Hear New Music: The Free Music Mixtape Blog

While you're waiting...

2010-08-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, I'm not dead!

But while I'm working on HNM009, working a job, writing for denofgeek.com and trying to come to terms with becoming an uncle, I haven't had much time to keep this up to date. So, to tide you over, here is Justin Beiber's audition to join Sigur Ros...

HNM009 will be along asap!

Till next time,
Carl

The best 250 songs of the noughties

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you're new here and you look back over the last few months and think, what has this guy been doing? Where's HearNewMusic009?! Well, this is what I've been doing! However, after having done it, I decided that this was not it's proper home, and figured it should move over to a seperate blog. I created hnmbestofs, which I will use for any best of's that I feel like I should do! I've moved it all over and I'm going to delete it from here! However, below is the full list, if you can't be bothered reading all the words I poured my HEART AND SOUL INTO! So, enjoy!

250-226 | 225-201 | 200-176 | 175-151
150-126 | 125-101 | 100-76 | 75-51
50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11
10-4 | 3-1

250. Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me
249. Fightstar - Phalahniuk’s Laughter (Out Swimming In The Flood)
248. Fall Out Boy - This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race
247. Guillemots - Trains To Brazil
246. Editors – Bullets
245. Cartel - Burn This City
244. Bullet For My Valentine - 4 Words (To Choke Upon)
243. Bomb The Music Industry! - 25!
242. Bloc Party - Blue Light (Engineers Anti-Gravity Mix)
241. At the Drive-In - One Armed Scissor
240. 30 Seconds To Mars - The Kill
239. Timbaland - Give It To Me (Feat Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
238. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill
237. The Snake The Cross The Crown - The Great American Smokeout
236. System Of A Down - Radio/Video
235. Sum 41 - Fat Lip
234. The Spinto Band - Oh Mandy
233. Prizzy Prizzy Please - Too Many T-Shirts
232. OK Go - Get Over It
231. Nikola Sarcevic - Lovetrap
230. New Mexican Disaster Squad – Tightrope
229. Operator Please - Just A Song About Ping Pong
228. The Hives - T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.
227. Muse - Time Is Running Out
226. Arctic Monkeys – Brianstorm
225. Nelly - Ride Wit Me
224. Hundred Reasons - Kill Your Own
223. Ne-Yo – Closer
222. Metric - Monster Hospital
221. Sean Kingston - Beautiful Girls
220. Mastodon - Hand Of Stone
219. Paul Anka - Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden Cover)
218. Deftones – Hexagram
217. The Streets - The Irony Of It All
216. Brand New - Sic Transit Gloria ... Glory Fades
215. System Of A Down – Toxicity
214. Dave House - You Are On My Frequency (Live Band Version)
213. The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Mister Mental
212. Puffy Ami Yumi - Tokyo I'm On My Way
211. Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
210. A Wilhelm Scream - The Rip
209. Fony - Circles
208. No Comply - The Price Of You
207. Head Automatica - Beating Heart Baby
206. Protest The Hero - The Dissentience
205. From Autumn To Ashes - The After Dinner Payback
204. Rise Against - Prayer of the Refugee
203. Laura Marling - The Captain And Hourglass
202. Matchbook Romance - You Can Run, But We'll Find You
201. Sparta - Cut Your Ribbon
200. Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood
199. Green Day - St. Jimmy
198. Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot (Feat. Pharell Williams)
197. Taking Back Sunday - The Union
196. Willy Mason - Save Myself
195. The Polyphonic Spree - Soldier Girl (UK Single Version)
194. The Snake The Cross The Crown - An Honest Misappropriation of Funds
193. MGMT - Time to Pretend
192. Onelinedrawing – Smile
191. Soulja Boy - Crank That
190. Audio Karate - Who Brings A Knife To A Gun Fight?
189. The Futureheads – Area
188. The Prodigy – Spitfire
187. Errors - Salut! France
186. Thursday - Jet Black New Year
185. New Found Glory - Don't Let Her Pull You Down
184. The Rumble Strips - Alarm Clock
183. Something Corporate - Punk Rock Princess
182. A Wilhelm Scream - The Horse
181. My Chemical Romance - Teenagers
180. Folly - Please Don't Shoot the Piano Player He's Doing the Best He Can
179. The Lonely Island - I'm On A Boat (Feat. T-Pain)
178. The Offspring - Want You Bad
177. Poison The Well – Nagaina
176. Lazlo Bane – Superman
175. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Call Me Ishmael
174. Red Sparowes - Alone And Unaware, The Landscape Was Transformed In Front Of Our Eyes
173. Missy Elliott - Work It
172. Jamie T - Sticks 'N' Stones
171. The Mad Capsule Markets - MIDI Surf
170. The Steal - World Wide World
169. Spitalfield - Gold Dust Vs. State Of Illinois
168. Million Dead - I Am The Party
167. Weezer - Island In The Sun
166. Strapping Young Lad - You Suck
165. Flight Of The Conchords – Bowie
164. Muse - Plug in Baby
163. The Mars Volta - Inertiatic Esp
162. Textures – Drive
161. The Bled - You Know Who’s Seatbelt
160. Jetplane Landing - Brave Gravity
159. Bon Iver - Skinny Love
158. New Found Glory - Failure's Not Flattering
157. Atreyu - Right Side Of The Bed
156. Lostprophets - Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja
155. Funeral For A Friend - She Drove Me To Daytime Television
154. Arcade Fire – Wake Up
153. From Monument To Masses - Checksum
152. The Knife – Heartbeats
151. Trivium - Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr
150. Linkin Park – Faint
149. Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
148. Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles
147. Jenny Owen Youngs - Keys Out, Lights On
146. This Town Needs Guns – Baboon
145. Regina Spektor - On The Radio
144. System Of A Down - Boom!
143. The Ocean Fracture - Polaroid Intimacy
142. Hot Chip - Over And Over
141. Yourcodenameis:milo - All Roads To Fault
140. Thrice - Stare at the Sun
139. Sum 41 - We're All To Blame
138. Lostprophets - Burn Burn
137. NOFX - Theme from a Nofx Album
136. Down I Go - Ivan The Terrible
135. Reuben - We're All Going Home In An Ambulance
134. The Klaxons - Atlantis to Interzone
133. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
132. Cursive - Some Red Handed Slight of Hand
131. Frou Frou - Let Go
130. Maybeshewill - He Films The Clouds Pt. 2
129. The Streets - Don't mug yourself
128. N.E.R.D. - She Wants To Move
127. Kings Of Leon - The Bucket
126. Weezer - The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)
125. Between The Buried And Me - Ants Of The Sky
124. The Avalanches - Since I Left You
123. The Futureheads - Think Tonight
122. Slipknot - Before I Forget
121. Thrice – Firebreather
120. Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade
119. The Fall Of Troy - F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.
118. Architects - You Don't Walk Away From Dismemberment
117. City And Colour - Sometimes (I Wish)
116. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Setting Fire to Sleeping Giant
115. Lostprophets - The Fake Sound of Progress
114. Goldie Lookin Chain - Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do
113. Reuben - Let's Stop Hanging Out
112. Jenny Owen Youngs - If I Didn't Know
111. Pendulum - Propane Nightmares
110. The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love
109. Fall Out Boy - Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
108. Britney Spears – Toxic
107. Frank Turner - The Real Damage
106. The Lost Patrol - Alright
105. Eminem - Stan (Feat. Dido)
104. The Streets - Lets push things forward
103. Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
102. Weezer - Hash Pipe
101. Eagles Of Death Metal - I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News)
100. Reuben - Shambles (Long Version)
99. Alexisonfire - Young Cardinals
98. Taking Back Sunday - Cute Without The E
97. The Holiday Plan – Stories
96. Million Dead - I Gave My Eyes To Stevie Wonder
95. Hundred Reasons - Casual Friday
94. Beyonce - Crazy In Love (Feat Jay-Z)
93. Misery Signals - Weight Of The World
92. Rihanna - Umbrella (Feat Jay Z)
91. Funeral For A Friend - Recovery
90. Brand New - Jude Law And A Semester Abroad
89. 65daysofstatic – Awaitrescue
88. Blakfish - Jeremy Kyle Is A Marked Man
87. Queens Of The Stone Age - You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire
86. Bayside - I And I
85. Devil Sold His Soul - Like It's Your Last
84. Sikth - Bland Street Bloom
83. Mastodon - Blood and Thunder
82. The Killers - All These Things That I've Done
81. Every Time I Die - Ebolarama
80. The Futureheads - A To B
79. The Coral - Dreaming Of You
78. Justin Timberlake - My Love ft T.I & Timbaland
77. Queens Of The Stone Age - No One Knows
76. Saves The Day - At Your Funeral
75. Bomb The Music Industry! - I Don't Love You Anymore
74. Beloved - Insult To Injury
73. Comeback Kid - Wake The Dead
72. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
71. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip - Letter From God To Man
70. Take A Worm For A Walk Week - Whip It (Devo Cover)
69. Paramore - Misery Business
68. Reuben - Song For Saturday
67. Taking Back Sunday - Make damn sure
66. Finch - Worms of the Earth
65. Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc
64. Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek
63. Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache
62. My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
61. Billy Talent - Red Flag
60. Hundred Reasons - I'll Find You
59. Million Dead - To Who It May Concern
58. Biffy Clyro - Saturday Superhouse
57. Sikth - Scent of the Obscene
56. Andrew WK - Party Hard
55. The Bled - My Assassin
54. Sigur Ros - Untitled (Njósnavélin)
53. Thrice - The Earth Will Shake
52. *Shels - The Conference Of The Birds
51. No Comply - A Waking Dream
50. Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies
49. GlassJaw - El Mark
48. Alexisonfire – Accidents
47. Take A Worm For A Walk Week - Side Effect
46. Muse - Knights Of Cydonia
45. The Hives - Hate to say I told you so
44. Feeder - Just A Day
43. Outkast - Hey Ya
42. City And Colour - The Girl
41. Jose Gonzales – Heartbeats
40. Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up, Look Sharp
39. Dragonforce - Through The Fire And Flames
38. Machine Head – Imperium
37. Iron And Wine - Such Great Heights (The Postal Service Cover)
36. Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American
35. Maybeshewill - Not For Want Of Trying
34. Colour Of Fire - Italics
33. Cursive - Staying Alive
32. The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist
31. The Stills - Gender Bombs
30. Metallica - All Nightmare Long
29. Sigur Ros – Glósóli
28. Misery Signals - Something Was Always Missing But It Was Never You
27. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
26. Thrice - The Whaler
25. This Will Destroy You - The World Is Our
24. The Mad Capsule Markets - RL (Pulse)
23. Biffy Clyro – 57
22. Less Than Jake - Gainesville Rock City
21. The Steal – Wonderstuff
20. Gogol Bordello - Start Wearing Purple
19. Down I Go - Saparmurat Niyazov
18. Anathallo - Don't Kid Yourself You Need A Physician
17. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
16. 65daysofstatic - Retreat! Retreat!
15. Lostprophets - Last Train Home
14. Reuben - Return Of The Jedi
13. Battles – Atlas
12. Anthrax - Safe Home
11. A Wilhelm Scream - The King Is Dead
10. Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life
9. System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B.
8. CSS - Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above
7. Million Dead - Living The Dream
6. Reuben - Freddy Krueger
5. New End Original – Lukewarm
4. Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad
3. Johnny Cash – Hurt
2. Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)
1. Reuben - A Short History Of Nearly Everything

