Fleet Foxes

 After listening to this album quite frequently over the past month, I can honestly say that I am still loving it. I even think this album is up there on my list with In Rainbows, and Oracular Spectacular; all albums where I've found something new the more I've listened. 

Ahh.. Beautiful Fleet Foxes. 

Loquat

Loquat
"Swingset Chain" (mp3)
from "It's Yours To Keep" (Jackpine Social Club)

My first crossing with Loquat was a couple months back when they opened for Passenger. I liked their stuff a lot and decided to investigate further. I found out that they were playing at the Treasure Island Music Festival, and was pretty surprised that they were playing at such a big venue (having been watching them play at a relatively small place). They definitely deserve it, having been writing music since '96 and releasing albums since '02.

They create a really smooth, relaxing sound which is perfect for the current mood I'm in. Kylee Swenson's voice is so soothing, I kind of feel like everything around just moves more slowly and gently. 

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The Stills

The Stills
"Rooibos/ Palm Wine Drinkard" (mp3)
from "Oceans Will Rise"
(Arts & Crafts)

The Stills are back with their latest release, "Oceans Will Rise". Definitely sounding different from their previous albums, i'm liking the direction they are going.

Coming back with a more upbeat, rock sound, this track has an energy building kind of groove to it with strong vocal 'ooing' and 'ahhing' which is catchy. I even like the little slow down they do at the end of the song. Go ahead, download the free track, take a listen, and enjoy!

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Back to School

Well, the first week of school is done and I am happy. I'm going to try to continue this blog of mine whenever I have some free time, so hang tight. Doing this for Lucastile, my other south city boys, jeffrey82 (who I suspect is john),  and whoever else reads this crap! (by crap, i mean the stuff from the heart. aww..) More good music to come! 

- ya boy little J

Peter Bradley Adams

Peter Bradley Adams
"I'll Forget you" (mp3)
from "Leavetaking"
(Sarathan Records)

Attempting to find an appropriate song for my very last day at IODA (tear), I think i've found a winner by an artist named Peter Bradley Adams. Although the name of the song isn't all too fitting, the feeling of it is. 

Before deciding to make albums of his own, Adams had a thriving career in film and TV scoring. His second solo album "Leavetaking" is a gorgeous masterpiece of soulful singing and beautiful instrumentals that I highly recommend checking out.

So what are you waiting for? Download the free track already and imagine me as a cowboy riding out into the sunset... sorta.. kinda.. ish.

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Passenger

Passenger
"Night Vision Binoculars" (mp3)
from "Wicked Man's Rest"
(Cooking Vinyl USA)

From Brighton, UK comes this 5-piece band, Passenger. Best described as pen guitar-driven songs, this band creates a kind of fun, alt-pop sound which reminds me of another band from Brighton, the Kooks.

This track is off their brand new album "Wicked Man's Rest" which was released yesterday. It's a fun little song, so if you just feel like chillin out, rockin your head a bit, tapping your leg, clappin, any or all of the above, definitely give it a listen.

If you're in the San Francisco area and want to check out this band live, they are playing at the Swedish American Hall on August 13th, and also... I'll be there!

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Broken Social Scene

Broken Social Scene
"Fire Eye'd Boy" (mp3)
from "Broken Social Scene"
(Arts & Crafts)

For those who don't know, Broken Social Scene is an 'indie rock supergroup' from Canada made up of core members Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning who formed BSS in 1999. A whole cast of their other friends including: Jason Collett, Leslie Feist, Charles Spearin, David Newfield, and too many other people to name make up the rest. All of its members currently play in other bands around the Toronto indie scene.

Having won 2 Juno Awards for the 'Alternative Album of the Year', these guys definitely know what they're doing. Incorporating all of these instrumental elements at once can't be an easy task to accomplish, but surprisingly they manage to do it, and do it well.

Fire Eye'd Boy is a song which makes me feel empowered, and I can't help but move some part of my body while listening to it. If you ever get the chance to see these guys/girls live, you'll leave with a whole new meaning of what music is.

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Big Light

Big Light
"Hard Knocks" (mp3)
from "Big Light"
(reapandsow, Inc.)

Another local band that is making its way up the ladder goes by the name of Big Light. Most of these guys have been playing music their whole lives, so it was only natural to decide to get together and lay down some original tracks. With their debut album releasing last month, I find this song to be one of my favorites.

With soothing instrumentals and sincere lyrics you can't go wrong with Hard Knocks. I find it to be catchy, but not in the typical pop kind of way. It also has a bit of a happy folk-ness to it and after giving this a listen, you'll pretty much feel one with the universe, and the line "you remind me of my sister with your heart of gold" will stick with you for awhile after...

If you want to check these guys out in person, they are playing at the 12 Galaxies in the Mission on July 31st at 9 pm.


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