SURFING ON STEAM

We Moved!

2011-11-08T23:32:00.000-08:00

Surfing on Steam moved to Tumblrville.

Patten: 'QALOGJ OACSSXA (Remix EP 2)' MP3

2011-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Following the first adventurous remix EP, JLAGQO CSOAAXS, Patten drops another round of remixes -- five to be exact -- for free. QALOGJ OACSSXA features even more distinct personalities and interpretations of one of the finest and most disorienting electronica albums to come out in 2011. Vanilla Hammer turns "Fire Dream" into a galactic wave of synths while Dro Carey infuses glitch and breaks into "Worlds Collided". For the record, and to keep our knowledge of consonants in check:

Patten's JLAGQO CSOAAXS (Remix EP 1)
Patten's No Pain in Pop-released album, GLAQJO XAACSSO, streaming at The Quietus.

(via)

Motorama: 'Empty Bed' MP3

2011-11-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Rostov-on-Don pop quintet follow-up their latest single, "One Moment", with "Empty Bed". Motorama's instant charms are obvious; the distant baritone vocals, snowy textures of guitar and synth, and marathon drumming. Motorama continue to stay busy within the pop format, and this song is noticeably less reverberated throughout than all of their previous releases, but they never collide or trip-up over each others melodies -- that's the group's greatest strength.

DOWNLOAD///EMPTY BED

Moderna: 'Hot For Heat' Mix

2011-11-07T01:22:00.000-08:00

L.A.'s own Moderna (Missy Livingston) unveils a linear and well crafted collection of involuntary body movements disguised as a mix of electronic dance candy. So good (via).

Tracklisting:

TJ Kong & Modular K- Jack Shit

Professor LaCroix - Legend Gold (BlackLodge Remix)

Bottin - Discocracy (Hannulelauri Remix)

James Curd - Left The Ground (feat Ziggy Franklin)

Tycho - Hours

The 2 Bears - Church (Midland Remix)

Peter & The Magician - Twist

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Household Goods (Justin Martin Vocal)
Magnifik - Behaving Badly (Diamond Lights Techno Remix)

Q Lazzarus - Good Bye Horses

- Photo: Lindsey DeWitt

Factory Floor: 'Two Different Ways' Stream

2011-11-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

Now hooked up with DFA, London's Factory Floor should be getting loads of much-needed exposure here in the U.S. For those new to the trio, they create a massive pulse of noise, rhythms and repetition that changes ever so slightly. Similar to The Field and Actress, but with more emphasis on vocals (obviously) and improvisation. Lovely headphone music that should be placed on every mixtape in 2012.

"Two Different Ways" will be available on November 14th. Check out our previously posted Factory Floor love here, then here, and over here.

(via)

Real Estate: 'It's Real' Video

2011-11-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite singles, and albums, of 2011 finally gets the video treatment, courtesy of Weird Days. Complete with plenty of cute dog overload footage, Real Estate's "It's Real" is simply that: the band hanging out with and showcasing their love of dogs. Sorry cats.

"It's Real" can be found on Days, out now through Domino.

Aquarium Drunkard + Surfing On Steam: Sirius/XMU Radio Session

2011-11-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Tune-in to Channel 35 on Sirius/XMU radio today to hear my guest DJ set on the Aquarium Drunkard program, airing Noon-2PM EST (9AM PST) and again at 9PM PST. You can listen online for free with a three day trial.

Tracklisting:

Polvo - Feather of Forgiveness

The Jesus and Mary Chain - The Living End

400 Blows - Down the Hatch

Coachwhips - I Made a Bomb

Veronica Falls - Beachy Head

Letting Up Despite Great Faults - Repeating Hearts

Real Estate - It’s Real

WIRE - Eardrum Buzz (12” Version)

Dirty Beaches - Horses

Henry’s Dress - (You’re My) Radio One

Serena-Maneesh - I Just Want to See Your Face

The Boo Radleys - Wish I Was Skinny

Broadcast - Before We Begin

Mazarin - I’m With You and the Constellations

I Break Horses - Pulse

Swirlies - Didn’t Understand

Cass McCombs - The Same Thing

Gauntlet Hair - Top Bunk

Wild Nothing - Your Rabbit Feet

Regina - Haluan Sinut

Las Robertas - History Is Done

Siouxsie & The Banshees - Carcass

Guided By Voices - The Unsinkable Fats Domino

Brian Eno - Kings Lead Hat

Tame Impala - Remember Me (Blueboy cover)

The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight

The Stone Roses - She Bangs The Drums

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Nerve Damage

Swervedriver - Birds

Motorama - Letter Home

Medicine - Babydoll

Dum Dum Girls - He Gets Me High

The Sea and Cake - Weekend

Crystal Stilts - Through The Floor

Bleached - Searching Through The Past

My Bloody Valentine - Map Ref 41N 93W (WIRE cover)

*During the broadcast I had stated that Motorama hailed from Moscow, Russia. They are actually from Rostov-on-Don, which is very close to the Sea of Azov and just east of the Ukraine.

Ana Lola Roman: 'Klutch (Com Truise Remix)' Stream

2011-11-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

These two artists are a match made in 80's Stephen King film-heaven (see Firestarter). On this amazing remix for "Klutch", Roman provides the fluttering, beguiling melodies that recall Nina Hagen and Roxy Music while Seth Haley (Com Truise) adds gorgeous layers of dripping disco synths. It re-imagines an era when our music culture was so malleable and excited about the use of electronics.

Check out our previously posted new single from Ana Lola Roman. And Com Truise just released an unreleased jam, "She Melts".

SOSMIX.69

2011-11-03T00:38:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.69

1. Echo Lake: "Alisa (Ariel Pink Cover)"

2. Frankel: "Double or Nothing"

3. Onra: "No Matter What"

4. Phillip Quehenberger: "Uffuff"

5. Pure X: "Twisted Mirror"

6. Radar Eyes: "Miracle"

7. Teebs: "Cook, Clean, Pay the Rent (New House Version)"

8. The Big Sleep: "Ace"

9. Velvit: "Chic Anatomy"

10. Washed Out: "Call it Off"

High Places: 'Sonora' Video

2011-11-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

Keith Musil directs this bloody rescue drama that features Mary Pearson's right arm ballooning into a kick-ass revenge limb. Liars frontman Angus Andrew also stars in the video. High Places' Original Colors is out now through the awesome Thrill Jockey label.

Aquarium Drunkard + Surfing On Steam: Sirius/XM Radio Session

2011-11-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Tune in to Channel 35 on Sirius/XM radio this Friday to hear my guest DJ set on the Aquarium Drunkard program. Apart from playing a huge set of amazing music, Justin Gage and I discuss various topics including carbon fusion, the most dangerous spiders of Guatemala, Cost Plus vs. Pier 1 Imports, and whether or not you should buy Ian Brown's solo records.

Details: Friday, November 4th, Noon-2PM (9AM PST), airs again at 9PM (PST).