The End?

2010-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

Probably not, but if this place disapears around me, I'll be surprised, considering the nature of the blog.

Just figured that if it is the end... then I should say thanks. To anyone who makes music, free or not. To anyone who decides their music is worthy of joining the free internet. To anyone who read, listened to or had a passing interest in this blog.

Thank you.
Carl

If this is still here when I come back? More Noughties 250 to come!

Hear New Music 008

2009-10-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines please...

Zip File (105Mb) | Torrent

Well then, I said it'd be a week, and it's been almost a month. I'm a terrible host. I apoligize. Although, looking back on my previous versions of HNM008 I'm glad I did, as I tore it all apart and left only the best bits in. I added more great songs, and soon had 17 super ones ready to go.

1. Pulled Apart By Horses - Super Hang-On
It's quick, it's brilliant, and it's based on a video game. What more could you ask for? It's so good I based the front cover on the same game!
BSM Autumn 2008 Sampler | Source

2. The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die
I saw The Prodigy when I was about 7 or 8 at Glastonbury and I loved it. I also love the fact that I can come back to the band 15 years later and still be impressed by them. This is a cut from their new album, and it's pretty lucky to find a band as big as this giving away songs for free. It's thanks to Clash magazine, who put together a tidy sampler which I'm sure will make another appearance down the line. In the meantime, enjoy this meaty motherfucker.
Clash Magazine Sounds Of The Summer Sampler | Source

3. Russian Circles - Malko
If there was one band I could say I'm continuosly impressed by it'd be Russian Circles. They have a sound which is hard to beat, and a great wealth of incredible musicians at their behest, including one of the best drummers alive. This song shows those skills in abundance, and proves Russian Circles as one of the best bands out there.
Mp3 | Source

4. Audrey - Big Ships
On an entirely different note, Audrey are also pretty damn impressive in their own field. Sombre, heartfelt and calming, Audrey command a whole heap of respect from me, even if just for the one guitar line that drops at 1:40. It's not big, but it is very, very clever.
Mp3 | Source

5. Gifts from Enola - Aves
And now, in the Red corner, from Post-Rockville and weighing in at a hefty 8 minutes and fifty-six seconds, Gifts From Enloa's 'Aves'. They have it all in spades. Impressive musical ability, odd-timings, Post-Rock Advanced Higher level and HND qualifications and even an Brutal Riff award from the school of *shels. They could well come out on top here.
Mp3 | Source

6. A Wilhelm Scream - Route 40 One Six
In the Blue corner, from Hardcore Alley and weighing in at a seemingly wimpy two minutes exactly, A Wilhelm Scream's B-side entry 'Route 40 One Six'. It's firey, it's brash and it's as anthemic as they've ever been, and it's a wonder why it would be left to the wayside as a B-side, and not the lead in track to their next album. It has everything that makes A Wilhelm Scream what they are, utterly impressive. Theres no telling who the winner was here, but they had a damn good time trying.
Mp3 | Source

7. These Arms Are Snakes - Riding The Grape Dragon
Latecomers to the fight, These Arms Are Snakes come out swinging. I've had this song sitting on my computer for ages without any real urge to listen. Who knows why? Maybe it's the dumb name (on both counts). Whatever reason it is, it doesn't matter, I was wrong. It's a great song and should be heralded as such.
Mp3 | Source

8. Machine Head - Aesthetics Of Hate
Machine Head are awesome. Aesthetics Of Hate is awesome. It's free. Any more reasons? Oh yeah, and it's striking back at an article by William Grim against Dimebag and fans of heavy metal citing them as 'an assemblage of ignorant, semi-human barbarians who [are] filthy in attire and manner, intellectually incoherent and above all else, hideously ugly to the point of physical deformity.' Douche.
Mp3 | Source

9. The Weakerthans - Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call
Speaking of douches, here's The Weakerthans, whose only douchey feat is writing great indie pop songs that I wish I wrote. This is no exception. This is a welcome return from a band featured on the very first Hear New Music, and a band which I continue to find lots of little things to love about. Sexy.
Mp3 | Source

