog steadily for 3.5 years and I think I need a little break. You'll see some posts from me from time to time, but I'll no longer be posting 3 times a week.

In the meantime, feel free to contact me about DJing or remixing! I am based in San Francisco.

PRISONER CHRISTMAS

2009-12-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

OK kids, I'll be back soon with my top x lists of the year. Until then...the music of Brad Neely!

Brad Neely - Prisoner Christmas

LET'S SEXY FIGHTING XMAS 2009!

2009-12-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays, folks! It's been pretty busy over here recently, but we've managed to take the time to continue our yearly tradition of serving up non-traditional holiday music. Try putting it on during tree decorating...

01. My First Earthquake - Together In Our Holiday Sweaters
02. Girls - Lust For Life)
03. Paul Anka - Jump (Van Halen cover)
04. Julian Casablancas - 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
05. Camera Obscura - Teenager [Motel De Moka]
06. The Most Serene Republic - Green Door
07. [ingenting] - Halleluja!
08. Vampire Weekend - Horchata
09. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal [Stereogum]
10. Free Energy - Dream City [Pitchfork]
11. The Sound of Arrows - M.A.G.I.C.
12. Antony and Bryce Dessner - I Was Young When I Left Home
13. Nina Simone - Gimme Some (Mike Mangini Remix)
14. Dave Sitek - With A Girl Like You (Troggs cover)
15. Beck - Sunday Morning (Velvet Underground cover)
16. Regina Spektor - Fidelity
17. The Dodos - Fables [Stereogum]
18. Dignan Porch - Two Of Us [Pitchfork]
19. Surfer Blood - Swim (To Reach the End))
20. Au Revoir Simone - Take Me As I Am

SURFER BLOOD

2009-11-30T22:56:00.000-08:00

I've been recently enjoying the power pop stylings of Surfer Blood. Part Weezer, part Dodos, and part Shins, it's the music of a good time being had. Their debut Astro Coast is due out January 19th.

Surfer Blood - Swim (To Reach The End)

Surfer Blood official site
Surfer Blood on MySpace

P.S. Stay tuned for Let's Sexy Fighting Xmas 2009!

AMBLING ALP

2009-11-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yeasayer has a new album coming out on February 9, 2010 entitled, Odd Blood. They recently released the first single from the album, a track called "Ambling Alp". As a bonus, Memory Tapes has already taken a crack at remixing it!

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
Yeasayer - Ambling Alp (Memory Tapes Remix)

Yeasayer official site
Yeasayer on MySpace

WASHED OUT

2009-11-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

Been thinking about maybe switching away from the blog format and going to a facebook/twitter feed. Any thoughts? My time for posting has been dwindling recently, new job and wedding prep and all.

Anyway, been recently enjoying the dream pop/chill wave sounds of Washed Out. Really soothing.

Washed Out - Belong

Washed Out on MySpace

NEW SHY CHILD

2009-11-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

Shy Child will be back March 1st with a new album entitled Liquid Love. They've generously released their first single, "Criss Cross", which features a longer form composition and LCD Soundsystem-like patience!

Shy Child - Criss Cross

Shy Child official site
Shy Child on MySpace

JULIAN CASABLANCAS

2009-11-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today marks the release of the first solo album from Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas! The album is called Phrazes for the Young and has a broad musical sound, encompassing Strokes-lite to 80s to R&B. First single "11th Dimension" sounds like Julian's trademark deadpan singing over very 80s synths...

Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

Julian Casablancas official site
Julian Casablancas on MySpace

HAPPY HALLOWEEN PENGUINS

2009-10-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

I had to post this submission, as it is the most targeted song I have ever received! "The Malkin Mash" is a Halloween song done in the style of the Pet Shop Boys and targeted at fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Happy Halloween everyone!

Marshmallow Pop Orchestra - The Malkin Mash

Marshmallow Pop Orchestra official site

DIGITS

2009-10-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Digits is an electronic indie pop artist from Toronto. Musically, it sounds like Erlend Oye fronting a cross between Alaska In Winter and The Postal Service! Enjoying it right now as I attempt to get into my evening groove. Digits' debut album, Hold It Close, is out now.

Digits - Going To Age
Digits - Nonstop

Digits official site

FELA KUTI - ZOMBIE

2009-10-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Knitting Factory Records will be releasing a new "greatest hits" of Fela Kuti entitled, The Best Of The Black President. Fittingly for this time of year, they've made "Zombie" available for download.