Post Present Medium 10th Anniversary Shows - The Smell

2011-11-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

I can't make it to this, but you should. Three nights of of the some of brightest and dirtiest rock you'll find in Los Angeles, all happening at The Smell. A great label and great people. More info at Post Present Medium (via).

Blouse: 'Blouse' Album Stream

2011-11-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Blouse's self-titled debut album is out now through Captured Tracks, stream the entire record below (via).

Atlas Sound: 'Parallax' Album Review

2011-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Check out my review of Atlas Sound's new album, Parallax, over at Aquarium Drunkard.

Echo Lake: 'Alisa (Ariel Pink Cover)' Video

2011-10-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a Halloween treat from the fantastic Echo Lake. The band revealed a video this morning for their atmospheric Ariel Pink cover, "Alisa", produced and directed by Die Mortal. The track originally appeared on the Pinglewood podcast "Ariel Pink Special" but will also see a release as part of a brand new EP coming soon through Japanese label Coco Heart Records on November 16th.

Dirty Beaches: 'White Sand' Video

2011-10-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Tsien-Tsien Zhang, who also put together the video for Dirty Beaches' "Horses", follows a scantily-clad young woman in and around her hotel room. Beautiful cinematography from Christopher Doyle gives the clip a grainy, early 1960's feel. "White Sand" can be found on the Night People-released cassette from late 2008/early 2009 over at Bandcamp.

Kate Jackson: 'Wonder Feeling/The Atlantic' Stream

2011-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Kate Jackson returns after the three years -- and the sad demise of The Long Blondes -- with her first new single. The double A-side of "Wonder Feeling" and "The Atlantic" is a double-punch of glamorous rock that attempts to keep up with Jackson's powerful wail, and both tracks succeed. The new single is limited to 300 seven-inch vinyl copies and was produced/co-written by Suede's Bernard Butler. I can't imagine that Long Blondes fans will be disappointed with this.

Pre-order now at The Vinyl Factory, the release date is December 5th.

(via)

The Soft Moon: 'Total Decay' Video

2011-10-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

The Soft Moon's new four-song EP, Total Decay, is available on Halloween through Captured Tracks. And although the title track was revealed several weeks ago, we've finally got a video that embraces the dark and painful unknown. Apart from playing some seriously scary Halloween records to scare the shit out of trick-or-treaters on Monday night, I may just turn off all the lights and blast this record for two hours straight. Actually, I hope the kids love it.

Also, check out the band's recent mix for FACT.

813: 'Glock Story' Stream

2011-10-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

For fans of Rustie and Dibia$e lies the cartoonish, sample-heavy "Glock Story", taken from Moscow DJ-producer Alexander Goryachev's new Dusty Bubbles EP. Check out the remaining seven tracks under his 813 brand over at Bandcamp.

According to his Facebook page, Goryachev is a firefighter by day, electronica/sample wizard by night.

SOSMIX.68

2011-10-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.68

1. Crystal Stilts: "Dark Eyes"

2. Gold Panda: "An Iceberg Hurled Northward Through Clouds (Peaking Lights Vocal Remix)"

3. Guitar: "Sakura Coming"

4. I Break Horses: "Pulse"

5. Jackson & His Computer Band: "Utopia"

6. John Tejada: "Subdivided"

7. Keep Shelly in Athens: "Lazy Noon"

8. Kraftwerk: "Aero Dynamik"

9. Seefeel: "Time to Find Me (Come Inside)"

10. Stephen Farris: "Element"

DOWNLOAD///HALLOWEEN (2010 Reprise)

1. Belong: "Who Told You This Room Exists"

2. Boards of Canada: "Corsair"

3. Bowery Electric: "Without Stopping"

4. Brian Eno: "In Dark Trees"

5. Broadcast & The Focus Group: "Love's Long Listen-In"

6. Deerhunter: "Intro"

7. Electric Company: "Come Circa Plenty"

8. Fuck Buttons: "Ribs Out"

9. Goldfrapp: "Pilots"

10. Paik: "Dirt For Driver"

11. Scott Walker: "Cue"

12. Slowdive: "Trellisaze"

13. The Sight Below: "Burn Me Out From The Inside"

14. Third Eye Foundation: "Corpses As Bedmates"

15. Women: "Bells"

Patten: 'Plurals' Video

2011-10-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Taken from one of the most daring and delicious albums of 2011, GLAQJO XAACSSO, Patten and No Pain in Pop reveal the video for "Plurals" -- directed by Jane Eastlight. Visually, this is something that requires recreational drugs and may be redundant to most, but it's also a reminder that you should buy this album immediately.

Pale Saints: 'Baby Maker' MP3

2011-10-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of the musical trends heard in countless bedroom pop groups in the past year is the obsession over the early innovators of shoegaze and dream-pop, most noticeably Cocteau Twins. Thanks to labels like Captured Tracks -- reissuing a slew of amazing post-gaze bands (Should, Half String, deardarkhead) -- we should see an expansion of new acts incorporating everything in the 4AD catalog. Pale Saints are one of the bands I'd love to see someone tackle (good luck!) as they are a bit more dynamic than most of the wall-of-sound influencers of that era. Here's one of their most driving tracks, the original version of "Baby Maker", taken from 1990's Half-Life EP. A more streamlined recording of this classic song appears on their sophomore album, In Ribbons.

Ana Lola Roman: 'No Architect (Radio Edit)' Stream

2011-10-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

There is a tiny corner of the universe where Roxy Music, Nina Hagen and David Bowie intersect. Ana Lola Roman's forthcoming self-released single, "No Architect", lives perfectly within that space. So many interesting and abstract textures colliding all at once -- an infinite warehouse of influences from electro-pop to glam to super dry new-wave. The rhythms become increasingly propulsive with synthetic, plastic coatings of keyboard melodies walking you through a musical adventure. It all sets a backdrop for some truly wacky vocal stylings that will either enthrall you or make you wince, yet this song is brave in the way Gang Gang Dance and Dirty Projectors make musical mazes over actual singles. It's easy to see where I stand on this issue.

"No Architect" is due November 7th.

James Cargill (Broadcast) Reveals Info Regarding The Next Album In Under The Radar Magazine's 10th Anniversary Issue

2011-10-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

“Switching gears to discuss the band’s long-gestating LP, Cargill reveals that financial difficulties and the adjustment to working primarily as a duo contributed to the protracted delay of Broadcast’s follow-up to 2005’s Tender Buttons. He hints that it will embrace the pensive soft-focus side of the band, chartering dramatically different sonic territory than the cacophonous, braying 2009 EP collaboration with the The Focus Group, Investigate Witch Cults off the Radio Age.

“Trish’s vocals are really great,” Cargill enthuses. “They’re a bit more pastoral, almost a bit more like Haha Sound. I liked the lyrics she was writing. They fit the pastoral, sort of folk thing. She’d taken a lot from Lewis Carroll and some of the sort of nonsense verse she was into. I think it might be a bit more like the older sort of Broadcast.”

