SOUNDOSAURUS!

MGMT

2008-01-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

I went through a dry spell for a while but I think I found my saving grace. Their name is MGMT and they are awesome. They aren't a kept secret either, they were iTunes' "free download of the week" and recently played on Lettermen wearing cultish capes.

Their breakout song 'Time to Pretend' kicks off with a rad swampy intro then dives into the life of a rock star. The chorus sings: "This is our decision, to live fast and die young, we got the vision, now let's have some fun. It's overwhelming, but what else can you do, get jobs in offices, and wake up in the morning confused."

Check them out on tour with Yeasayer.

-- Aaron Leck

FOR FANS OF:
Klaxons

MP3:
Time to Pretend.mp3
Kids.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

Reality Check Review

2008-01-12T11:01:00.001-08:00

I heard Homecoming by the Teenagers about a year ago and instantly became a fan of their music. The french synth pop trio have dropped a couple songs here and there and have yet to disappoint. Finally they are coming out with a complete album called "Reality Check" and a North America Tour (sucks they're skipping over Portland).

Over half the album is unheard material, but none of the new songs are as good as the old ones. I'm not saying the new songs are bad, because they almost all are great, they just aren't as good.

1. Homecoming (previously released): I don't know if it's the catchy and crude chorus of "I fucked my American cunt, I loved my English romance" or the satire of playing the different views of guys and girls, but this song is still one of their most original tracks and a great way to open the album.

2. Love No (new release): This is probably my favorite of the new ones. It carries out this formula they have put together: sing-talk a sarcastic verse then sing an infectious poppy chorus. It works, and works very well with this song. "You spend so much time on your computer, but you shouldn't because your eyes are getting red, or maybe it's the (inhale exhale)."

3. Feeling Better (new release): I don't know whether I love this song, or hate this song. I guess I love it. It's just too catchy to not love it, but the lyrics do bother me just a little tiny bit. It's one of the songs where the band sings about themselves and the chorus is like "we are the (insert band name) and we like to (something they like to do)" and I've always hated bands for putting out those songs. Do they pull it off? I guess they do. "Now that your a fan, write our name on your body."

4. Starlett Johansson (previously released): If you haven't already heard this song, then you have not been paying attention to the music blog community. It is a great song, defiantly should be their first single.

5. Streets of Paris (new release): This song reminds me of clockwork orange a little. They sing about them walking around the streets of paris wearing kitten masks and running from gangs. Again pushing the fact that they are teenagers.

6. Make it Happen (new release): This is probably my least favorite song on the album. I can listen to the whole album straight through and this is the only song I skip. I don't think I have even sat through this song one whole time. No good.

7. Wheel of Fortune (new release):I just realized that they reference "Homecoming" in this song: "What If I had never flown to San Diego? Would I have scored a cheerleader?" Overall this song just feels like filler.

8. Fuck Nicole (previously released):The updated version of this song is very good.

9. French Kiss (new release): This song cracks me up, but it's so good. It has this awesome 80s noise going on with some pac man bloops and heavy breathing that all add up to a pretty rad sound. "French kiss, on your, soft lips. French kiss, you will, love this"

10. Sunset Beach (previously released): Another great track. The thing that the Teenagers are good at is telling a story, even though their lyrics are pretty straight forward, you still feel the story. This song tells the story of hooking up with a hot girl, getting drunk and falling asleep, then waking up to find his fender jazzmaster stolen. That sucks.

11. III (new release): I like this song a lot, it's real catchy, but sounds the least like Teenagers of anything on their album. And as far as I'm concerned they should have just ended the album here, on a strong note, because their last song is...

12. End of the Road (new release):...lame.

Overall it's a great album and a definite buy. It has a lot of strong tracks with only a few fillers. Check their MySpace to stream the complete album and see if they are coming to a town near you.