Fela Kuti - Zombie

Fela Kuti official site

NEW THAO NGUYEN

2009-10-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Thao's currently on tour supporting her new album, Know Better Learn Faster. Check out the title track, and her particular blend of folk and fingerpicking!

Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Know Better Learn Faster

Thao Nguyen official site
Thao Nguyen on MySpace

ABOUT A GIRL

2009-10-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Started a new job this week, finally. I'm still getting used to waking up at the right time again, so I'm a little behind on my musical homework. Sub Pop is releasing a remastered version of Nirvana's Bleach on November 3rd, and have made the classic "About A Girl" available for download. It's been a while...crank it up!

Nirvana - About A Girl (Remastered)

Nirvana official site
Nirvana on MySpace

THE FORMS COVER BILLY JOEL

2009-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Found this cover of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire" courtesy of a couple friends and Gimme Tinnitus. Very cool take - it's all post-punk now with more shout-singing!

The Forms - We Didn't Start The Fire (Billy Joel Cover)

The Forms official site
The Forms on MySpace

NEW WALLPAPER

2009-10-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Previously, we showed you the video for the new Wallpaper single. The good news is now you can download the song for free! I've been jamming to this track for the past month, so let's get the dance party started!

Wallpaper - I Got Soul, I'm So Wasted

Wallpaper on MySpace

GIRLS

2009-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Whew, finished DJing my first wedding this weekend. Interesting lifestyle....anyway, San Francisco's Girls have been really hitting the spot recently. Pure 60's guitar pop in the vein of Elvis Costello or the Beach Boys. Definitely check out the album!

Girls - Lust For Life

Girls at Matador

NEW BUILT TO SPILL

2009-10-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Built To Spill released a new album this Tuesday entitled, There Is No Enemy! It's a delicious slice of indie guitar pop in the classic BTS vein. Check out "Hindsight" for a taste...

Built To Spill - Hindsight [Insound]

Built To Spill official site
Built To Spill on MySpace

NEW VAMPIRE WEEKEND!

2009-10-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hot news today is the announcement of a new Vampire Weekend cd! Contra will be released January 12th, 2010, and the guys have so generously provided a free download of the first track, "Horchata". Not sure what Ezra is doing singing about drinking horchata when it's cold outside, but I'll allow it...

Vampire Weekend - Horchata

Vampire Weekend official site
Vampire Weekend on MySpace

KISS OF LIFE

2009-10-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Woooo. It's been a long week. Friendly Fires, please take me to the weekend!

Friendly Fires - Kiss Of Life

Friendly Fires official site
Friendly Fires on MySpace

MY BOYS

2009-09-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for an interesting twee-world-pop take on Animal Collective's "My Girls", you'd be hard pressed to do better than this Taken By Trees cover! It's available on her most recent album, East of Eden.

Taken By Trees - My Boys (Animal Collective Cover)

Taken By Trees official site
Taken By Trees on MySpace

PS. Anyone watch Mad Men last night? Peggy...eww.

RAIN MACHINE

2009-09-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Rain Machine is Kyp Malone from TV On The Radio's solo project. On Rain Machine, he seems to be exploring the space between more guitar driven rock rock and TVOTR's percussive side.

Rain Machine - Give Blood [Insound]

Rain Machine on MySpace

SMALL BLACK

2009-09-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today we have some delicious lo-fi indie rock from Brooklyn's Small Black! They excel at combining Casio beats with fuzzed out keyboards and melodrama.

Small Black - Bad Lover

Small Black official site
Small Black on MySpace

NEW MARY ONETTES

2009-09-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Mary Onettes are releasing a new single next week entitled "Puzzles". It's from their upcoming sophomore album, Islands. "Puzzles" is dreamy and sounds like a love child between the Shout Out Louds and Echo And The Bunnymen!

The Mary Onettes - Puzzles

The Mary Onettes label site
The Mary Onettes on MySpace

WTF FRIDAY

2009-09-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

The b-side to Grizzly Bear's "While You Wait For The Others" single is a version of the song with lead vocals by...Michael McDonald? It works, once you get past the shock of hearing mister "Yah Mo B There" and his soulful voice...

Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others (feat. Michael McDonald)

Grizzly Bear official site
Grizzly Bear on MySpace

I GOT SOUL (I'M SO WASTED)

2009-09-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the official video for "I Got Soul (I'm So Wasted)" by Wallpaper! Very exited for this album...Doodoo Face comes out next Tuesday, 9/22!