Despite drawing parallels to Haha Sound, Cargill’s unequivocal in his stance that the band were opposed to remaining static, aspiring to evolve stylistically with each release. “We would’ve changed again. That was what I liked about doing it. We never got repetitive.”

Assisting Cargill on the process of completing the LP is Julian House of The Focus Group, who’s long provided artwork for the band, as well as musical input.

“He’s been at the heart of all our ideas,” says Cargill. “I’m looking forward to getting back to it again. I needed to finish the soundtrack because I needed to get some money, and I need to figure out what it is I do now. I made music with Trish, but I also made it for her. Without her, it’s a different take on a different meaning for me. The next thing I release with Trish on it will be more like a monument and a tribute to her rather than this obsessive thing I used to have about making albums.”

Good news. But It’s still very, very sad to imagine a new Broadcast album without Trish being alive to experience how happy her fans will be. Info/link to the magazine issue: http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/under_the_radar_magazine_announces_10th_anniversary_issue_featuring_joanna_/

- photo (via)

Polvo: 'Heavy Detour' Stream

2011-10-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here's the first new material from Polvo since their amazing 2009 reunion album, In Prism. "Heavy Detour" is the A-side -- backed with "Anchoress" -- and will also be featured on the quartet's forthcoming album sometime in 2012. Grab the limited edition, licorice-colored vinyl single over at Merge.

I Break Horses: 'Wired' Video

2011-10-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Stop-motion imagery is the main theme in this new video for I Break Horses' "Wired", taken from the duo's Bella Union-issued Hearts. Alexander Southam captures repetitive city life and transportation that falls in line with the rhythm.

Also, check out a live version of "Hearts" in the second installment of Bedroom Sessions.

Chromatics: 'Kill For Love' Stream

2011-10-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the brand new single taken from the long-awaited album of the same name from Chromatics, coming early next year through Italians Do It Better. According to the band's Facebook page, they'll be releasing tracks and videos of the new record leading up to its release. You'll also find a vocal track mix below with the single, and the Alberto Rossini-directed video here. "Kill For Love" might in fact have the cleanest vocal mix I've heard in years.

Here's some more info, including an epic New Year's Eve announcement, via the group's SoundCloud page:

"The 12" version with exclusive trax on the b side coming soon. 2012 is going to be insane! Kicking it off right with a huge Italians Do It Better party in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve! Live sets from Glass Candy, Desire, & Chromatics. Plus DJ sets from Mike Simonetti & friends all night long."

Crystal Stilts: 'Dark Eyes' MP3

2011-10-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

According to the Crystal Stilts official website, the band is releasing a brand new EP entitled Radiant Door through Sacred Bones on November 15th. As one might expect, they continue to explore 60's-influenced psych-pop on "Dark Eyes", which you can sample below. If you haven't already, check out my album review of the group's excellent full-length, In Love With Oblivion, over at Aquarium Drunkard.

Summer Camp: 'Welcome to Condale' Album Stream

2011-10-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Listen to Summer Camp's 1980's, teen, coming of age, Scott Baio worshiping debut album, Welcome to Condale, at SoundCloud. The album officially drops November 8th via Moshi Moshi.

The Twilight Sad: 'Sick' Stream

2011-10-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

As much as I love the mountains of distortion and texture that The Twilight Sad have been so consistently great at delivering over the years, the cleaner and more dynamic direction revealed on "Sick" is worth every second. Still powerful and tense, right?

The digital single for "Sick" drops Monday, November 14th through Fat Cat. The band's forthcoming album, No One Will Ever Know, has a tentative release date of February, 2012. Stream the new track at Stereogum. And the winner of the most disturbing album art of 2011 goes to...

The Stone Roses To Reunite In 2012

2011-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is a big deal. The idea of reunions being a special moment in time for fans, the music industry or personal nostalgia all depends upon prior experience, or the lack therefore. But this reunion is undoubtedly the most anticipated and magnified across the globe, much more than Pavement, The Pixies or even My Bloody Valentine. Ask around and you'll see.

The first (and last) time The Stone Roses finally came over to the U.S. was to support Second Coming, an album with few highs but slowly grows on you over time. Live? Forget about it. They were terrible. No Reni behind the kit, Ian Brown couldn't find a note anywhere in the room, and John Squire's guitar sound was awful, thin, shreddy and practically void of color. I'll probably cave-in and go. Of course, I'm assuming they'll play a few dates in Los Angeles, and several festival appearances along the west coast seem imminent.

The best part of these interview videos is watching Reni's diplomatic and honest banter among the press, it's priceless, and I have a feeling John Squire is on the same page but decides to stay mute for what seems like hours. You can tell Mani and Ian are out of their minds and excited as fuck about this, there's no hiding that. Ian is still as cocky as ever -- who do you think tutored the Gallaghers? But watch Reni and John because I have a feeling that the two guys that end up bringing the most joy and brilliance to this reunion are the ones that made the band special in the first place. They just seem so humble and...realistic.

The Stone Roses announced this morning that they will play two gigs at Manchester's Heaton Park on June 29th and 30th. More 2012 dates are coming. Right now, thousands of Mancs and European fans are making reservations and booking travel. England should just take those two days off.

UPDATE: Heaton Park tickets go on sale Friday, October 21st via Facebook - 9:30 AM at £55 each: http://www.facebook.com/thestoneroses?sk=app_219578134736211

Interview, Part 1

Interview, Part 2

The Stone Roses: "Fool's Gold"

Mux Mool: 'Palace Chalice' MP3

2011-10-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

Mux Mool (Brian Lindgren) continues to dazzle my brain on the dizzying and hypnotic "Palace Chalice", taken from his forthcoming album Planet High School. Ghostly will do the honors once again on February 7th, 2012, and that's the cover art above. Other awe-inspiring track titles include "Cash For Gold", "Hand on the Scantron", and my personal favorite "Live at 7-11". Download this.

Blouse: 'Time Travel' Stream

2011-10-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Blouse's "Time Travel" lets you know where it's headed right away. The track is brooding with several shades of grey, but it never feels dark. This is due to the calming, airy vocals that feel so much more comforting with repeated listens, imagine if A Flock of Seagulls covered Ladytron's Light & Magic. Kordan are a good comparator to check out too as both of these groups put on a dazzling balancing act of guitars and synths.

The band's self-titled debut album drops November 1st through Captured Tracks. Aso, check out the previously posted "Videotapes".

