Ganglians
Share the sound, share the love!
Oh, ! I’m happy to have paid attention to this band. They’ve been gaining some press recently because
they’ve put out a killer album Monster Head Room.
It’s so fantastic when music makes you feel this
wonderful thing that’s nearly unexplainable. It’s like when you meet someone and you instantly click, when you are just so excited to tell them everything, and your words and thoughts begin to overlap, and you start to cut each other off- not in a snotty way, but in an excited “Oh my god! Me too! I have to tell you this!” sort of way- and it goes back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and before you know it, you’ve been talking for hours and all your other friends have left you behind, but it doesn’t matter because you are so happy and satisfied in that moment.
Listening to Ganglians is like that. And I’ve only just begun to devour the record.
Ok, here’s the lowdown: they’re signed to Weird Forest Records. They are based out of Sacramento. They played at SXSW this year. Stereogum has done stories (plural) about them. So has Vice Magazine and last.fm. I think “Valient Brave” is a great song, as is “Never Mine.” Listen on their myspace. Buy their record.
Sam Quinn + Japan Ten
Formally the front man of the everybodyfields, here comes Sam Quinn’s solo project Sam Quinn + Japan Ten. Halleluiah! As sad as it may be that the everybodyfields are “taking a permanent break,” Quinn’s new project is completely quenching my thirst for that sweet and sad melancholy folk music.
They’ve only officially been a band since March of this year, so there aren’t very many tunes to check out on their myspace yet, but the few that are make the grade. “Hello” is my favorite. They are, of course, signed to Ramseur Records, as were the everybodyfields, but no word yet about an upcoming album. We can only hope a record will be released within the year. I love hearing Sam Quinn’s beautiful, quavering voice. I hope he never stops making music.
California GIRLS
Earnest and sincere, GIRLS bring a new brand of dreamy shoegaze for the late 2000’s. It is true and honest pop music. There is no sign of irony. There is no laughably overwritten chorus. There is only their obvious love of Ariel Pink, simplicity, and their ability to be seriously playful.
GIRLS have hometown popularity, having been named one of the city’s Bands to Watch in SF Weekly. They are gaining acclaim among indie music reviewers having made it into Pitchfork’s Top 100 Tracks of 2008, and into Gorilla vs. Bear’s Most Likely to Succeed 2K9.
So people are talking. And this time, it’s worth listening. GIRLS are signed to Bay Area label True Panther Sounds and are said to be releasing their debut album sometime this year. In the meantime, here is their myspace. The choice track so far among music snobs seems to be “Hellhole Ratrace”, so why don’t you give that one a try first. You know, we music snobs are always right…
Vagabond Opera
Having been compared to the likes of Beirut, Gogol Bordello, and Devotchka says something of this little Portland ensemble. Just released earlier this month, their newest album The Zeitgeist Beckons is sure to make heads turn. In fact, it already has.
They have a sound that I’m relatively unfamiliar with, and I am drawn to the exciting mystery that surrounds Vagabond Opera. Comprised of multi-lingual trained opera singers armed with an array of interesting music makers (including strings, brass, an accordion and musical saw), they are creators of a strange and fantastic world. After reading several posts about them, I have come to the conclusion that their live show is a force to be reckoned with. Portland is not too far from my home. Maybe it’s time for a little road trip.
Here they are, on myspace. I’ve been listening to “Ganef.” It’s sultry, slow and nails the whole old-world gypsy, theatrical burlesque feel Vagabond Opera is starting to be known for.
AUTOPASSION
Post-future music mania
? It doesn’t get any better than this.
This is one of my absolutely, hands down, one of my favorite bands. In fact, it may be my favorite band. A lofty statement, and I stand by it 100%. Every time I hear their music, I smile, my heart breaks a little. Every time I see them play, I’m thrown into a whirlwind of awe, love, joy… I adore these guys. Fortunately for you, their myspace features a multitude of perfectly crafted rock songs to indulge in anytime, all the time.
Based out of Brooklyn, by way of “Camel City”, these boys do not disappoint. Any song you choose is going to blow you away. I am confident of that. But if you really need me to hold your hand, start with “Count Every Grain.”
Amazing musicians, cool dudes- I truly love Autopassion. You will too.
Yarn Owl
Comprised of four seemingly diligent college students, Yarn Owl makes the grade 
Self described as a combination of Explosions in the Sky post-rock and Beatles-era pop, Yarn Owl is just that. They met in college, in a small town, in Eastern Washington. Formed in late 2007, Yarn Owl has been steadily gaining notoriety, even though their live shows are few and far between, and they have barely crossed state lines to play. They may be getting noticed because of bassist Tim Meinig’s musical history (he used to drum for Band of Horses). Or they may be getting noticed because they are good musicians. But they don’t care either way. Right now, the most important thing for them is to finish college. They are very serious about their education. Admirable, no?