10. Colour - Over The Moon
I am an idiot. Really, a fucking Idiot. What I mean by this, obviously, is that I never went to see Colour live. I mean, at the time, I was completely obvlivious to the whole Big Scary Monsters scene, but that's no excuse. I feel terrible about it, as not only from the quality of this song, but the previously featured 'Conversations' on Hear New Music 002 and the rest of the recently released free sampler on the BSM site, they seem like a band of incredible live quality, and are definitely sorely missed.
Colour Anthology Sampler | Source

11. Biffy Clyro - Mountains
You've heard it. I know you have. It's great. You know it. So do I. It's free and its Biffy and you love it. Don't complain!
Mp3 | Source

12. A Lull - Skinny Fingers
Now, for a nice wee skip through a colourful field in a bright painting captured on a summers day and hanging in a rented house. It's exactly what this song sounds like, and to me that sounds perfectly lovely. Especially right now in this cold blustery night, huddled over a keyboard, typing this very sentence. It's lovely, and it takes you right out of the moment you are in.
Mp3 | Source

13. If These Trees Could Talk - What's in the Ground Belongs to You
Post-Rockville is calling yet again, with another fantastic song to be added to repitoire. A return from the boys in ITTCT, but a hugely welcome one, with a new song straight out of the minds of geniuses with delay pedals. I see the next *shels heavy riff award going straight to these boys, with no doubt in my mind. A super song by a super band.
Mp3 | Source

14. Five Pointe O - Double X Minus
This is from one of my favourite albums that no-one has ever heard. It may be possible you've heard this song, but the album? Probably not. A one-album band, Five Pointe O turned out to be a bad signing for Roadrunner records as their career ended shortly after the release of the album. However, the album speaks for itself, and it's a band that I certainly would love to see back together.
Mp3 | Source

15. The Tupolev Ghost - Diagrams
Yes, it is a third Big Scary Monsters band. Don't moan about it, you are in fact, bloody lucky! It could have been much more! But I'll be honest, I don't see that as a bad thing. Big Scary Monsters continue to put out solidly good bands just like The Tupolev Ghost, and I can't see them stopping anytime soon. I for one, am glad. This is a fine example of the great stuff that can be found underneath the big hitters on the label, and it's just as gold underneath as it is on top. Shiny.
BSM Spring 2009 Sampler | Source

16. Eaten By Tigers - Solstice
Eaten By Tigers return! And they're very welcome to, if you ask me. Which you didn't, but I saved you the trouble. I think I'll let the incredible nine minutes of Solstice speak for itself, thank you very much.
Solstice EP Rapidshare | Source

17. Sleepingdog - Your Eyes
Some would say, 'save your best for last'. Others would weigh in with, 'Put your best foot first'. Then some douche would chime in, 'No-one is going to get to listen to the last one, they've got half hour attention spans!' I disagree with all of these. Except for the first one, which is entirely true. This song is beautiful, and I love it. You will too.
Gizeh Records 2009 Sampler | Source

G'night folks.

Til Next Time,

Carl

007 Single

2009-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

A Big Scary Monsters band this week, Mutiny On The Bounty. They are of sound mind and the music is top banana.

What more could you ask?

Jam it in your ears, kids.

Go To FileFactory.com

1. 1, 2, 3, 4, I Declare A Thumb War
2. Call Me Cheesus
3. Cruz Canelaria

Source: Go to http://www.bsmrocks.com/friend/ and Sign up for that and many more MP3s

Til next time, Which is very very soon...
Carl

Torrent Problems

2009-09-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Trackers all changed and I had to re-upload!

Until I update the links, they are available right here: http://www.mininova.org/user/hearnewmusic

Cheers!

Music explosion!

2009-08-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Further renovations to Hear New Music...

-All the Streams are back up now, so you can get back to listening to that.

-The singles now all have streams.

-The zip file for Hear New Music 001 is being uploaded as we speak. (And now it's done!)

Still working on the next few HNM related items, but I'll keep you posted!

Til' next time,
Fuck A Jesus

Carl

Zip files!

2009-08-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

When I was uploading HNM007's Zip file, I noticed 003 + 004 were gone! They are back now!

001 is gone as well... but I haven't done that one yet. However, the Torrents are all still up and running! I just need to be online, as not many others seed.

So, 001 Zip coming soon, 007 Single coming soon, HNM008 to follow in a few weeks! Woop Woop!

Hear New Music 007

2009-08-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Zip (105Mb) | Torrent

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night! It has been way too long since I uploaded one of these, and I had begun to get the shakes. Not only am I pretty chuffed with the cover above, I'm also quite pleased with the final tracklisting. Now, usually, Hear New Music compilations run at 18 or 19 tracks, and that's more often than not becuase of the few post-rock songs I get in there. Weirdly enough, this 22 track extravaganza features more post-rock than any previous ones! Go figure. Maybe Post-rockers are getting lazy?

Now, the cover! I took this from concept art from a very brilliant game, edited out some stuff and added the flourish of colours. If anyone can guess the game, they may just get a prize! The answer will be revealed at 007 Single, which will be aroundabout a week.

1. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Panasonic Youth
Since it's been a while, I figured the best way to get back on your good side was with some ear-rape. Why not? They do it better than the rest, and only occasionally make a mess. It's hardcore, but not as you know it. It's spazzcore, but better than you've ever heard before. It's also Jazz, but not in the fruity Belgian way. Just listen, and make up your own mind; Good or bad? Interesting tidbit, Originally, The Dillinger Escape Plan had Mike Patton of Faith No More fame destroying the vocals, but in truth, he was only used as a template to the kind of sound they wanted from a vocalist. To be honest, I don't think they did too badly at all!

MP3 | Source

2. Mutiny On The Bounty - 1, 2, 3, 4, I Declare A Thumb War
The second half of the one-two punch that Hear New Music Seven is delivering, Mutiny On The Bounty are one of the newest signings for my favorite indie label, Big Scary Monsters. It seems like ever band that Big Scary Monsters touches turns to gold. Who knows, maybe they were like this before? All I know, is tthat hey come at you with a hardcore energy most commonly found in the sea-beast that A Wilhelm Scream, and bring a pop-rock and math-rock senseability to it too. Eqsuisute!

MP3 | Source

3. This Is Picture - Every Copied Step
This band, I just cannot explain. This two minute song has been in my good and bad books since I heard it about a month ago. Originally I hated it's composure, but oddly found myself humming it at random moments, and with a second and third and fourth listen, I was overcome with a sense of shame at not realising just how good it was in the first place, followed by joy that I had changed my mind. I'm sorry, This Is Picture, I promise I won't ever do it again.

Juicebox Compilation Zip | Source

4. Lymbyc Systym - Truth Skull
Now, you're in for a treat. I don't know if this has happened yet (and if it has, I'd be the last person to know about it) but I think this would make a great beat for a rap song, especially the incredible piano riff in the middle. Putting that to one side, Lymbyc Systym are pretty much the top band for post rock that comes with a light brainand electronic heart, and I love them for it. Get in on fool!

MP3 | Source

5. Finch - Daylight
I know who Finch are, you probably know who Finch are, most people who know anything about the Noughties 'Emo' movement know that these kids were one of the transistioning bands between bands like Jimmy Eat World and bands not unlike Hawthorne Heights. Although, they may not have been happy about it. After their first Emo-tastic album, they came out with an explicitly heavy and un-emo blast in the face called 'Worms Of The Earth' and followed that up with the dark and brilliant second album 'Say Hello To Sunshine'. After that, they split up. For about 11 months. And then they slapped their new self-titled EP down from the heavens like God to Moses. It used elements from all three corners of their previously established sound, and brought them all together to give you this master example of awesomeness. ARE YOU STILL HERE? GET THIS SHIT PLAYED!