SOSMIX.67

2011-10-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.67

1. Bleached: "Searching Through the Past"

2. Boris: "Spoon"

3. Future Islands: "Balance"

4. Moscow Olympics: "Keeping the Avenues Open"

5. Pixelord: "Dominator (BeFP FRemix)"

6. Real Estate: "Green Aisles"

7. Stephen Farris: "Turn"

8. Surfer Blood: "Miranda (School of Seven Bells Remix)"

9. Tennis: "Tell Her No (Zombies Cover)"

10. We Have Band: "Visionary"

Bleached: 'Searching Through The Past' MP3

2011-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

One of L.A.'s best new bands, Bleached, churn out another catchy-as-fuck single, "Searching Through the Past", only this time the group cleans up nicely with a heavy nod to The Go-Go's. The limited edition seven-inch single (250 opaque red, 500 black) drops December 6th through Suicide Squeeze and also features the B-side "Electric Chair". Download the A-side below.

Bleached - Searching Through The Past by Surfing on Steam

Medicine: 'The Powder (Remains 1992-1995)' Stream

2011-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

It's interesting how many great current bands have sampled or involved Medicine's Brad Laner into their albums (Caribou, Serena-Maneesh, and M83 to name a few). I mean, here's a group that people blatantly ignored, despised or scoffed at for being "too noisy", yet you will never hear a single complaint about Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine or JAMC. But when Dan Snaith decides to sample your guitar noise that speaks volumes about the lasting impression, not the critical opinion, of the music.

For fans old and new, here's a new-ish collection of old-ish B-sides and unreleased tracks from 1992-1995 (Sample the Aruca B-side "The Powder" below). Essential? Yes, fifteen tracks for $8 on Bandcamp. That's like paying for one overpriced lager at El Prado, only the taste of Medicine lingers for years. I've done the research.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bradlaner.bandcamp.com/track/the-powder"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Powder by Medicine&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Lotus Plaza: 'Where I'm Going (Cut Copy Cover)' Stream

2011-10-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Lotus Plaza (Lockett Pundt) knocks out a thick and choppy cover of Cut Copy's "Where I'm Going" (via P4K). The single can be found on the Modular Records split seven-inch b/w Architecture in Helsinki's version of "Need You Know". By the way, we're waaay overdue for a new Lotus Plaza album.

Dirty Beaches: 'Lone Runner' Video

2011-10-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

As previously posted, the Dirty Beaches "Lone Runner" seven-inch single is available on October 18th through Suicide Squeeze. Here's the Kevin Luna-directed video. Our protagonist must have a perfectly good explanation for those bloody wounds on her back, right?

(via Schmooze Blog)

Regina: 'Unessa' Video

2011-10-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

Yep. More Regina. Get used to it. Here's the brand new clip for "Unessa", directed by Osma Harvilahti. The trio spend an afternoon listening to tunes, reading books and eating various fruits.

(via)

Regina: 'Jos Et Sä Soita (Live On Maria!)' Video

2011-10-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Helsinki pop trio Regina visited a show called Maria! within the last 24 hours, and boy is it a trip to watch. Musically, everything sounds and looks great as the band runs through a flawless version of Soita Mulle standout "Jos Et Sä Soita". But, watch as the camera pulls out into the crowd. It has this mid-seventies glow with couples sitting in plastic furniture, red fuzzy carpeting, extra large space balloons and starry lighting. American set designers, step it up.

Flash toistinta ei löytynyt.

Moscow Olympics: 'Keeping The Avenues Open' MP3

2011-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

No Modest Bear premiered a newly recorded version of an older unreleased track from dream-pop troupe Moscow Olympics today. It falls right into place with their previous material and is highly recommended for fans of The Radio Dept., Slowdive and Sarah Records aficionados. There's no update on a follow-up to 2008's gorgeous Cut the World full-length, but you can order a newer pressing of that record on CD over at Japanese imprint Happy Prince.

DOWNLOAD///KEEPING THE AVENUES OPEN

Tropic of Cancer: 'A Color' Stream

2011-10-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

If your mind gets blown every time you listen to Belong then "A Color" might be something to sooth the hangover. Tropic of Cancer, who originate from my hometown of Long Beach, play the steady swelling drone like they're petting a dead cat, only the animal barely breathes and moves slowly into a dark corner.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tropicofcancer.bandcamp.com/track/a-color"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;A Color by Tropic Of Cancer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

The Horrors: 'I Can See Through You' Video

2011-10-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

White Rabbit directs this new video for "I Can See Through You", taken from the band's latest album Skying.

Christina Vantzou: 'Homemade Mountains' Stream/Video

2011-10-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Christina Vantzou's forthcoming Kranky debut, entitled No. 1, is an immersing experience and brilliant example of how to shape sound and texture. Aside from its massive ambient waves, the tunes on No. 1 are actually carefully constructed compositions that lead you through various emotions using organic instrumentation yet have the electric pulse of synthesizers. Check out the album's opener "Homemade Mountains" below.

Kranky will release No. 1 on October 24th. More videos depicting each of the album's tracks are on the way.

Stephen Farris: 'It's Alright' Stream

2011-10-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Why isn't Stephen Farris part of the Brainfeeder family? He must have run away from Los Angeles as a young kid.

Patten: 'JLAGQO CSOAAXS (Remix EP 1)' MP3

2011-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

More twisted, warped, knotted, groundbreaking psych-tronica from Patten, only this time around his music is re-imagined with the help of friends, and it's FREE. The London producer recently dropped this five-song remix EP of tracks/codes pulled from his amazing album, GLAQJO XAACSSO (No Pain in Pop). JLAGQO CSOAAXS (Remix EP 1) features reworkings from The Slow Revolt, C Powers and more. Here are the details:

"Each remixer gets a bunch of chunks from a finished track. One track per remixer. No stems. No finished full track to compare against. So basically passing the fragments like bits of code divorced from the full program. See what gets retained, what comes through from these bits of sonic DNA."

SOSMIX.66

2011-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.66

1. Casimer & Casimir: "Anne Cherchait L'amour"

2. Gauntlet Hair: "Keep Time"

3. Jacob 2-2: "Palaces/Bump In"

4. Korallreven: "As Young As Yesterday"

5. Minks: "Little Fawn"

6. Monokle: "Luch"

7. Patten: "Fire Dream"

8. Pure X: "Twisted Mirror"

9. The Soft Moon: "Total Decay"

10. Young Again: "Host"

Site Updates

2011-10-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hi. Here are some website updates that have recently been implemented at SurfingOnSteam:

1. The homepage will list WAY MORE POSTS. I personally get irritated when I have to click multiple times to get to an MP3 or Video. This is also one of the reasons I enjoy using and following people on Tumblr more and more.

2. I installed an exfm player. It will play any recent track that I have posted here that used a SoundCloud widget or other people/tastemakers that I follow on exfm. It's still very limited to what music is loaded within this entire website, but it's very easy to use.

3. The comment form should be right below each post. No external windows or any of that bullshit.

Dirty Beaches: 'Horses (Joe's Jeans Fashion Shoot)' Video

2011-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

My favorite track from Dirty Beaches' awesome debut album, Badlands, is featured in this Joe's Jeans fashion video with none other than the sultry Paz de la Huerta. The sinister, dusty tone of "Horses" fits perfectly -- especially the black and white footage -- as Paz climbs on top of just about everything in the room. The clip was shot by Tsien-Tsien Zhang.