Yes, definitely. And more power to them, because they make great music. As long as they continue to do that, I don’t mind which comes first, the music or the education.
Check out “Yarn Blues” on their myspace.
HOLY FUCK
Holy Fuck almost operates (please, forgive me) like a jam band. I know, this is dangerous territory I’ve entered, but don’t let this comparison sway you. Ok, how about this? I would put them in the same boat as, say, !!!, just crazier and more experimental. Much more. Or liken them to a sped up Do Make Say Think, with a scattering of feedback, abrasive and spacey sound effects, muffled vocals…. Yes, I know!!! Totally awesome.
Holy Fuck is heavily influence by electronic music, utilizing atypical sound effects and other electronic accoutrements, yet they shun any and all use of laptops. This is one element that sets them far apart from the computer loving musicians running rampant from one indie music festival to the next. We do live in a world of electronic noise, so I admire their resistance- it’s hard to say no to technology, especially when it may make your life just a little bit easier. A little easier, yes, but maybe a little less exciting. Holy Fuck doesn’t want that, so neither do we.
Go to their myspace, listen to Royal Gregory (my favorite!), and check out their tour schedule. Word on the street, or the internet, is that Holy Fuck’s live show is chaotic crazy love that shouldn’t be missed if you can help it.
One of Athens’ greatest: NANA GRIZOL
I think I’ve figured it out. Magical, imaginative, creative people do exist, and they are all friends, and they all live in Athens GA. Yes, that’s right. The beautiful southern town of Athens.
Ok, that may be a little bit of a stretch, but it is no secret that Athens has an amazing flourishing music scene. The talent is there, the support is there, and Nana Grizol is there.
Their debut album Love it Love it was released last year with little press. I only just heard of this band because they breezed through Washington State on a mini tour and I happened to catch the show by chance. They are definitely worthy of a large fan base, playing with musicians from Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Music Tapes, just to name a few.
Nana Grizol makes merriment. It is music to rejoice to. It’s precious- songs about friendships and love and what life is like after staring at the stars. They may be a little cheesy, yes, but sometimes you need that right? I mean, I wouldn’t be writing about them if I didn’t think they were worth my time.
Check them out on myspace. They are currently working on their new album, due out sometime within the year on Orange Twin Records, a label which they co-run with members from Elf Power.
So far, “Circles ‘Round the Moon” has been on repeat, but I have a feeling there will be many, many more in rotation.
TheDeathSet!!!!
Easily one of my favorite bands, their debut Worldwide is definitely in my top five albums of 2008. Have you heard TheDeathSet? Oh my, please keep reading. Ok, first, I must admit, I am a little obsessed with the music scene in Baltimore. Everything coming out of there these past few years has been so fresh, so perfect for my ADD prone, deliriously technology focused generation. And thanks to Wham City, it’s fairly easy to keep up with. TheDeathSet, like Dan Deacon or Girl Talk, create a collage of erratic and structured sound. It holds that sugary pop feel, but unlike the aforementioned acts, TheDeathSet add a crazed punk rock element that makes them. Go to your local record store NOW and order this album. Not feeling so frivolous? Listen to Negative Thinking on their myspace page, and then you can indulge yourself.
Future Islands
post-dance-punk-lo-fi-pop-wave
What is it? “Post-wave,” or “new-wave,” or “post punk,” or what?! Future Islands has a DIY, basement production feel that could have come straight out of the early 1980’s. Lucky for us, the ‘80’s are gone, but Future Islands have only just begun. Formed in 2006 in North Carolina, they have since relocated to Baltimore, after releasing their debut album Wave Like Home last summer on Upset! The Rhythm. They are now rapidly gaining a fan base, becoming famous in the indie underground. This fast popularity can be traced to their association with experimental electronic dance king Dan Deacon and Wham City, a flourishing artist collective that also calls Baltimore their home. Of course, Future Islands music does the rest of the convincing, but it doesn’t hurt to have cool friends, right? Obviously.
Well, you guessed it- they’re on myspace. Try the track Old Friend. They just released a 7” with two singles. They are also currently on tour with Dan Deacon. Go see them live!
SPENKING
Spencer Kingman’s music is simple. It’s bare bones folk, true singer-songwriter. He tells stories with his words; he plays harmonies with his fingers. He is a folk musician, and an amazing one. Spencer Kingman has a voice unlike anyone I have heard that he controls beautifully. The guitar stays very simple, giving much room to Kingman’s voice to carry the weight of the music, which he does, effortlessly.