Wallpaper on MySpace

LOS CAMPESINOS!

2009-09-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Los Campesinos! are a seven piece indie pop band from Cardiff, Wales. They have a new album coming out soon, and "The Sea Is a Good Place to Think of the Future" is our first taste! Dramatic, epic, and rocking.

Los Campesinos - The Sea Is a Good Place to Think of the Future

Los Campesinos! official site
Los Campesinos! on MySpace

NEW ISLANDS

2009-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Islands have a new album coming out next week entitled Vapours. On it, we can hear Islands moving towards more 60's styled rock. Guess that Kinks cover they did was a good representation of what they were listening to recently...

Islands - Vapours

Islands official site
Island on MySpace

DIAMOND RINGS

2009-09-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Diamond Rings is a one man bedroom pop act from Toronto. The first song to bubble up is the irresistible "All Yr Songs"! It seems perfectly appropriate to play this song at the beginning of fall - still joyous, but pining for better days...

Diamond Rings - All Yr Songs

Diamond Rings on MySpace

CALICO HORSE - IDIOTEQUE

2009-09-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Back in the fold here, been a busy past 2 weeks! Anyway, I have some musical catching up to do. Up first is Calico Horse, a folky, experimental band from from San Diego. Calico Horse caught my attention recently by doing an excellent and breezy cover of Radiohead's "Idioteque".

Calico Horse - Idioteque (Radiohead Cover)
Calico Horse - Gold

Calico Horse official site
Calico Horse on MySpace

NO-FI SOUL REBELLION

2009-08-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

Back from the northwest with some fresh music! You need to check out No-Fi Soul Rebellion - it's a crazy mix of Ghostland Observatory, Prince, and MGMT. Saw a live show by these guys and was blown away by their live performance. If you ever get the chance, go see 'em!

No-Fi Soul Rebellion - Brother Lupine

No-Fi Soul Rebellion official site
No-Fi Soul Rebellion on MySpace

THE VERY BEST

2009-08-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Up in Seattle today - bringing you today's post from the road. The Very Best is European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya combining forces to create a Voltron of afro and indie pop! On the album, they've gotten an all-star cast of guest appearances, including Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend.

Their debut cd, Warm Heart Of Africa is available digitally now, and will be released in meatspace on October 6th.

The Very Best - Warm Heart Of Africa (feat. Ezra Koenig)

The Very Best on MySpace

ON TOUR!

2009-08-24T00:37:00.001-07:00

Hi Guys, posting might be sporadic this week, going to be out of town. Made a roadtrip playlist, here's one of the selections...talk soon!

Plastic Bertrand - Ça Plane Pour Moi

Plastic Bertrand official site

NEW POSTMARKS

2009-08-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Postmarks are back with a new album! Memoirs At The End Of The Worldis set to drop August 25th and features the wistful lead single, "My Lucky Charm". It's the perfect soundtrack for the end of a summer fling!

The Postmarks - My Lucky Charm

The Postmarks official site
The Postmarks on MySpace

NEW DAPPLED CITIES

2009-08-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Sydney art-poppers Dappled Cities have a new album coming out 9/15 entitled, Zounds. The first single, "The Price" is a stringy disco number with lots of yearning!

Dappled Cities - The Price

Dappled Cities official site
Dappled Cities on MySpace

NEW SEA WOLF

2009-08-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sea Wolf's got a new album coming out 9/22 entitled, White Water, White Bloom. In a brilliant marketing move, they've released a track that didn't make the album. I like what I hear from "Stanislaus", so if this is a B-side, I can't wait for the proper album!

Sea Wolf - Stanislaus

Sea Wolf official site
Sea Wolf on MySpace

NEW LOU BARLOW

2009-08-11T10:10:00.001-07:00

Lou Barlow's been busy with Sebadoh and Dinosaur Jr. reunions the last few years, but he still had time to record a new solo album! Goodnight Unknown will be released October 6th on Merge. "Gravitate" is a great track - it's personal and intimate, but still has rough edges...the acoustic guitar sounds like it's been dragged through quicksand (in a good way)!

Lou Barlow - Gravitate

Lou Barlow official website

FRESH ESPRESSO

2009-08-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I guess it's been a hip-hop kind of week - today I've got Seattle's Fresh Espresso for your listening pleasure. Need a little energy for Friday afternoon? Throw this track on.