Young Again: 'Host' MP3

2011-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

There are few bands today that possess the ability to create massive guitar atmosphere while penning a memorable song. This compelling dream-rock track from Atlanta's Young Again does just that. Apart from the multitude of vague bedroom pop acts that claim to squat in the same genre, "Host" actually sounds like it's being played earnestly, and it feels tangible -- driven by guitars that expand and bleed with every progression.

"Host" can be found on the band's new four-song EP, I Woke Smiling Again (For fans of Band of Horses, Slowdive, The Besnard Lakes).

(via PMW)

Veronica Falls: 'Come On Over (Best Fit Session)' Video

2011-10-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

First there was Summer Camp's powerful and raw delivery of "Better Off Without You" and now the brilliant pop of Veronica Falls is on display in this excellent live clip, courtesy of U.K. tastemaker site The Line of Best Fit. The quartet rapidly strum and harmonize through their debut album standout "Come on Over" at Paper Dress Vintage.

S.A.T. Practice Vocabulary Album Reviews #3

2011-10-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

Gauntlet Hair: Gauntlet Hair (Dead Oceans)
affluence - n. A profuse or abundant supply of riches.

Tycho: Dive (Ghostly International)
protuberate - v. To swell or bulge beyond the surrounding surface.

Sleep ∞ Over: Forever (Hippos in Tanks)
deign - v. To deem worthy of notice or account.

Daphni: 'Ne Noya/Yes I Know' Stream

2011-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Caribou's Dan Snaith released a new three-track limited vinyl 12" today from his Daphni side-project, which is available through his Jiaolong imprint. It features a remix of Cos-Ber-Zam's "Ne Noya" -- taken from the Afro Beat Airways compilation -- and two brand new jams, "Yes I Know" and "Jiao". Sample below, then purchase the record over at Boomkat.

"Jiao" has been on repeat for about an hour. Where does he get those sounds?

Stephen Farris: 'Autumn Drive' Stream

2011-10-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Stephen Farris returns with a dose of cut-and-paste experimental hip-hop entitled "Autumn Drive". It's possibly one of the tamest tracks he's ever produced, and that's okay.

Ringo Deathstarr: 'Shadow EP' Album Stream

2011-09-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Stream Ringo Deathstarr's more brutal and chaotic take on noise-pop/shoegaze by streaming the trio's forthcoming four-song Shadow EP at NYLON.

Shadow will be available on limited 10" Japanese cherry blossom-scented pink and purple swirly vinyl on November 7th through Club AC30. It features a cover of Twin Peaks' "Just You", vocals from Trail of Dead's Jason Reece on the title track, and "Prisms", which is a page torn right from MBV's Isn't Anything. Exceptional.

Robert Raimon Roy: 'Little Egypt Wavy' Video

2011-09-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Robert Raimon Roy's experimental hip-hop has the elasticity of a complete Loden release yet "Little Egypt Wavy" rebounds into a chorus that is so accessible and hooky you'd think his deal with Dim Mak was an accident. That's fine with me.

Le Tigre Blanc is available now through Dim Mak. "Little Egypt Wavy" was directed by Peter J. Bryant.

(via Yvynyl)

Patten: 'GLAQJO XAACSSO' Album Stream

2011-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Stream the amazing GLAQJO XAACSSO from Patten over at The Quietus. Buy the album at No Pain in Pop.

S.A.T. Practice Vocabulary Album Reviews #2

2011-09-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Wilco: The Whole Love (dBpm)

adulterant - n. An adulterating substance.

S.C.U.M: Again into Eyes (Mute)
impel - v. To drive or urge forward.

St. Vincent: Strange Mercy (4AD)

ostentation n. - A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery.

S.A.T. Practice Vocabulary Album Reviews #1

2011-09-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Tumblr posts and all the kids who panic about their S.A.T. scores every year I've decided to replace our sadly ignored Microviews section with an even more "micro" section. It combines a one-word album review using a vocabulary word that actually appears on an S.A.T. exam. We're learning about music and strengthening our minds in preparation for the most stressful written evaluation of our adolescence. Your welcome, America.

Dum Dum Girls: Only in Dreams (Sub Pop)

mellifluous - adj. Sweetly or smoothly flowing.

Youth Lagoon: The Year of Hibernation (Fat Possum)
somniferous - adj. Tending to produce sleep.

Veronica Falls: Veronica Falls (Slumberland)
cygnet - n. A young swan.

Passion of the Weiss + Hellfyre Club Present: Dry Acid, 9.29.2011

2011-09-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

An event is happening Thursday that may or may not feature Gaslamp Killer, Peanut Butter Wolf and a birthday cake for Mr. Weiss, blunt candles I presume. Oh, and then there's these cats: Flash Bang Grenada (Hellfyre Club), Folerio (Stones Throw), Spaceghostpurrp, Jonti (Stones Throw), Vex Ruffin (Stones Throw) and Deejay Wilsson Soto.

Twin Sister: 'Kimmi In A Ricefield' Video

2011-09-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of the more sublime tracks pulled from Twin Sister's solid debut for Domino Records gets a video treatment from the band's own drummer Bryan Ujueta along with Dan Devine.

Dum Dum Girls: 'Bedroom Eyes' Video

2011-09-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Dum Dum Girls' sophomore album, Only in Dreams, drops tomorrow via Sub Pop. Here's the video for the album's first single "Bedroom Eyes", directed by Sam Macon. Try not to stare.

Best Albums of 2011: Q3

2011-09-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Falling into fall with ten of the best albums released in the third quarter. Our next "Best of 2011" post will be unveiled in December; featuring our top 25 albums of 2011, top 10 videos, top 50 tracks, top 10 L.A. artists, and a new list that examines the top 10 most disappointing album releases of the year. Previously: Best albums of 2011: Q2, Best albums of 2011: Q1.

In no particular order:

1. I Break Horses: Hearts (Bella Union)

2. Patten: GLAQJO XAACSSO (No Pain in Pop)

3. Veronica Falls: Veronica Falls (Slumberland)

4. Thundercat: The Golden Age of Apocalypse (Brainfeeder)

5. The War on Drugs: Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian)

6. Twin Sister: In Heaven (Domino)

7. 400 Blows: Sickness and Health (ORG Music)

8. The Field: Looping State of Mind (Kompakt)

9. John Maus: We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves (Ribbon Music)

10. Neon Indian: Era Extraña (Static Tongues/Mom + Pop)

Patten: 'Blush Mosaic' Video

2011-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here's another dose of woozy, psych-tronica from Patten. I know it's only September but this record is a 2011 'Best of the Year' contender. It's that good. Welcome to the "Blush Mosaic" experience.

Stream the previously posted "Fire Dream".

Patten's GLAQJO XAACSSO drops September 26th through the amazing No Pain in Pop imprint.