Finch EP Zip | Source

6. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Anchors Dropped
Not only does this band sound like they are sea-fareing pop rock, the song is called Anchors Dropped. Clue? Of course. I haven't heard much by these guys, but with this as an example, how could you not want to hear more? A swinging beat and a tremendous guitar lick, it's very easy to get into, so why not do it?

MP3 | Source

7. My Spacecoaster - I Don't Care
Wether it has elements of Radio friendly rock or not, I still love this little ditty. In fact, that could be the whole reason I do love it! They go much further beyond the comfortable radio rock style and create something that's very edgy, all the while keeping the fun pop energy that could so easily have been lost in a haze. It's a fun fucking song!

Lujo Records 2009 Sampler Zip | Source

8. Cursive - From The Hips
I only have one Cursive album, but damn it's a good one. 'The Ugly Organ' is an outstanding work of songwriting and lyrical skill, and with their follow up 'Happy Hollow' they try and do everything they can to capture that same essence and wealth, but unfortunately, fall just short. With this new song from their most recent album, it seems that they have recaptured the fire that made them so worthwhile, the same fire they lost when cellist Gretta Cohn left the band. The song is booming with feeling and energy, and it will have you tapping you're toes until they bleed. Sexy.

MP3 | Source

9. Rhian Sheehan - Standing in Silence Part 3
And... relax. All thanks for this song being brought to our ears is due to the brilliant Silent Ballet, who continue to bring you the best in underappreciated Post Rock music. It's electronic, it's analogue, and it's like a kids xylophone chior, all in one. It's very easy to get lost in Rhian Sheehan's music, and drift off into a different existance, so make sure to tie yourself to something sturdy.

MP3 | Source

10. The Second Hand Marching Band - Lies
In intrest of fairness, I should mention that my brother in law plays Violin for these cats. Now, maybe I'm biased, but I kinda think that The Second Hand Marching Band are pretty damn good. So instead of saying any more, I'll leave you with their lovely tune, and let you decide. Remind yourself to come back and tell me, yeah?

A Dance To Half Death EP Zip | Source

11. Frank Turner - Photosynthesis
Ah Frank, you are a good man. First of all, he was in a pretty amazing post-hardcore named Million Dead, which I can't get enough of, and now, he's three albums deep into an acoustic solo career. This track from his second album, shows just how good this man is. With big rousing choruses and a pretty brilliant live show, Frank Turner is a one man riot, quelled only by an acoustic guitar. He's one of those guys that you meet and then tell your friends 'he's a cool dude,' because he is.

Warped Tour Epitaph Sampler Zip | Source

12. Lemuria - Mechanical
This is the first song I've heard from Lemuria, and I couldn't be more enthused to hear more. If only I weren't skint! Anyway, enough about me. It's a great pop-rock tinged, whistle filled, girl fronted, guitar fueled, big drum sounding, warm, killer song. Why are you reading this and not ordering their album right now? Because you're scared, that's why. What if the rest of the album isn't this good? What if I spend 5 quid/euros/bucks/wonga on it and it's not good?! I could use that for take out! Well, you'd be making a mistake. Apparently, it is that good, and you need to take a leap of faith. DO IT!

~~MP3~~ | Source

13. Maybeshewill - Co-Conspirators
Appoligies for the hopefully rousing speech before, I was listening to Maybeshewill and my mind thought that buying the Lemuria CD was imperitve to human survival for a second. It might not be, but Maybeshewill on the other hand... probably isn't either. But it is a good idea! Wether it's their debut album, a song from which can be found on HNM001, or their epic 2009 follow up, 'Sing The Word Hope In Four-Part Harmony' it's all worth it. They write some of the most epic electronic fueled post-rock since the begining of time.

MP3 | Source

14. Killswitch Engage - The End Of Heartache
I once wrote myself a note when I was writing the idea for this blog down. It went a little something like this 'If you find The End Of Heartache by Killswitch Engage available for free download, immediately make it available! Who knows, maybe there's one person out there, downloading your latest compalation who doesn't know of the brilliance that Killswitch, and indeed, one of their finest songs. The joy you might bring them is unfathomable.' No further explanation necessary.

MP3 | Source

15. New Found Glory - Don't Let Her Pull You Down
Of course, I would have written the same thing about New Found Glory, but I still wasn't sure that their new album would delived such bangers as this, instead of the utter bollocks we got from their last proper album 'Coming Home'. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but after the brilliance of the rest of their catalogue, 'Coming Home' was a huge letdown. Thankfully, NFG are back to their faster and more energetic roots, as this song will dutifully show you!

Warped Tour Epitaph Sampler Zip | Source

16. Matt And Kim - Yea Yeah
Matt and Kim for the win! Not only are Matt and Kim the nicest people I've ever met, they also make music like this, which is awesome. Yeah? Yeah!

MP3 | Source

17. Codes in the Clouds - We Anchor In Hope
Another song from the recent trio of releases from The Silent Ballet, Codes in the Clouds keep post rock how they must like it, lean, mean, and with tons of delay. It would be hard to be a post rock band without delay. It makes the whole genre work!

MP3 | Source

18. Flight of the Conchords - Hurt Feelings
A return for Flight Of The Conchords to Hear New Music and possibly to their rapper alter-egos Hiphopopotamus and Rhymenoceros. In truth, season two of the show was nowhere near as good as the incredible first season, it did however, feature some of the best songs that the Flight Of The Conchords have written yet. This one is no exeption. "The day after my birthday isn't my birthday mum!"

Sub Pop Cybersex 2009 Sampler Zip | Source

19. Every Time I Die - The Marvelous Slut
It's short, it's sweet, and it's Every Time I Die with a new song. Cause for celebration? Hopefully, while they may be on the odd number album (Every Time I Die are somehow better on even numbered albums) this sounds like a bit of a winner. It could be that they have broken out of their even-album-only good streak and bust a hole in my theory... only time (and hearing the album itself) will tell...

Warped Tour Epitaph Sampler Zip | Source

20. Ahleuchatistas - Lacerate
When looking for 3 minutes to 'fill time' as it where on HNM007, my first port of call was the ever wonderful Ahleuchatistas. Of course, I've had them on before, and this isn't new, so I've technically broken my own rules! Oh well, when it's this good, who cares?! Ahleuchatistas, back with a second heart attack of good times. There's loads more at their website.

MP3 | Source

21. Look Mexico - You're Not Afraid of the Dark Are You?
When I heard this, I was immediately drawn in by the warmth and pop senseability, but stayed for the thundering drums and lovely vocals. And who wouldn't? Look Mexico are a charming wee band, with a grand sense of songwriting.

Lujo 2009 Sampler Zip | Source

22. Saxon Shore - Nothing Changes
But of course, everything finishes at some point. For HNM that finish comes in the shape of Saxon Shore. This song could litterally be the best thing you've ever heard. It's certainly the quietest... or is it?

MP3 | Source

And there you have it!

Til' next time,
Carl

Coming soon...

2009-07-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Phew! Busy month! I have been to Edinbugh International Film Festival, I've been to Paris and I've been to work!

There are not one, but two HNM compilations in the pipes. I'm not dead yet!

Keep watching the skies!

Carl

006 Single

2009-04-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

There's a great little Irish band who rock harder than hell. I've already had them on 2 Hear New Music's and I couldn't think of a better choice for the single. It's time for double A-side single numero dos. When looking for a picture for this kind of thing, I look for a picture of the band, but since one of them doesn't want his face shown, I guess Photos of the band are pretty much not happening either. This is a picture of a man with a tattoo of the band...

Mental. Enjoy the math-rock madness ahead!