Fresh Espresso - Diamond Pistols

Fresh Espresso on MySpace

ALL WE DO IS JUKE

2009-08-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this track the other day, and glad I did! Insanely catchy summer shout along jam from Chicago's BBU (Bin Laden Blowin' Up). Will investigate more and get back to y'all...

BBU - Chi Don't Dance

BBU on MySpace

NEW TIMES NEW VIKING

2009-08-03T14:44:00.001-07:00

Seems like lo-fi production is coming back into vogue again. One of the originators of the current trend, Columbus lo-fi outfit Times New Viking, is back with a new album! Born Again Revisited drops 9/22 and finds the boys as noisy and ebullient as ever.

Times New Viking - No Time, No Hope

Times New Viking label site
Times New Viking on MySpace

BOY 8-BIT

2009-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been grooving to the instrumental hip-hop, dub-step-ish stylings of Boy 8-Bit. There's something energetic, but soothing about it. I first discovered him through his remix work, but now I'm starting to see the brilliance of his solo stuff!

Boy 8-Bit - Baltic Pine

Boy 8-Bit on MySpace

NEW WALLPAPER

2009-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper's got a new summer single out entitled, "Pool Party". It's a collaboration between Wallpaper, Jacob Safari of The Mae Shi, and Kid Static. Reggaeton lite!

Wallpaper - Pool Party (featuring Jacob Safari & Kid Static)

Wallpaper on MySpace

NEW JULIAN PLENTI

2009-07-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Matador has released another song from the upcoming Paul Banks solo album, Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper (due out August 4th). "Games For Days" is sounding a lot more Interpol-like than the previous song, "Fun That We Had"!

Julian Plenti - Games For Days

Julian Plenti official site
Julian Plenti on MySpace

NEW CRAYON FIELDS

2009-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Melbourne-based Crayon Fields will be releasing their second album, All The Pleasures of the World, stateside this September. Expect more delicious Beach Boys and Zombies-esque pop!

The Crayon Fields - All The Pleasures Of The World

The Crayon Fields on MySpace

NEW ATLAS SOUND

2009-07-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pitchfork's got the scoop on the new Atlas Sound album, including a collaboration with Panda Bear! "Walkabout" sounds awesome in an experimental doo-wop kinda way...

Atlas Sound - Walkabout (featuring Noah Lennox) [Pitchfork]

Atlas Sound official site
Atlas Sound on MySpace

DANIEL

2009-07-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Daniel Johnson has experienced a wide spectrum in his musical career - grinding it out on the road, brushes with major labels, and critical success. Do anything for a long enough time without breakthrough, and at some point we all get tired of butting our heads up against the ceiling and consider quitting.

Unfortunately, Daniel got to this point and quit his longtime band, Judah Johnson, and took an indefinite hiatus from making music. However, over time he began to miss what attracted him to it in the first place, and began attacking it from a different angle - electronically. The result is a gorgeous, lush, and fully fleshed out blend of rock, electronic, and soul.

Daniel - Goodbye Silhouette

Daniel official site
Daniel on MySpace

SUCH GREAT CRAP

2009-07-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, I think this is hilarious and I wanted you all to see it.

FOREST SWORDS

2009-07-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Been enjoying psychedelic music a lot more recently. Not really sure what that's all about! But I do love getting lost in these hypnotic soundscapes...check out Forest Swords for today's dose!

Forest Swords- Miarches

Forest Swords on MySpace

THE DRUMS

2009-07-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day out here. Currently enjoying The Beach Boys-meets-Ramones stylings of The Drums! I think I need a good cocktail in hand to go with this song.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing

The Drums official site
The Drums on MySpace

YOUNG HEARTS SPARK FIRE

2009-07-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Japandroids have released another track from their excellent self-titled cd. It's all sweat, sludge, and youthful exuberance!

Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire

Japandroids official site
Japandroids on MySpace

REAL ESTATE

2009-07-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a weekend of camping...been offline for a few days. Had some time to contemplate, so I'm coming at you today with a slice of dreamy guitar pop! Real Estate is a 4-piece from New Jersey that plays floaty, yearning jams.

Real Estate - Black Lake

Real Estate on MySpace

NEW-ISH STARLIGHT MINTS

2009-07-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Been really enjoying this Starlight Mints track recently - "Zoomba" is from their recently released record, Change Remains. It's a little Stereolab, a little Led Zeppelin, and a little Of Montreal!