Download Patten's Fact Mix 45, available for three weeks only.

Com Truise: 'Brokendate' Video

2011-09-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

A very appropriately-themed video for Com Truise's mesmerizing Galactic Melt highlight "Brokendate". Will Joines directs this clip, which features nostalgic visuals and references to Scanner, Hill Street Blues, Lawnmower Man and many more films/television programs/video games from the 80's. Seth Haley is the guy in the chair with smoke oozing around him like a halo -- surrounded by two cyber babes with lazer guns. They could extend the video's plot into a short film and continue the saga with the album's next single. Can I get a cameo?

Galactic Melt is available through Ghostly International.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults: 'Sophia In Gold (Phantom Kicks Remix)' Stream

2011-09-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

San Francisco's Phantom Kicks (Tanner Pikop) reworks Letting Up Despite Great Faults' Paper Crush standout "Sophia in Gold". Pikop removes the immediacy and pulse of the original and turns the track into a 1980's Christopher Cross lesson in yachtrock with additional guitar riffs and a splash of saltwater. You can also revisit my glowing review of the band's Paper Crush EP over at Aquarium Drunkard.

LUDGF play Monday, September 26th at Satellite for free. Purchase Paper Crush at Old Flame.

(via Gluttony is the New Black)

Monokle: 'Birds Swirl' EP Stream

2011-09-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

There are hordes of experimental producers that create an enticing haze of static beats and atmosphere, and then there's St. Petersburg, Russia's Vlad Kudryavtse. His work as Monokle is full of warmth and abstract verses and choruses yet the whole ride feels smooth and so futuristic. Listen carefully to each of the short passages from his six-song Birds Swirl EP below. Amazing work that would be well suited on a label like WARP. Birds Swirl dropped last week via Jumble.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: 'Ffunny Ffrends' Video

2011-09-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

Unknown Mortal Orchestra, who by the way have the best twitter updates ever, return with a clip for album highlight "Ffunny Ffrends". I have no idea what is going on in this video other than the fact that there's a super attractive young woman taking care of a disco ball and she's hanging out with a dude who looks like Destro. Whatever, this album is killer.

The Twilight Sad: 'Kill It In The Morning' MP3

2011-09-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Space-rockers The Twilight Sad unveil a chilling and almost minimal blend of noise-pop on "Kill it in the Morning", the first glimpse from their forthcoming third full-length No One Can Ever Know. Very impressive. I love that they're incorporating hollow drums and electronic textures.

No One Can Ever Know is due in February, 2012 on Fat Cat while the first single "Sick" will be released digitally November 15th. Download "Kill it in the Morning" below by entering your email address.

Gauntlet Hair: 'Keep Time' MP3

2011-09-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Gauntlet Hair's "Keep Time", taken from the duo's forthcoming self-titled debut album, is all kinds of awesome. Remember during the late 1980's when "Baby Jessica" fell into a well and was trapped for a few days until the Fire Dept. figured out how to fish her out? This is kind of like that, only the cries for help are replaced by echoed emotions of restlessness and joy powered by colored, distorted guitars and pummeling drums. Stay down there forever, your record label will feed you.

Gauntlet Hair drops October 18th through Dead Oceans.

My Bloody Valentine: 'Isn't Anything' Album Review

2011-09-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I revisit and spew lots of adjectives over one of the most groundbreaking and influential albums of all time, My Bloody Valentine's Isn't Anything, over at Aquarium Drunkard.

Dum Dum Girls: 'Only In Dreams' Album Stream

2011-09-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Stream the new album (Only in Dreams) from Dum Dum Girls below. Next week you can finally purchase a copy on September 27th through Sub Pop and your favorite local record shop.

Ringo Deathstarr: 'Dear Future (Coaltar Of The Deepers Cover)' Stream

2011-09-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ringo Deathstarr cover Japanese shoegazers Coaltar of the Deepers' original cut "Dear Future" for the Mawaru Penguindrum anime cartoon. And yes, it sounds as rad as that image looks. In other news, the trio are poised to release a brand new four-song EP through Club AC30 on November 7th:

"The EP comes on very limited edition 10 inch Japanese Cherry Blossom scented pink and purple swirly vinyl. Yes, really! There will also be a free dropcard with all copies ordered here that will contain lots of extra remixes of the lead track Shadow."

Patten: 'Fire Dream' MP3

2011-09-16T01:56:00.000-07:00

Surging somewhere between Actress and Seefeel lies this dense, psychedelic piece of almost-IDM from London's Patten. Electronic music in general seems to be getting cleaner and leaner. Not Patten. He's doing the opposite in a very extreme manner. There's always this undercurrent of digital heat searing the beats and melodies together. "Fire Dream" is captivating.

Patten's debut album GLAQJO XAACSSO comes out on September 26th through No Pain in Pop.

The Soft Moon: 'Total Decay' MP3

2011-09-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Soft Moon's Luis Vasquez is an expert in the crafting of 'Ice-Pop', the coldest form of pop known to music. It's a genre that transcends 'goth', 'darkwave', or any other moniker that depicts a lack of sunlight and dudes who where four-inch creepers.

Here's another example of The Soft Moon's greatness, taken from the group's forthcoming Total Decay EP, due October 31st through the incredibly consistent Captured Tracks imprint. Halloween ain't got shit on these guys.

SOSMIX.65

2011-09-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

9.14.2011 = four years of this music blog's existence. Thank you.

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.65

1. Beige: "Hollowpoint"

2. Blouse: "Videotapes"

3. Burial: "Dog Shelter (Essay's Old Edit)"

4. Cass McCombs: "The Same Thing"

5. Mezzanine Owls: "Obstacle"

6. Onra: "Change of Heart (Edit)"

7. Starfawn: "Err"

8. Thee Oh Sees: "Carrion Crawler"

9. Toro Y Moi: "All Alone"

10. Trailer Trash Tracys: "Dies in 55"

Trailer Trash Tracys: 'You Wish You Were Red' Stream

2011-09-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

On this newly recorded version of "You Wish You Were Red" from London noise-pop quartet Trailer Trash Tracys the band immediately lulls you into a dramatic sorrow with heartbreaking guitar notes and reverberated melodies. It's a huge sound, yet it's also solemn and spacious. There's no pretending that this style is already being done, very well I might add, by the likes of Dum Dum Girls and Frankie Rose, but you get the sense that vocalist/guitarist Suzanne Aztoria has a completely different story to tell.

"You Wish You Were Red" is featured alongside "Engelhardt's Arizona" on the forthcoming double A-side 7" vinyl single coming October 31st. Pre-order at Domino Records/Double Six. According to the label, the group's debut album is slated for an early 2012 release.