-- Aaron Leck

SCORE:
86 out of 100

MP3:
Track 2 - Love No.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace (Stream the whole album here)

Learning to like Bishop Allen

2008-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

This summer, I was extremely excited to see Page France in concert. They were playing in Portland with Bishop Allen and a couple of unknown bands. I bought my ticket about a month in advance, and was practically foaming at the mouth on the day of the show. But when I called in to see if they were opening, or one of the middle acts, I recieved the horrible news that their bus had broken down outside of Arizona so they weren't going to make the concert at all. I was devastated and really pissed off. I had a 15 dollar ticket in my hand and no desire to see any of the other bands at the concert. I ended up going (by myself) anyways, but since I was in a bad mood the whole time, and I couldn't deal with the raging falsetto of the first guy on stage, I left before Bishop Allen came on. This, unfortunately, was a really stupid decision. Months later, when I learned that Bishop Allen is actually a decent band, I was filled with regret that I bailed on the concert of a band I would have enjoyed. The moral of this story is: Bishop Allen is actually good, and never leave a concert early.

Yes, Bishop Allen is super poppy. Yes, their stupid "click click click" song was featured on some crappy camera commercial. Despite this, I have gradually been liking them more and more. Their "quarter to three" song is melodious, super happy and really hard not to sing along with. As an avid listener to some of the most depressing indie music known to man, I'm really impressed when a happy band can catch my interest. Bishop Allen has put a little sunshine into this dark heart of mine, and hopefully it will shine some light in yours as well. Enjoy!

-melinda tracy

Bishop Allen-Quarter to Three

Chairs in the Arno

2008-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know if my taste is being outdated or what, but good luck finding good new bands. It's near impossible. But there are a few still out their. That is what's going to keep this blog alive.

Here is a band out of California that sound fresh but strangely familiar. They released their first album, "File Folders" last November. I almost didn't give them a chance because of their uninspiring name. Unfortunately I base too much of my musical decisions solely on the name of the band, but I think a lot of people do that. Mostly I just don't know what Arno is. Googling it brings up pictures of a river, a half naked man, and a french comic. I think it might be the river, and actually chairs floating in a river bring up quite a cool image. So I guess that's how the music feels. Like your sitting on a chair floating down a river.

So it's a new year and my resolution is to get this music blog up and running. If you would like to join me and write on this send me an email. Only if you have good taste in music, and I'll be the judge of that.

-- Aaron Leck

SOUNDS LIKE:
The Submarines

MP3:
I Never Loved You Anyways.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace , Website

BATTLES

2007-10-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!.

MP3:
Atlas.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

SAY HI

2007-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

So Say Hi To Your Mom shortened their name to just Say Hi. I don't agree with that but whatever their new album is awesome.

MP3:
Northwestern Girls.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

NEW TEENAGERS SONG

2007-10-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

New song from The Teenagers. It's about masturbating I think.

MP3:
Full Flavor.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

MORE MOLDY PEACHES

2007-10-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of these guys, so here is another song I've fallen in love with. I'm sad I heard about them way late in the game. Whatever, I hope they get back together. The end of the song where they whisper is so rad.

MP3:
Jorge Regula.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

BLACK KIDS

2007-10-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Pretty awesome, maaaan.

MP3:
I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

MOLDY PEACHES

2007-10-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

They sing the song in the Juno trailer. I think they are an old band that Adam Green was a part of. All I know is I'm in love with it.

MP3:
Anyone Else But You.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

PLASTIC OPERATOR

2007-10-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

That's why I copy and paste

MP3:
Folder.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

GINGERBREAD PATRIOTS

2007-10-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

Simply amazing band from Portland, Oregon.

MP3:
Eyebear.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE WOMBATS

2007-10-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Very good band, with some of the worst CD art I have ever seen.

MP3:
Patricia the Stripper.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE MOTHS!

2007-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

I saw this moth hummingbird hybred thing the other day. So scary.

MP3:
Tell Me.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

NEW BLOC PARTY SONG

2007-10-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Still not as good as anything off of their first CD, but worth a listen.

MP3:
Flux.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

NOAH & THE WHALES (SIGHTS+SOUNDS)

2007-10-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

I def can't wait for an album from these guys.

MP3:
Five Years Time (new version)

WEBSITE
MySpace

THE STATE OF SAMUEL (SOUNDS)

2007-10-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

He looks like a creeper.