1. You Me
2. Jump Cut
3. Snakehips
4. Horse

Back soon,
Carl

Hear New Music 006

2009-03-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Zip (97Mb) | Torrent

Welcome back! It's been a while. The new Hear New Music is here and it's all good. Hope you enjoy it!

1. Adebisi Shank - You Me
A welcome re-visit for the Irish boys in Adebisi Shank, this time from their album 'This is the album of a band called Adebisi Shank'. (It's math rock, of course they couldn't just self-title it!) It's a great, simplistic mind-warp of undone song structure and non-riffery to the max. It's exactly why I love them and exactly why I couldn't resist a second visist for them to HNM.
Mp3 | Source

2. Stapleton - From Wood To Ridge
I found this lurking on an old Big Scary Monsters Mp3 page, which I found odd since their releases were handeled by Banquet Records/Gravity DIP. Of course, I only found it odd for a second or two before realising it didn't matter because the song is bloody great. Hailing from Glasgow, they do have Biffy-lite feeling about them (which is no bad thing) and sound like a band I want to hear more of. (Another great reason to join Friend Of The Family!)
Mp3 | Source

3. Guided By Voices - Teenage FBI
This song was on the original, first season soundtrack to Buffy The Vampire Slayer (stay with me) while having never featured in the show. It was odd, but it really got me into some of their stuff, especially the album this is from 'Do The Collapse', having found this song on their website along with many of their others was a great thing, and I would recommend going and checking out more of their stuff.
Mp3 | Source

4. Bon Iver - Skinny Love
This is a band I've just started getting into, thanks to my dad and Calum, the drummer in my band We, The Last Men hyping them up so much. Having found this at Jagjagwar records website was awesome, especially since I just happened to be there looking for Parts and Labor. Enjoy it, and use it as a leaping pad to buying the album, it's well worth it.
Mp3 | Source

5. Bad Religion - Supersonic
This is a super-fast song that I heard years ago when I was very heavily into Bad Religion. It's short, it's sweet, and it packs a punch. It's definitely worth checking out at least half of BR's huge back catalogue, before deciding you've fallen for them.
Mp3 | Source

6. New Mexican Disaster Squad - Tightrope
Another super-fast punk rock song now, one that packs just as much punch too. I heard this a few years back and it really impressed on me like no other Punk band would at the time. It's from an album thats well worth your time listening to called 'Don't Believe', so do it, or... don't.
Mp3 | Source

7. From Monument To Masses. - To Z (Repeat)
And now for the opisite. I've just recently gotten into this band with the help of 65daysofstatic's remix of this very track, and it's really paid off because everything I've heard has blown me away. This is no exception. Charging ahead like a Battles live show, but staying melodic like a Post-rock band who like Post-Hardcore music is what this band does best. This is a fine example of a genre at it's best.
Mp3 | Source

8. Fang Island - Curuga
Again, having found this on an old Big Scary Monsters Mp3 page is odd, considering they were released by Corleone Records in the states, but no bad thing! Another great band, and another great song, who am I to argue? This one is excitement contained within instrumental music, and I wouldn't be surprised if Andrew WK was helming the piano either!
Mp3 | Source

9. Yndi Halda - Dash And Blast
This one takes some patience. While it's a great post-rock overture that moves from one movement to the next with style and orchestral class, it is fifteen minutes long, and it really does all the 'talking' itself. Sit back, relax, and get taken away to new heights, by dash and blast.
Mp3 | Source

10. Copy Haho - Shooting At The Sky
Welcome back, I hope you enjoyed your trip. Now for something completely different. Copy Haho hail from bonnie Scotland, and reside on Big Scary Monsters huge seeming label that encompasses some of the best music around. Copy Haho took a little longer for me to catch onto, but now that I'm caught, I ain't getting thrown. It's pop, it's indie, and it's quintessentially BSM. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Mp3 | Source

11. Coheed And Cambria - Welcome Home
Alright, so everybody and their granny knows this song, but it's just so darn good, that I don't care. Get it on, turn the speakers up loud and rock the fuck out.
Mp3 | Source

12. Scarlet - Untitled
I heard this song years ago when Scarlet first appeared on the scene, and was just blown away by the sheer thundering unrelentlessness power of the sound. Of course, after album number one, it all went sour and their second album is generic hardcore 101, but to this day 'Cult Classic' remains a firm favorite in my CD collection. It's a shame that this WAS always meant to fall apart...
Mp3 | Source

13. And None of Them Knew They Were Robots - Victory as a Drug
A great little song I heard years ago, which I recently found on Last.fm along with the bands entire juicy back catalogue too, and it just felt right to share it here too.
Mp3 | Source

14. Wintermute - Dead or Not He Was Wearing Sunglasses
A new member of the Big Scary Monsters family, this is a new song too, which has just been released on the BSM site for free, which is a great thing, considering it's brilliant. I'm completely taken with this band, and can't wait to hear more from them. Enjoy it, savor it and come back for more.
Mp3 | Source

15. Maps And Atlases - Every Place Is A House
This song is brillaint. It just goes BOOM and you don't really know where you are, and them you're over there when you thought you were still here. Wow, it's sheer power that a song can have to make you think you aren't who you thought you were, but this is that song. That tapping riff just just goes thoughout the whole song, and takes over your fingers. You will love the confusion and awesomeness.
Mp3 | Source

16. Funeral For A Friend - 10:45 Amsterdam Conversations
Who doesn't know this band? But are you familiar with this song? If not, you can thank me later. This is a brillaint song from their 2002 debut EP 'Between Order And Model'. It's packed full of punch and energy, which may be dwindelling in the boys as of late, but can be found in spades in earlier material. If you don't love the last minute of this song, I may have to divorce you.
Mp3 | Source

17. Pennines - Open Closed Open
Yet another song from that Big Scary Monsters Mp3 page that I clearly love too much. This time however, I can't find any other label they are associated with. Good news for BSM, because this, and the ajoining tracks on their myspace show Pennines as a band to check out (which I shall shortly be doing). Get to it.
Mp3 | Source

18. Lack - Traktor
And let's finish how we started, with a little bit of 'eh?' and 'awesome.' I haven't heard a lot by this band, in fact, this song is all I've heard, but if it all sound as fucking brillant as this does, it definitey requires further investigation. Bloody brutal.
Mp3 | Source

Til' next time,
Carl

005 Single

2009-02-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

When I first featured Bomb The Music Industry! I toyed with having them as the single. The only reason I didn't is because they had a huge repitoir of music available online, which I hadn't sucessfully gotten through all of. With 5 albums and a split for free on the internet, I just didn't have the time. Now that I've wasted a great few more months listening to music, I've got a better idea of how to approach this one. So without further ado, Hear New Music 005's single is from none other than...

Bomb The Music Industry!

This one, however, is more of a super-inflated Double A single, up to the proportion of about 7 songs, just due to the sheer size and wealth of their back-catalogue. Enjoy!

1. Fresh Attitude, Young Body
2. I Don't Love You Anymore
3. Big Plans Of Sleeping In
4. Brian Wilson Says SMiLE A.K.A. Beard Of Defiance
5. Depression Is No Fun
6. 25!!!
7. Fuck The Fans
Bonus: Saddr Weirdr (Live on the pink couch at If You Make It)

Enjoy! All this stuff all comes from the Quote Unquote Records albums page. GO MENTAL AND DOWNLOAD EVERYTHING.

HNM006 super-fast!
Carl

Teeth!

2009-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

A few wee bits and bobs.

-For some reason the torrents won't work. Something about time out. No idea, but I shall try my hardest to get it back to perfect.
-Hear New Music 001 disapeared for a bit. I think it was because I added a tag and clicked save draft instead of publish. Odd.
-It's snowing! That has nothing to do with HNM I just like it.
-65daysofstatic gave their website a big haul, and the audio went away. Theres a few unavoidable edits to their 001 Single.