Starlight Mints - Zoomba

Starlight Mints official site
Starlight Mints on MySpace

FOOL'S GOLD

2009-07-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Summertime...time to be exploring westernized afro-pop again! Fool's Gold is a project out of LA that involves members of Foreign Born and the ex-drummer of We Are Scientists. More interestingly, lead singer Luke Top sings in Hebrew!

Their self-titled debut will out out on 9/29.

Fool's Gold - Surprise Hotel

Fools Gold on MySpace

THE MUMLERS

2009-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the Telekinesis show last night at Bottom Of The Hill and got there in time to catch the 2nd act. When I walked in, I heard a melodious blend of Otis Redding, Calexico, and southern soul. Who was that band? San Jose's The Mumlers. I'll be checking out more of these guys, and you should too!

The Mumlers - Red River Hustle

The Mumlers official site
The Mumlers on MySpace

HERE'S TO YOU, MJ

2009-06-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

BABY I'M YOURS

2009-06-24T13:49:00.001-07:00

Hitting the vault today - I like the Arctic Monkeys' tasteful rendition of the classic, "Baby I'm Yours". It's not the least bit snotty or ironic!

Arctic Monkeys - Baby I'm Yours

Arctic Monkeys official site
Arctic Monkeys on MySpace

NEW WOODEN SHJIPS

2009-06-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Grooving to SF's Wooden Shjips today. Check out their new album, Dos! Psychedelic, man.

Wooden Shjips - For So Long

Wooden Shjips official site
Wooden Shjips on MySpace

GENERATIONALS

2009-06-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day outside, doesn't it just make you want to run down to the dimestore and grab a malt shake?

Generationals - When They Fight They Fight

Generationals official site
Generationals on MySpace

NOTHING TO GIVE

2009-06-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

M83 has given White Lies' "Nothing To Give" the remix treatment, and it's turned out quite brilliantly! They've nudged the moody original into the 80's and Tears For Fears territory...

~~link removed per request~~

White Lies official site
White Lies on MySpace

GRIZZLY BEAR - TWO WEEKS

2009-06-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Creepy.

ROCK PLAZA CENTRAL COVERS VAN HALEN

2009-06-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

Today I've been graced with a cover of Van Halen's "Panama" by Rock Plaza Central. It's a brooding, folky sorta take on the song...sounds more like a Will Oldham or Cairo Gang song now!

Rock Plaza Central - Panama (Van Halen Cover)

Rock Plaza Central official site
Rock Plaza Central on MySpace

NEW GRAND ARCHIVES

2009-06-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Grand Archives have a new record coming out September 8th entitled, Keep In Mind Frankenstein. First single "Silver Among The Gold" is a floaty, optimistic ditty...I feel like I'm on a road trip cross country!

Grand Archives - Silver Among The Gold

Grand Archives official site
Grand Archives on MySpace

NEW THROW ME THE STATUE

2009-06-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Seattle indie-poppers Throw Me The Statue have a new album coming out on August 4th entitled, Creaturesque. Sounds like they're polishing up their sound for another slice of guitar pop goodness...excited for this one!

Throw Me The Statue - Ancestors

Throw Me The Statue on MySpace

DISCOVERY

2009-06-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Vampire Weekend's keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot singer Wes Miles have a new project called Discovery. On their debut album, LP (due out July 7th), they experiment with hip-hop and electronic elements! First single "Orange Shirt" sounds like some sort of cross between Vampire Weekend and Usher...

Discovery - Orange Shirt

Discovery on MySpace

NEW TWILIGHT SAD

2009-06-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Sad has finished recording a new album and have released a track as a taster! "Reflection Of The Television" is a moody slow-burner...but what else did you expect? Sounds like the boys are exploring cleaner production and being more controlled in their use of noise. Dig it.

Forget The Night Ahead drops 9/21!

The Twilight Sad - Reflection Of The Television

The Twilight Sad official site
The Twilight Sad on MySpace

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO?

2009-06-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

BOWERBIRDS

2009-06-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Bowerbirds have a new album coming out on July 7th entitled, Upper Air. I think on "Northern Lights" they've hit the perfect middle ground between emotional and artsy - it's quite inspirational, but at the same time throws in some musical curveballs...

Bowerbirds - Northern Lights

Bowerbirds official site
Bowerbirds on MySpace

NEW JAY REATARD

2009-05-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Jay Reatard's got a new album coming out on August 18th entitled, Watch Me Fall. "It Ain't Gonna Save Me" is our first taste from the album, and I gotta say I'm hungry for more. Delicious jangly garage pop goodness!