MP3:
Residents of Gloom.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

MEW (SOUNDS)

2007-10-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

This song is off of Mew's first album that just got re-released. It is fer shure in my top ten songs ever.

MP3:
Snow Brigade.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

JAPE (SOUNDS)

2007-10-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm really going to do it. I'm going to get one song up here a day. It's just been so hard to find music that isnt shitty.

MP3:
Floating.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

PINBACK (SOUNDS)

2007-10-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Still up to good.

MP3:
Good to Sea.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE THRILLS (SOUNDS)

2007-09-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Rememeber Big Sur?

MP3:
Nothing Changes Round Here.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE EAMES ERA (SOUNDS)

2007-09-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Minus points for referenceing emo kids, even though it's mentioning how badly they tip.

MP3:
Dear Gabby.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE KLAXONS (SOUNDS)

2007-09-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

So Good news the Klaxon's Simon Taylor and CSS' Lovefoxxx are getting married. I hope they some kids and start a travling family band. Thant would be awesome. Enjoy this Klaxon B-side that you might not have heard yet, but don't get your hopes up, it's nothing to write home about.

MP3:
The Night.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

JUST JACK (SOUNDS)

2007-09-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason this song reminds me of another song, but I just can't quite figure out what that other song is. Hmmm...

MP3:
Starz In Their Eyes.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

LE LOUP (SOUNDS)

2007-09-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

It doesn't kick in till half way but once it kicks in I know you'll love it.

MP3:
Planes Like Vultures.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

YELLOW FEVER (SOUNDS)

2007-09-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

And what he does to you baby is worng it's wrong.

MP3:
Culver City.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

GOLDIELOCKS (SOUNDS)

2007-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

If M.I.A. and The Streets had a child.

MP3:
Dolla Dolla.mp3

Website:
MySpace

A SOFTER WORLD (SIGHTS)

2007-09-04T10:01:00.001-07:00

A Softer World is a very original comic that isn't so much funny as it is interesting.

WEBSITE:
A Softer World

FIGURINES (SOUNDS)

2007-08-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

The Figurines sound a lot like Modest Mouse but still have an unique sound of their own. This song is off their sophmore release, When the Doe Wore Blue, and it is repeatative but still shows promise.

MP3
Lips of the Soldier.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

IMPERIAL TEEN (SOUNDS)

2007-08-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

So pretty so pretty oh oh ohhh.

MP3:
Shim Sham.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

OH NO OH MY! (SOUNDS)

2007-08-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Oh no oh my! has been a favorite of mine for a while and I am very excited for their new album titled "Between the Devil and the Sea" out now.

MP3:
A Pirate's Album.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

THE ICE CREAM FLOATS (SIGHTS AND SOUNDS)

2007-08-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

"Hannah Takes The Stairs" comes to theaters tommorrow in New York and I am for sure seeing this one whenever it comes to Portland. It looks very independent and very good. It features the song by a Chicago base band called The Ice Cream Floats with their song "Sundae (Got You On My Mind)" I highly recommend it.

MP3:
Sundae.mp3

WEBSITES:
The Ice Cream Floats MySpace

EZRA FURMAN & THE HARPOONS (SOUNDS)

2007-08-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have to say I didn't like him at first, but after a couple of listens I think he is amazing. Check his MySpace for some more downloads.

SOUNDS LIKE:
Pixies, Born Ruffians

MP3:
I Wanna Be Ignored.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

WE ALL HAVE HOOKS FOR HANDS (SOUNDS)

2007-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

This band not only has a badass name but badass music. I don't know what the hell they are saying during the chorus but it is pretty catchy. I think something like California dosey doe skeet skeet? I know thats not it.

MP3:
Jumpin Jean-Luc.mp3

WEBSITE:
MySpace

CHARLES GLAUBITZ (SIGHTS)

2007-08-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

So awesome.

WEBSITE:
Charles Glaubitz

AFTER CHRISTMAS (SOUNDS)

2007-08-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

There isn't a better way to kick off this blog then with After Christmas. They are a band out of Glasgow, UK and their song, Divisions in Photographs, has been stuck in my head all week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

MP3:
"Divisions in Photographs" - After Christmas

WEBSITE:
MySpace