Thats about it. Keep your eyes peeled for 005 Single, and the concurrent HNM006!

C.

A Viral.

2009-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

We, The Last Men

Hear New Music 005

2009-01-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

Zip (100mb) | Torrent

Games are good. So is music. So are films. So is life. Life is good. Enjoy these ponderings and more while attempting to keep sane and enjoy this CD I've made. Yum.

And just so you know, I hate you Whit Prowdy.

1. Death From Above - Dead Womb
What a lovely title. Back when the now split Death From Above 1979 used to be simply Death From Above, I saw them supporting The Futureheads at a polish social club in Glasgow. With members or Mogwai and Franz Ferdinand in this tiny converted living room watching two sweaty men bash their instruments in disco rock movements, I knew that this was a classic from the beginning. It was, and remains in my top ten gigs ever. This song represents their earlier, faster and nuttier side incredibly well.
Mp3 | Source

2. Envy - Further ahead of warp
Now, following that up with Japanese Hardcore Post-Rock may seem odd, but I love it. The subdued vocals with wraparound warm sound followed by the brash and abrasive vocals is just a great difference from the usual, but not without breaking it's original feeling. It's a great take, and even though I can't understand Japanese I feel like I understand this... in my own way.
Mp3 | Source

3. Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen
I'll be honest, when I first heard Holy Fuck, I wasn't impressed. Then I saw them at Pukkelpop 2008 and danced like a maniac for an hour. It's the kind of music that always struggles to sound as impressive on CD as it does live, but hopefully this gives you a good enough introduction to the band to seek them out, and wear out your shoes on the dancefloor.
Mp3 | Source

4. This Town Needs Guns - Baboon
Yes, I know, it's yet another Big Scary Monsters band. But I wasn't overly impressed when I first heard these guys in 2008. Only with time, and the right couple of songs (Baboon being one) was I brought to their slightly more dulled twinkly sound. Though I haven't yet, I'm very tempted to get the 'Animals' album, along with Mimas 'The Worries' in the BSM Friend Of The Family deal. Yes, indeed. You should too.
Big Scary Monsters Summer 2008 Sampler | Source (you may need to join FOTF, but it's free!)

5. If These Trees Could Talk - Signal Tree
When you say the words post-rock, what does your mind conjure up? For me it's something like this, only with one distinct difference. It's slow. Yes, this is an up tempo post-rock experience which beats off rivals and joins the heroes of the genre. It's inventive in it's own right, yet also keeps a firm hold on everything that makes post-rock what it is.
Cavity Records/Mylene Sheath 2008 Sampler | Source

6. Athlete - In Between 2 States
I can't believe it either. I stumbled onto Athlete's purevolume page and was about to leave it when I noticed that they had this song up for download. I figured, why not, it can't hurt, they aren't that bad! I was entirely surprised. It seems Athlete have been listening to post-rock and electronica quite a lot, as their delicate indie style has been infused with a great sense of warmth and power, siphoned off quite well from the aforementioned genres. Well done Althlete.
Mp3 | Source

7. Saviours - Holy Slaughter
See this band live. Do it. Find out where they are playing and go. They are a great live band I've only had the fortune to see once, and when I did I immediately ran over to the merch table and bought their debut album 'Crucifire'. It's heavy, but not overly so, with a sense of Black Sabbath taking on any and all bands with Josh Homme in them, with Mastodon as the judicators. Bloody brilliant.
Mp3 | Source

8. Grampall Jookabox - The Girl Ain't Preggers
I played this for my mum, and she said it sounded like a mix between Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem and Gnarls Barkley. If you think that sounds good, you've come to the right place! It's minimalist style is impressive in it's incredibleness, making a sound you aren't likely to hear anywhere else right now. The bass is raw, the drums are handclaps, a tambourine and cymbals, and the melodic refrain comes from two xylophones. What more could you ask for?

Mp3 | Source

9. The Blood Brothers - Cecilia And The Silhouette Saloon
I played this song for my mum and she said 'I like the bass, but the rest of it is rubbish.' Eh, she was wrong, on both counts as that's a moog synth and it's great. Of course, Blood Brothers have their niche, and if you didn't like them before, you won't now. While the quality of their albums varies greatly from disc to disc, they have two stunners which are well worth checking out. This is from the earliest of the two, and while I'd have preferred to put 'Fucking's Greatest Hits' on here, this little beaut' was readily available.
Mp3 | Source

10. Parts And Labor - Fractured Skies
Originally when I searched the internet for this song, I must not have been putting much effort in, as when I stumbled onto the goldmine that is Jagjaguwar Records, I found that they were hiding the Mp3 away on their Mp3 page, of all places. Who would look there?! Still, I'm very happy to be bringing you this incredible song which should fire it's way through your ears like a rocket before exploding like an incredibly good... rocket song. It's fast post-punk rhythms and noise-ridden guitars contrast the almost entirely upbeat sounding horns and vocals to create an incredible tension and shake that no other song seems to be able to muster. Incredible.
Mp3 | Source

11. Push-Pull - Wrapped Her In Horsepower
The only reason I looked up this band is because they did a split EP with Hear New Music alumni Prizzy Prizzy Please inspiringly titled 'PPPPPEP', but I'm glad I did as this song is just sheer noisy brilliance. It's all noise for half the song, then a huge melodic sensibility bounds and almost gains control of the band, before it all goes to pot and noise wins with a knockout punch. Brilliant, a song with a fight in the instruments, I love it when a plan comes... er... apart.
Joyful Noise 2009 Sampler | Source

12. Bomb The Music Industry! - Fresh Attitude, Young Body
Right then, If you look back, you will find that BTMI! did appear on HNM001 and you may be perplexed as to rules regarding reusing of bands, considering the word New in the title of this blog. Well, this song is new, and I am governing myself quite harshly on situations like this. A gap of at least 3 HNMs needs to be between the same band appearing, and at that, only 2 of the bands on that previous HNM can be reused. However, it won't be that frequent anyway. Back to the song. I love this song. It's great, chaotic, melodic, energetic, upbeat, but still with a melancholy sensibility about it, which is the epitome of why I love Bomb The Music Industry! That, and they give all their great music away for free too! Which is nice of them.
Quote Unquote Records 2009 Sampler | Source

13. Laura Stevenson and the Cans - Baby Bones
Also hailing from the Quote Unquote Records family Laura Stevenson has opted to give her music away too, which can only be a good this for the world, considering this song and the album it appears on. It's acoustic melodies and lovely vocals will lull you into a false sense of security before her friends (The Cans) come up behind you with a brass band to take you on an entirely lovely journey. Ahh... lovely.
Mp3 | Source

14. Itch - Do You Know What Fear Is
This is one of the Big Scary Monsters bands that I didn't get at first, but in the end, had me going back for listen after listen, with it growing on me each and every time. It's ended up here, so clearly it's worked! Give it your time and love and you may find it's a great song. Because, well, it is! Especially with an ending like that. Enjoy!
Mp3 | Source

15. Kalpana - This Dead Horse
An entirely different kettle of fish, Kalpana thrust themselves neatly into a post-rock setting with their lovely melodies and slow-building sound, but take charge of the genre at that moment, and create a haunting sound that will wash over you like a breaze, before a thunderstorm begins to build over your head to bring you something you weren't expecting on this most lovely of days. It's a great song.
Mp3 | Source

16. Valina - Phantom Of My Longest Day
When you've got about a hundred songs in front of you, how do you pick what song to listen to first? I randomly picked this gem out of a crowd of that size or bigger and found myself washed away by it's post-punk pull, and it's sinister push, before being swept away by it's almost Cursive-like second half. It's a great little effort, and I'll surely be checking out more from them very soon.
Mp3 | Source