(via Gorilla vs. Bear)

The Big Pink: 'Stay Gold' Video

2011-09-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Much like The Big Pink's debut album this brand new track from the duo's forthcoming full-length, entitled "Stay Gold", is a build up of synths and colored, metallic guitar lines -- very similar to the epic wash and rhythm of "Dominos". Director Ollie Murray has a strong grasp of translating the surreal tones of the track into a visual model. And if you play the clip without any volume you'd still get a pretty good sense of what this song is going to sound like. As for my first impression of the duo's new material...I really like what they're doing. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The single for "Stay Gold" drops November 7th via 4AD while Future This is slated for a January, 2012 release. Ollie Murray directs.

Starfawn: 'Err' MP3

2011-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Starfawn continue to elevate the senses on the electro-pop earthquake they call "Err". It's also the first taste from the duo's highly anticipated self-titled EP due September 20th via Moodgadget.

I Break Horses: 'Load Your Eyes (Star Slinger Load Your 808 Mix)' Stream

2011-09-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hearts, the debut album from I Break Horses, is one of my faves of the year. So I was totally blown away with this minimal trip-hop flavored remix of "Load Your Eyes", which I admittedly like better than the original, from the always in-demand Star Slinger. The remix is featured on the duo's new 12" vinyl/digital single for "Winter Beats", available now at Boomkat.

Mezzanine Owls: 'Obstacle' MP3

2011-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

L.A.'s Mezzanine Owls -- one of my favorite all-time local bands -- return with a new single that is high on atmosphere and heavier than you'd expect. "Obstacle" is very similar to the material found on the group's outstanding Snowglobe EP (2008) only more exploratory, noisier. The bonus is that Jack Burnside doesn't ditch any of the melody or style that makes a Mezzanine Owls release so affecting.

Obstacle will be released as a 7" single through JAXART on October 11th and features the B-side "Tethered to a Fountain".

(via PMA)

Blouse: 'Videotapes' MP3

2011-09-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Let's take a close look at this new track from Blouse. There are a lot of bands out there flirting with the sound of a particular genre that reached its peak in the mid-1990s, but this Portland-based trio are on to something, or they have access to better drugs. Blouse are obviously indebted to shoegaze and the careening, warped sounds made popular by My Bloody Valentine -- it's what makes this song breathe. But I think the main reason "Videotapes" succeeds is because you don't get the feeling that they even know much of what the genre has to offer, or at least all of the bands that were making the best albums and singles during that era. Instead, Blouse come off as fresh, lost and even stuck in their own trance while sounding closer to Blondie than anything you'll find on 4AD or Creation. Is their "sound" an accident? I hope so.

Blouse's debut album is set to drop November 1st through Captured Tracks.

(via Fader)

Ladytron: 'Gravity The Seducer' Album Stream

2011-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ladytron's seductive new album, Gravity the Seducer, drops tomorrow via Nettwerk, but you have the option of streaming the full-length in its entirety right now.

Bleached: 'Think Of You' Video

2011-09-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

In the past, I've had rollercoaster moments with Mika Miko's musical output -- sometimes I would vomit, other times I'd be enthralled. Bleached is better and delivers more of an aggressive surf-punk style with gallons of immediacy, and this video is awesome. The Clavin sisters' "Think of You" is featured on the Carter 7" single out now via Art Fag. Jennifer Clavin and Lana Kim direct.

13th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival aka Low End Theory Music Festival, 10.1.2011

2011-09-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Wow. Well, you know what stage I'll be camped out at. Here are the details for the 13th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival via BuzzBands.la:

"The festival runs from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. A $5 donation is requested (though organizers say no one will be turned away due to lack of funds)."

EMERGING STAGE

Kenan Bell
Red Shark
The Feeding People
(TBA)
Allah Las
Boom Bip
Health

LOW END THEORY STAGE

Daddy Kev
The Gaslamp Killer
Nobody
D-Styles
Nocando
Flying Lotus
Nosaj Thing
TOKiMONSTA
Dibia$e
Teebs
Jonwayne

SHIP STAGE

Dirty Bandits
All Spots to Black
Little Red Lung
Molino
Phaxanation & the Dust Kickers
Blonde Summer
Shadow Shadow Shade

KINGSIZE STAGE

Beatnik Jr.
Gangi
Buffalo Electric
Miracle Parade
Dorian Taj
Adventure Galley
Rooney

DUBLAB “FUTURE ROOTS” STAGE

Paul Livingstone Trio
Village Archive
Hymnal
Pharaohs
Carlos Nino
Biggest Crush (Sunny Levine + Turquoise Wisdom)
Mia Doi Todd
El-Haru Karoi
Surprise Guest

ZOCALOC/RAZORCAKE STAGE

French Exit
Cheeto Champ
Summer Vacation
Fuxedos
Barrio Tiger

FAMILY STAGE

Pio Pico
Micah Cover - Magic Show
Ellen and Matt
NINE
The Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere
Hot August Nights: A Neil Diamond Tribute Band

COLOMBO’S

Ampersand
Six-Pak
Border Radio
Saucy Monky
The Vagabondz
Duniven

FYF FEST, State Historic Park, Los Angeles, CA. - 9.3.2011

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

This year's FYF Fest was a complete turnaround from 2010's logistical nightmare and overall chaos, I mean just look at the smile on that bro's face in the pic above. 2011 felt more like an outdoor All Tomorrow's Parties experience and less like a trip to the DMV. Fewer lines, zero hassles and the unbeatable lineup made it something I'll be looking forward to more than any other local event in the years to come.

I shot live pics for the first time (in a festival setting) since Coachella in 2008, which was a lot of fun but it also requires more time to think about taking photos instead of simply enjoying the bands. However, I rediscovered how much I miss doing it. Many thanks to the amazing team at Motormouth -- arguably the best publicity outlet in the industry -- for the last-minute support. You'll find a recap below with compliments and critiques as well as live photos of The Smith Westerns, Cults, The Olivia Tremor Control, Broken Social Scene and Guided By Voices after the jump.

The festival delivered in spades thanks to the inclusion of Goldenvoice. No one can argue that. However, let's hope they don't increase fees in 2012. Keep it the size it is. This is not Coachella.
I would have loved to stay for Death From Above 1979, just way too exhausted.
There were never lines for bathroom. After 6PM you might of waited 1-2 minutes for a beer. So nice.
The ease of access to will call/tickets was a breeze.
The VIP area was relaxing, organized and secure but seemed almost unnecessary this year, except for those needing to conduct interviews. Plus, the lines for alcohol, and the entire area in general, were substantially empty compared to the beer gardens. $40 gives you the same experience.
Everyone who attended looked happy and excited about the music and everything else that had changed from last year.
"Splinter's Den" should be designated for comedians only, no bands, period. Did anyone actually watch the comedy acts when there were so many awesome bands overlapping? Purity Ring, Future Islands and Chromatics would have benefited from a larger audience/viewing area on any of the other four stages as this micro tent was just waytoo congested.
The festival still needs more food options. Easy fix for 2012.
I regret not shooting pics of No Age as they sounded incredible from the beer garden.
The Olivia Tremor Control and Broken Social Scene were big highlights for me, GBV could have been more intense, but they are always fun to watch. I was also happy to see one of the very last Guided By Voices shows during this reunion tour. Retiring the band is a good idea. Hey Pixies!