Jay Reatard - It Ain't Gonna Save Me

Jay Reatard official site
Jay Reatard on MySpace

NEW CASPER AND THE COOKIES

2009-05-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Athens experimental powerpop group Casper & The Cookies recently released a new album, Modern Silence. On single "Little King" you can hear old school powerpop taking a distinct left turn into spasticness...

Casper And The Cookies - Little King

Casper & The Cookies official site
Casper & The Cookies on MySpace

JULIAN PLENTI

2009-05-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Paul Banks of Interpol has a solo album coming out on August 4. On it, he seems to be exploring more electronic textures and taking a departure from the Interpol stuff. The name of the album? Julian Plenti Is… Skyscraper.

Julian Plenti - Fun That We Have

Julian Plenti official site

NEW JOHNNY FOREIGNER

2009-05-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Johnny Foreigner's hard at work on a new album, and they've decided to release a song as a preview...so without further ado, here's the raucous and aptly titled "Feels Like Summer"!

Johnny Foreigner - Feels Like Summer

Johnny Foreigner official site
Johnny Foreigner on MySpace

P.S. They're going to release a few more tracks via their website on June 22nd.

PORTLAND CELLO PROJECT + THAO

2009-05-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Pitchfork's got the scoop on the new Portland Cello Project album, The Thao and Justin Power Sessions (out June 9th). The first advance single is a delightful re-imagining of Thao's "Tallymarks" featuring prominent cello!

Portland Cello Project - Tallymarks (feat. Thao Nguyen) [Pitchfork]

Portland Cello Project official site
Portland Cello Project on MySpace

GRIZZLY BEAR REMIXED

2009-05-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Bear's new album, Veckatimest, is coming out on May 26th. I've heard some of the advance singles and I think it's going to be an amazing album! Album track "Two Weeks" is killer...and this Fred Falke remix totally takes it in a late 80's dance direction. I can totally hear this playing at the end of an 80's flick, when the guy gets the girl and the camera starts zooming out of the auditorium/gym...

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks (Fred Falke Extended Remix)

Grizzly Bear official site
Grizzly Bear on MySpace

PASSION PIT

2009-05-11T16:29:00.001-07:00

Passion Pit is the latest indie-electro-pop sensation that's sweeping the nation! Upon quick inspection, I detect hints of MGMT (that yearning feeling), Empire Of The Sun (electro melancholy), and Cut Copy (clubby goodness). Their debut album, Manners, comes out next tuesday, 5/19!

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

Passion Pit on MySpace

DROP I HOLD FEATURING GZA

2009-05-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Black Lips just released an EP/single for "The Drop I Hold" (from 200 Million Thousand). On it, they have a special version of "The Drop I Hold" featuring GZA! If you need a mid-day psychedelic trip, this is your track!

The Black Lips - Drop I Hold

The Black Lips official site
The Black Lips on MySpace

SOLID GOLD

2009-05-04T14:18:00.001-07:00

Recently, I've been really enjoying the electro-dub stylings of Solid Gold. Generally, sort of downbeat electronica in the vein of Hot Chip. Totally good music to chill to.

Solid Gold - Who You Gonna Run To?

Solid Gold on MySpace

ARMY NAVY

2009-05-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm writing here to tell you about Army Navy, a jangly quartet from LA. It's got a little Peter Bjorn & John, a little Arctic Monkeys, and a lot of 70's and 80's power pop. Should put you in a good mood!

Army Navy - My Thin Sides

Army Navy on MySpace

FUTURE OF THE LEFT

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day! Finally, a peek at the new Future Of The Left record! FotL is the newish project by Mclusky's Andy Falkous and Jack Egglestone. The production's a bit popper, but thos vox have the same yelping growls...Travels With Myself And Another comes out June 23rd, and I can't wait!

Future Of The Left - Arming Erirtrea

Future Of The Left official site
Future Of The Left on MySpace

HOT CHIP COVERS JOY DIVISION

2009-04-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hot Chip recently covered Joy Division's "Transmission" for the War Child Heroes compilation. Pick it up today and help a great cause!