Now you know, so go listen. Start with track “Don’t Get Killed,” but do me a favor and don’t stop there because it’s all good. For real.
Kingman has played with a number of bands (Viking Moses, Low Skies, Dirty Projectors, and Flaspar), but here is his solo venture SPENKING.
Also, check out this impromptu freestyle, which was magically caught on video, here.
Dark Meat/Vomit Lasers
DARK MEAT/VOMIT LASERS FAMILY BAND/GALAXY
I was coaxed to this show by a friend who has been playing with this band for years now. I’d never heard their music, much less seen them live. Another friend in another band, you know? OK, great. Sure, I’ll go. And you know what? I’d
see these guys again in a heartbeat! Dark Meat is awesome.
Athens based, Dark Meat is sometimes referred to as a music “collective,” having up to 25 musicians on stage. Their music is an experience. They are extremely heavy. They are wild. They are psychedelic. They are loud. And there is absolutely nothing un-cool about their brass section. Who else can pull that off?
About halfway through their set, the lead singer apologized for 
not having confetti this time around (they normally cart around party supplies to their shows?) and suggested the audience make their own. People immediately started to rip up various local publications into throw-able sized chunks- fistful upon fistful of bite-sized paper. One dude destroyed an entire notebook he had, handing out sheet after sheet to paperless spectators. This happened within seconds. At the start of the next song, the crowd exploded with it’s homemade confetti. The shower of tiny paper bits continued to fall on the dancing crowd until the lights came up, and the show was (sadly) over. It was fantastic! It was fun! It was absolute mayhem! To top it all off, they ended their loud set with an audience participatory meditation. I tell you, there is something about being in a room with sweaty, hip indie rockers and pseudo-metal kids chanting in unison that makes me all warm inside.
So why’d it take me so long to see my friend’s band play? Why’d it take me so long to pay attention? Why’d it take me so long to care? I don’t know, but I will not let it happen again.
Check them out on myspace. I especially like the track Freedom Ritual.
The Love Language
Modern Vintage
Everything is happening for The Love Language. They have been signed to a label, 
have released their debut album, just played SXSW, and are about to embark on a national tour, hitting close to every major city across the country. And for good reason- The Love Language is so, so good! Ok, not very articulate, so I’ll explain. Their sound is a throwback to airy pop from the 1960’s, with a touch of old soul. Front man Stuart McLamb’s distorted, sweet vocals (similar to that of The Walkmen) entice you to sing along. Their self titled debut is just in time for the coming warm, spring months. It’s happy and inviting- The Love Language will make you feel good.
When was the last time you could make such statements about a band? Well, I certainly can’t get enough of them. I promise you’ll be far from disappointed (you may thank me later). Check ‘em out- http://www.myspace.com/thelovelanguage. I especially like the song Manteo.
Are you ready? You’re about to fall in love this spring with The Love Language!
Giant Tiger and Gillian Myers
Vancar would like to welcome Gillian Myers as our newest member to the team. She will be cluing us into her latest music finds. I dig her style and taste and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. Here is her premiere post:
“Giant Tigers- Effortlessly cool
They seriously have it- the energy, the attitude, the style. Giant Tigers are true rock and roll. I was lucky enough to stumble upon this band in the perfect setting- a basement bar in Western North Carolina. Local to Chattanooga, Giant Tigers caught my eye immediately, decked out in American Apparel V neck tees, ripped skinny jeans and bandanas. When they started to play, I was hooked. Giant Tiger’s energy is flooring. They have a simple, Black Lip’s rock style- hardcore, danceable, melodic, fast. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? I was pleasantly surprised, and I think you will be too… so what are you waiting for? Get yourself to a dive bar in the Tennessee mountains, grab a PBR and cross your fingers in hopes that the Giant Tigers are on the bill. Or you can check them out on myspace (www.myspace.com/gianttigers) and shake until your brain’s fuzzy.”
editor note: I’m really liking the 1975 track.
Ukule’dy who?
Alright, I tried and failed. I combined ukulele and lady with little success. I’ve been a fan of The Ditty Bops for a few years and didn’t think much of the ukulele as a professional instrument before the popped into my life. Now there’s another petite instrument wielding songbird making a move into your play list. I was watching Scrubs and saw Kate Miccuci performing Mr. Moon to sick kids while inadvertently wooing a sweaty Ted. I couldn’t help buying her EP and working the play counter into the double digits.
Ukulele Ladies… Ukuladies.
Kate also has a great video for her song Dear Deer. <—
Chris