The Smith Westerns

The Olivia Tremor Control

Cults

Four Tet

Broken Social Scene

Guided By Voices

Photo Credit: Scott McDonald

The Field: "Then It's White" MP3

2011-09-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Field's forthcoming album, Looping State of Mind, is just that. A collection of deep and surreal sonic micro-machines circling back to a familiar place. On Axel Willner's new album there are even more textures and dynamics that (vocal samples, piano and heavy bass guitar grooves) give Looping an immediacy that I didn't expect but am so grateful for. Download the album track "Then it's White" below courtesy of Kompakt. You can also purchase the album digitally right now or wait for the physical release on October 10th. No brainer.

I Break Horses: 'Hearts' Album Stream

2011-09-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hearts, the debut album from I Break Horses, came out this week. If you still feel guarded about purchasing it (Bella Union) then let this free album stream do the talking.

Mndsgn: 'Soup' Stream

2011-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Bleep: Filtered is a brand new Unsigned Competition and Compilation offering unsigned artists a unique chance to have their tracks A&Red, mastered, released, promoted, marketed and sold to the public. Bleep are partnering with their sister company Warp Records as well as SoundCloud and Transition Studios to throw a spotlight on the un-tapped musical and production talents from around the World."

And that's how I accidentally bumped into this new track from Mndsgn, who I believe resides in Los Angeles and/or Philadelphia -- there's very little info about the artist online but his musical output is massive.

Also, check out the KLIPMODE collective (Mndsgn, Suzi Analogue, Devonwho and Knxwledge).

Photo Credit: Patricia MIller

SOSMIX.64

2011-09-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

DOWNLOAD///SOSMIX.64

1. Atlas Sound: "Terra Incognita"
2. Com Truise: "Datebar"
3. Dum Dum Girls: "Bedroom Eyes"
4. John Tejada: "Subdivided"
5. Purity Ring: "Belispeak"
6. Regina: "Unessa"
7. Richard Swift: "Whitman"
8. S.C.U.M.: "Summon the Sound (Grimes Remix)"
9. Spanish Prisoners: "Rich Blood"
10. TENSE: "Pleasure Games"

Photo Credit: Osma Harvilahti

Letting Up Despite Great Faults: 'Teenage Tide' Video

2011-09-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Aside from Letting Up Despite Great Faults' new Paper Crush EP being one of the absolute best L.A. exports of 2011, they also make gorgeous videos that include tender social moments and loads of good-looking people. In the case of "Teenage Tide" we have three beautiful hipster babes and one guy who may or may not be Martin Gore's love child. I may in fact just wallpaper the background of this music blog with the screengrab you see above. Christopher J. Ewing directs.

Ladytron: 'White Gold' Stream

2011-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

The guys and gals in Ladytron have a lockdown on Pure Moods Vol. V. Along with this new sampling of Gravity the Seducer track, "White Gold", the band has slowly revealed a new album that, so far, sounds sublime and irresistibly cold yet it's the most adventurous material they've released since 2005's Witching Hour.

Gravity the Seducer drops September 13th in the U.S. and on the 12th in the UK via Nettwerk.

Veronica Falls: 'Bad Feeling' Video

2011-09-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Phillipa Bloomfield directs the video for Veronica Falls' "Bad Feeling", which comes across like an awkward first date. The quartet look shy and withdrawn -- very little eye contact -- but I'd still be open for a second rendezvous and possible makeout sesh. "Bad Feeling", along with the band's earlier singles, takes lyrics and moods that stem from a place of sheer disappointment and turns them into an upbeat and glowing chamber pop confession. I don't know if that makes the group "dark" or "pop-noir", as they've been quoted, but they just possess a sound and style of cavernous pop music that is unchallenged and very refreshing.

Veronica Falls' self-titled debut album comes out September 20th through the excellent Slumberland Records label.

John Tejada: 'Subdivided' MP3

2011-08-31T00:42:00.000-07:00

Muted bass pads, delicate electronica and miles of synths, John Tejada's Parabolas (Kompakt) is light on Texas Instruments functions and high on lazer grooves. Entry-level electronica listeners might equate what Tejada creates to something found in the lounge at the Standard Hotel or similar to the catchy and repetitive Underworld, but this is smoother, better. Download the robotic "Subdivided" below.

Regina: 'Unessa' Stream

2011-08-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

We've been following the progress of Regina's forthcoming album, Soita Mulle, with new tracks like "Haluan sinut" and "Jos et sä soita". Here's "Unessa" (via P4K), which features an overdriven guitar that leads us into a warm, dreamy chorus. Soita Mulle finally has a release date of September 20th through Friendly Fire Recordings in the U.S. and September 7th everywhere else.

STREAM///UNESSA

Warpaint: 'Undertow (Live At Reading Festival, 2011)' Video

2011-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine Warpaint as a scrappy new L.A.-based band performing at Little Radio HQ in 2007 on the much-missed GTFU radio program. I had no idea who they were, no one did, except for the fact that their current drummer at the time was the lovely and talented Shannyn Sossamon. Now, the quartet is playing to thousands of people and blowing minds on just about every continent. Watch this incredible live rendition of "Undertow" from this year's Reading Festival.

Dum Dum Girls: 'Bedroom Eyes' MP3

2011-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Stream and download the Dum Dum Girls' first official single, "Bedroom Eyes", below for the price of nada. The track is taken from the band's highly anticipated sophomore album Only in Dreams, which drops September 12th on Sub Pop. A Sam Macon-directed video for the single is coming soon.

The Olivia Tremor Control: 'The Game You Play Is In Your Head, Parts 1, 2, & 3' Stream

2011-08-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wow. The first Olivia Tremor Control song in over ten years has been revealed, in three beautiful and distinctly different parts, actually. The single is available now through Cloud Recordings via Secretly Candian Distribution. A new full-length is also in the works. Listen to "The Game You Play Is in Your Head, Parts 1, 2, & 3" over at NPR.

Juk Juk: 'Winter Turn Spring' Stream

2011-08-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Four Tet's TEXT imprint is releasing this atmospheric wonder of a track from Juk Juk in September. It's heavy on beats and vocal samples yet leaves plenty of room, giving the song an open and inviting feel once that bass drops.

Autolux: 'Pixelated Truth (Giana Factory Remake)' Stream

2011-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Autolux give Danish pop-trio Giana Factory's "Pixelated Truth" a makeover -- which includes an added sheen of sparkling electronica, pops and whizzes, and a moving rhythm. The 7" single is out now and features the original backed with this excellent Autolux remake.

"This is the song from the Giana Factory debut that contains the lyric “…by the way somebody please save the youth…” for which the album was named. It is a metaphoric story about a heroic quest to achieve your goals and conquer the world with love, music, power and art."