Hot Chip - Transmission (Joy Division Cover)

Hot Chip official site
Hot Chip on MySpace

THE MARY ONETTES

2009-04-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Mary Onettes have a new EP coming out on April 29th entitled, Dare. Generally, they sound very Cure, Smiths, or New Order-ish. Their new single is is no exception...I imagine this is what a cool prom song would sound like! Sorry, just saw "Adventureland" (great movie) and I've got the 80's on my mind.

The Mary Onettes - Dare

The Mary Onettes official site
The Mary Onettes on MySpace

AUTO-TUNE THE NEWS #2

2009-04-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Still on my vocoder kick...this is great. More please!

EVRYTM WE DO IT

2009-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

Went to a birthday party last weekend, had the pleasure of seeing Wallpaper perform. They brought the party for sure, channeling late 80's and early 90's hip hop, but with some more electronic sounds and vocoder action!

Wallpaper - Evrytm We Do It

Wallpaper on MySpace

NEW IRON AND WINE

2009-04-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Iron And Wine's got a new album coming out May 19th entitled, Around the Well, a collection of out of print and unreleased tracks! "The Trapeze Artist" is a 9 min epic, and the closer to the album. Throw it on, get lost in it...afterall, it is a beautiful day outside.

Iron And Wine - The Trapeze Swinger

Iron and Wine official site
Iron And Wine on MySpace

METRIC REMIXED BY THE TWELVES

2009-04-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Whew, got those taxes done on time! In my rush, I forgot to mention that Metric released their new album, Fantasies, this week. The PR push continues! Following their clever video for "Gimme Sympathy" we have a great remix of "Help, I'm Alive" by The Twelves. It's solid!

Metric - Help Im Alive (The Twelves Remix)

Metric official site
Metric On MySpace

SUCKERS

2009-04-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Suckers are an indie pop band from NY. I really think they are the kind of band you throw on the speakers on a lazy summer day. I sorta imagine them as a less dancey, and more horn focused Arcade Fire. It's anthemic, but not too brash. Like, let us celebrate this awesome weather without forcing you to dance...by the way, their self-titled cd is out today!

Suckers - It Gets Your Body Movin'

Suckers on MySpace

LET'S SEXY FIGHTING MIX #2

2009-04-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I think the set went pretty well last night. Here's a copy of the mix if you couldn't make it out! It's a little heavier than what I might normally spin, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless...

Bloc Party - Ares (Villains Remix)
datA - Rapture (Kids At The Bar Remix)
Vitalic - La Rock 01
Buck 65 - Kennedy Killed The Hat (MSTRKRFT Dance Remix)
Hadouken! - Crank It Up
Designer Drugs - Back Up In This (Le Castle Vania, Computer Club and Rrrump Remix)
Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler
The Rapture - House Of Jealous Lovers (The Disco Villains Remix)
Yuksek - Tonight
Fukkk Off - Rave Is King (Le Castle Vania Remix)
The Black Ghosts - Any Way You Choose To Give It (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
Klaxons - Gravity's Rainbow (Soulwax Remix)
Crystal Castles - Love And Caring
Brazilian Girls - Jique [MSTRKRFT Remix]
Daft Punk - Around the World (Killdahype Remix)
Ghosthustler - Busy Busy Busy
Death From Above 1979 - Blood On Our Hands (Justice Remix)
Shy Child - Astronaut

Let's Sexy Fighting - Mix 04/09/09

NEW JUNIOR BOYS

2009-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

The new Junior Boys album, Begone Dull Care, was released yesterday. Sounds like the boys are still doing their cold and sexy electronic pop thing, except the tiniest bit happier! "Hazel" is giving me sort of a Howard Johnson vibe...

Junior Boys - Hazel

Junior Boys official site
Junior Boys on MySpace

HEY RICH GIRL

2009-04-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has come - Let's Sexy Fighting is going to be DJing between sets at Annie's Social Club in SF this Thursday night, supporting King Loses Crown, Death Valley High, and DJ KRRTEZZ. Prepping my electro-rock set - don't know if this one is going to make it, but it's a catchy remix!

The Virgins - Rich Girls (The Twelves Remix)

The Virgins official site
The Twelves on MySpace

JAPANDROIDS

2009-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little angsty today - what a good time to unleash the Japandroids! Just some good primal vaguely post-hardcore garage rock...their self-titled debut comes out on April 28!

Japandroids - Heart Sweats [Pitchfork]

Japandroinds official site
Japandroids on MySpace

NEW RUMBLE STRIPS

2009-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Looks like we have a new Rumble Strips album coming out later this summer! Welcome To The Walk Alone is due out on June 8th in the UK, and was produced by Mark Ronson. I can definitely hear the Mark Ronson influence on this track, can't you? Listen to all those strings and horns!