17. Remembering Never - From My Cold Dead Hands
You know what, no matter how much I try and kid myself that I don't like heavy music any more, I just can't do it. There are some times when the quiet stuff, the slow-building stuff, the off-tempo stuff just can't cut it. And that's when I come crawling back to music like this. It's energetic, powerful, not entirely melodic, and it cuts straight to the point. Thank you for the relief from the relief Remembering Never.
Mp3 | Source

18. Anathallo - Don't Kid Yourself You Need A Physician
Now, I couldn't recall where this Mp3 came from for a long time, but I was sure it was Big Scary Monsters, purely because of it's very BSM sound. I was entirely wrong. On the other side of the Atlantic, Anthallo were waiting patiently to figure it out, as this song is incredible. It is my current 'Best song of 2009' and while I'm sure that will change during the year, It is still going to be there in the end. Love it, live it, get it now.
Mp3 | Source

19. Reuben - Shambles
The only way I could possibly follow up my current Best song of 2009 is with my favourite band of all time, Reuben. I fear that there is no band that will take there spot, which always leaves me sad, knowing that the 'hiatus' the band are currently on is a little more permanent than it sounds. I love Reuben, and I always will, get to know them so that if and when they come back, everyone will know what an incredible band they are.
Mp3 | Source

Til next time,
Carl.

004 Single

2009-01-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

This could seem like I'm taking the easy road out... and I am... but I really do think this was the best EP I heard in 2008.

Mansions -Mr. Boddy EP

1. OMG
2. I Swear
3. Never Enuff
4. Last To Leave
It's a Zip file! Unzip and enjoy!

Hooray! That was easy! And it's not as if it's not phenomenal as well!

Hear New Music 005 is just getting put together just now, and I am so happy with it! I've found some killer stuff.

Til' Next Time
Carl

Hear New Music 004

2008-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

I know, it's been a while.

Zip (94mb) | Torrent

Shall we get started? This conversation has gotten a little awkward. By the way, everyone chose Dennis right?

1. A Wilhelm Scream - The Rip
How better to start than by ripping out your jugular with one big chord, and then dance on your body with deuling guitars? I mean, it's just perfect. Apart from the dying. Anyway, this is a great quick song from the excellent live band A Wilhelm Scream, who I recently caught tearing up a stage in Belgium. Those Belgians are crazy! In the nice way.
MP3 | Source

2. Eaten By Tigers - Secrets of the Plains
This is a seemingly internet only song from the London band who I just can't get enough of. I bought their EP online and proudly wear the badges they sent at every oppertunity. I cannot praise this band enough. For lack of disriptive words, they sound like Errors having tea with 65daysofstatic while eating up a healthy diet of This Will Destroy You. What more could you ask for? Oh, a side dish of genocide.
MP3 | Source

3. Turbonegro - All My Friends Are Dead
When you think about it, which I clearly didn't, this isn't the best song to put after a song about genocide, but it's just too good. "All my friends are dead, they got kicked in the head, All my friends are dead." Cheerful bunch. Well, actually they kinda are! If you've ever seen Turbonegro live, and you should, you will know that they bring the party! Even to Belgium!
MP3 | Source

4. Alexisonfire - Accidents
An 'oldie' but a goodie. Okay, so it's not that old, maybe five years? It doesn't matter, it's a great song, and one of their best, especially live. Thw whoa-oh-oh's are oh-so perfect, yet don't feel overly faked, especially in a song about (what one can only assume) a song about life and death in the ER. Great song.
MP3 | Source

5. No Trigger - More To Offer
Here's another great song. You know a band are good when you see them supporting a band you love (A Wilhelm Scream at King Tuts in Glasgow), and buy their album almost immediately after the show. It was a great choice, as the album is incredible, as this song well represents. If you get the chance, catch this band live.
MP3 | Source

6. Russian Circles - Death Rides A Horse
Russian Circles are as close to brilliance as any band could be. They have post-metal/rock brilliance simmering under their guitar fiddleing and bass and drums thundering. Add all that to great riffs and incredible song writing and you have one of the best bands out now. Imagine Mastodon jamming without singing and you might get it.
MP3 | Source

7. Errors - National Prism
Remember how I described Eaten By Tigers way back there? Yeah, well this is the band I meant. Errors hail from Glasgow, and I have a bigger link to the band than you'd ever have guessed. My mum did Steev's hair for his prom due to the fact that that he's friends with my sister. And now they're this good a band. Who would've thought it? Not me! A great song, by a great band.
MP3 | Source

8. Lost on Purpose - Friends
Now lets bring the tone back down. Firstly, in music terms, and secondly, in lyrical content. Yet again, let us welcome back singing about your friends as they die. "It won't be long until our friends are dead." Aww, how nice. Still, this is one of the best acoustic songs I've ever heard, so y'know... fuck it.
MP3 | Source

9. Mansions - OMG
This young boy is hailed as the next big acoustic star, and rightly so, with his great free EP Mr Boddy circulating over at Punknews.org. The EP is so good I listened to it 3 times in a row, and still had no idea which song to pick for this. I opted for this one purely because I love the triple guitar in the midddle, and anyone who doesn't? Well then, tough luck!
Mr. Boddy EP Zip | Source

10. Pompeii - Rabbit Ears
See, theres this thing I can't find. Does america have indie bands? If they do, they're probably from the UK, or sound like this band. Which, for me, is a great reason to go and live in the states. If this truely is what American Indie sounds like, I'd like to do a swap, America can have our terrible scene, while we steal their incedible one, starting with Pompeii. Yes, please.
Eyeball Awareness 3 Compolation Zip | Source

11. Attica! Attica! - A Dirge For The Underground
I don't know much about this band, in fact I'm not sure where this Mp3 came from (it was the Red Leader Records site). What I do know is that they sound like Alkaline Trio when they wrote good music, compared to now when they are boring. Plus, they have this great vocal section in the middle which is just fraking brilliant.
Red Leader Records Sampler 2008 Zip | Source

12. 31 Knots - Compass Commands
Another band I think I randomly downloaded from Fat Wreck, this one are killer. They have a great swagger and drunken caberet feel with the simple piano clicking into place with a great vocal lead and brilliant sounding guitars. Check it out, now.
MP3 | Source

13. Walking Concert - What's Your New Thing
I heard this song years ago, and I loved it. I actively seeked this one out so I could share its brilliance with you. Just a quick, simple, american Indie style. Enjoy.
MP3 | Source

14. Panthers - We Are Louder
Again, I knew of this song previously, and thought I could really blow your faces off with it. If you don't like the start, hang in there, it's not just noise. It's a slow building lumbering huge epic. Crazy, right? Truely, they are "getting, louder." (A general note, this song should have come from Epic records site, but that link didn't work, after a bit of searching, I found it on download.com which said it was from Vice records themselves. Going slightly outside my own boundries, but who cares? It's christmas!)
MP3 | Source

15. Architects - Always
This is basically the only metal you're getting this time, so enjoy it! Architects were great when they brought their debut album 'Nightmares' out, and even though this one took a longer time to impress on me, especially with the new vocalist, it's hefty brilliant. It has all those elements that made them the best Metal band in britain when they first came out. Post-rock hints, chug-a-thon beatdown, great lyrics and an altogether Misery Signals-esque sound, which is never ever bad.
Century Media Fall Sampler 2008 Zip | Source

16. You.May.Die.in.the.Desert - Can I Get More Steel in My Monitors
Of course, there comes a time in a CD when you need to wind down. But this isn't it. No, this near seven minute post-rock/odd timing funk-rock song keeps the party going just a little bit longer. It's Battles inviting Ahleuchatistas to rock out with them and Shels, who brought along their buddies This Will Destroy You. Ahhhh, what a lovely tea party.
MP3 | Source

17. Elliott Smith - Twilight
Now, lets start winding down with an oldie from acoustic genius Elliot Smith. This song is just incredible. I love it. You will too. And it blends seemlessly into the last song.
MP3 | Source

18. Red Sparowes - Alone And Unaware, The Landscape Was Transformed In Front Of Our Eyes.
I've loved this song for years. Even if I can't get into Red Sparowes as much as I'd like, this song always remains on playlists, tapes, mp3 players and CDs no matter what. I love this big pretty song, and it is my pleasure to share the love further with you. Post-rock at it's finest.
MP3 | Source

Till next time.
Carl

003 Single

2008-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

These great bands just keep on giving.