The Rumble Strips - London

The Rumble Strips official site
The Rumble Strips on MySpace

SORTA NEW FLEET FOXES

2009-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Fleet Foxes are re-releasing their debut EP on April 8th, Sun Giant EP. Rightfully so, with their s/t album blowing up left and right, it was easy to overlook!

Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

Fleet Foxes at Sub Pop
Fleet Foxes on MySpace

OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH

2009-03-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Another song from the excellent Oohs & Aahs...and I'm off for the weekend. Time to make like Bacchus!

Say Hi - Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh

Say Hi official site
Say Hi on MySpace

NEW FOREIGN BORN

2009-03-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've reported on Foreign Born. Luckily, they happen to have a new album coming out on June 23 entitled, Person To Person. It's kinda dreamy and contemplative, and probably wouldn't have been out of place on last friday's mini mix! Also, the horns that come in at the end really give the song a satisfying conclusion.

Foreign Born - Vacationing People

Foreign Born official site
Foreign Born on MySpace

MY GIRLS

2009-03-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

A little behind here, but Animal Collective released a new album in January entitled, Merriweather Post Pavilion. The album finds them experimenting more with the "beats" that the darn kids seem to enjoy so much these days, while keeping their distinctive sense of melody and song structure.

Animal Collective - My Girls

Animal Collective official site
Animal Collective on MySpace

SPRING MINI MIX

2009-03-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

It's officially the first day of spring. Let's thaw this mofo out, ok?

01. Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses (My Dear Disco Remix)
02. Funeral Party - Carwars
03. Nickel Eye - Brandy of the Damned (Mark Ronson Remix)
04. The Thermals - Now We Can See
05. Grizzly Bear - Cheerleader

Photo by Sam Javanrouh

FUNERAL PARTY

2009-03-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

I went to see ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead last night for the first time in 7 years and had a better time than I thought I was going to. What was the recipe for success? Trail Of Dead played a bunch of stuff off Source Tags And Codes and I enjoyed the opener, Funeral Party. They were very disco, but also dirty and messy. I'd like to imagine this is what a baby of At The Drive In and The Rapture (the old days) would sound like!

Funeral Party - Car Wars

Funeral Party

NEW NEKO CASE

2009-03-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Last week Neko Case released a new CD entitled, Middle Cyclone. The title track is a mainly acoustic affair, with sparse music box accompaniment! Oh yeah, and some warm reverb. It's a nice song to gaze out the window and daydream to.

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Neko Case official site
Neko Case on MySpace

NEW ST. VINCENT

2009-03-11T15:10:00.001-07:00

St. Vincent is Annie Clark, a multi-instrumentalist songwriter that has also spent time in Sufjan's band and The Polyphonic Spree. "Strangers" is our first taste of Actor (due out May 5), and it finds us floating somewhere between Regina Spektor, a 50's Disney soundtrack, and some good ol' 70's prog.

St. Vincent - The Strangers

St. Vincent official site
St. Vincent on MySpace

TELEKINESIS

2009-03-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

When I went to check out Cut Off Your Hands a couple weeks ago, I had the pleasant surprise of catching Telekinesis as the openers! Telekinesis is the brainchild of Michael Benjamin Lerner, and also a recent signee to Merge Records! It kind of reminds me of Death Cab For Cutie, but a little chunkier. Coincidentally, the album was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab...

The self titled album is due out April 7th.

Telekinesis - Coast Of Carolina (Demo) [Stereogum]

Telekinesis on MySpace
Telekinesis at Merge Records

MARK RONSON REMIXES NICKEL EYE

2009-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Strokes' Nikolai Fraiture has a side project entitled "Nickel Eye". Recently, they released their debut, The Time of The Assassins. Not surprisingly (in this day and age), we've already got a fresh remix of the lead single! Here we have Mark Ronson taking the laid back ska-lite of "Brandy of the Damned" and laying it back further with his signature "soul horns" treatment...

Nickel Eye - Brandy of the Damned (Mark Ronson Remix)

Nickel Eye on MySpace

AZEEM - LATIN REVENGE

2009-03-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Picked this video up on the great neighborhood Mission Mission blog. I don't usually dabble in hip hop too much but this is definitely a catchy one!

Azeem on MySpace
Azeem label site