Especially this one:

Defiance, Ohio

While it was easy to pick Defiance, Ohio as the Single, it was hard to pick specific tracks. They share so many, and I couldn't find one I didn't like. Yes, even without the support of a label like Quote Unquote, Defiance, Ohio share all their music online. I love the internet.

1. The List
2. The Years, The Fears, The Sleep
3. The Year

Bonus: Hair Pool (live)

More MP3s!

There's this great little website called If You Make It where bands come to the site runners house, sit on a pink couch, and play a song. You, the viewer, can watch all of these songs via the magic of recorded video and the internet. In an interesting twist, they also share music. Not only the Mp3s from these sessions, but recently entire albums! The bonus song here is a great new song from the band when they added their bottoms to the pink couch.

004 has been prodding me saying 'release me!' so I'll get to it soon! Hopefully before christmas.

Till then,
Carl

Reuben top 25 part two.

2008-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

10. No One Wins the War (217 points)
Reuben’s first song on their first album was surely a sign that the entire album was to be a great success. “One of the band's favourite songs,” Was a fairly big statement to make when they had 50 songs, how they feel about it now, with more than 100, is unknown. What we can determine though, is that the fans agreed, and what better way to show it, than it kicking off the top ten? Undoubtedly, the song is about growing as a person, with the opening lyric “You try my patience and I break your outer shell, Inside there's sweetness, but you hide it so well,” revealing a hidden poet in Jamie Lenman’s lyrics.

9. Three Hail Marys (230 points)

Where number ten allowed Jamie to grow as a person, this third album banger showed Jamie’s lyrics in an entirely different light. Three Hail Marys showed Reuben at their most stadium sounding. The song is large, anthemic, fist-pumping Nirvana-esque brilliance. Of course, Nirvana seemed to be a huge influence on Reuben, having stated it many times, not least in the lyrics to a fellow album track ‘Crushed By The Weight of Enormous Bullshit’ stating “I can still remember when I first heard the riff that opens "Nevermind" Up...My neck hairs stood up stiff”. Their influence on the band appears many times, whether in the style of lyrics, the sound of some songs (especially earlier), or just the chaotic nature of some songs. “And I am going to break, these things in my heart, Dark and disgusting, Feeling and growing, Taking over.”

8. Blamethrower (259 points)

This huge riff beast is one of the most potent on the band’s second album ‘Very Fast Very Dangerous’ with the basic message of ‘Take the blame, and don’t pass the buck,’ laced throughout the song. The anger from Jamie towards these people is also evident in the vocals and the nature of the song, making it a thunderous and shouty song, while still maintaining a cool head and perfect sound. One of the first songs to be heard from the second album, it was a huge difference from Reuben’s first, which is nothing short of a good sign, especially to Reuben fans. “You got to blame somebody for all your fucking mistakes, so someone else will pay for all the bad choices that you make, and it is all your fault that you feel angry like you do, But you cannot admit it and you're stuck thinking: "Now I don't feel so fucking good.””

7. Freddy Kreuger (260 points)

Of course, in all this aggression, Reuben are just a pop band at heart, with songs like this bursting out of Radio’s everywhere, and oozing good feeling. This is a lament to Reuben themselves, and was probably the one song every fan wanted to hear live more than any other. The anthemic chorus and sing-a-long lyrics are so potent and evident that you can understand it being the biggest acclaim the band ever got, getting a huge amount of play on music channels, and even circulating the radio stations at high velocity. Of course, it’s just a song that shows Reuben are just fun at heart, a message that came through with every interview and live show they ever did. Of course, the lyrics are probably about being sick of everything, even horror films, but that doesn’t matter… does it? “My name is Freddy Kreuger, and I've got the Elm Street Blues, I've got a hand like a knife rack, and I die in every film.”

6. We're All Going Home in an Ambulance (272 points)

This was probably the first recorded song I had heard from the third album, showing me a darker, more intelligent band behind the wheel. The songs lyrics are about a more serious topic than I thought Reuben were capable of; the tolerance for bullying and, in a way, racism. This is captured quite clearly within the lyrics, and how Jamie himself went through a few ordeals to inspire it. He tells of how “At school the choices I made were rock and roll bands and getting good grades. But brains and wearing all black, to some of these guys, it's like a red flag,” and further “I wish I had the guts to stand up for myself, and for others as well, against these fuckers.” Obviously, while it’s a tough subject for him, the song received huge acclaim from fans and newcomers alike, who heard the song on a Rock Sound CD. The song is an incredible act, and is definitely one of my top 5. “I once saw a man, with blood on his face, from beating up black kids, I could hardly breathe.”

5. Lights Out (274 points)

In perfectly odd fashion, this was one of the first songs heard from the second album, also having been put on a Rock Sound CD. What are the chances? This song was a chance for Reuben to experiment, it was their way of “attempting to try and create dynamism without heading straight for the distortion pedal.” Of course, they succeeded and created a great song too. Thomas Lockyer from the Reuben forums thought so, as he put it number one, “Lights Out is my favourite Reuben song above all other Reuben songs for a few reasons. …It has a great distinctive riff, a few nice vocal additions from Jon, it's easy to sing along to, but I think the main reason is the fact that a lot of people can relate to… the lyrics. Most (if not all) other Reuben songs also have these qualities, but Lights Out does it in a different way which keeps me listening again and again.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, so I won’t.

4. A Short History of Nearly Everything (389 points)

This one is my personal favourite. It starts with this huge lumbering bass riff, and slowly brings the other instruments in, ready to charge forward with the great intensity that Reuben fans can expect by the end of the third album. As Reuben do so well, they show great emotion and burgeoning passion for their music, especially in this song, with piano taking the lead for a while, before the song breaks down to complete silence, only to explode into a chasm of wonderful storytelling and sound. Essentially, the song is about a time when Jamie and a friend climbed a big hill, and had a great day doing it, but it feels like so much more. Even Barry Ronayne agrees stating, “It’s one of the best songs to close an album that I've heard.” He also states that on more than one occasion, the song gives him “chills”. I know that feeling. “Do you remember our best adventure? Stealing off to climb Westers Hill? Creeping out of our house at midnight? Do you remember on the way down after,
I cut my leg right open on that fence? And I cried and I cried...”

3. Shambles (403 points)

How fitting too, that the last song by Reuben to be released sits so high up on a list celebrating their music. Not only that, but it was also the last song on their first ever EP! Maybe I should explain. When the Pilot EP came out back in 2001, the band named Angel had just decided to change their name to Reuben. On that EP, for the first 100 copies anyway, a two minute long song called Shambles graced the ears of fans, and they were intrigued. A rumour started to float around that the band were going to put a bigger, longer version of it on the EP, but the studio time ran out, and the short, two minute version was added instead. For years, Reuben fans cried out to hear the long version, and in 2008, they got their wish. The re-recorded song was much more in depth and showed Reuben’s progression as a band to the fullest extent, bursting with a kind of unrealised brilliance. Just before Reuben were laid to rest, their final song showed them at perhaps their most alive. “Stick close to me and I won't let you go, all of this is worth it if it meant a thing to you, so suffer me, if that is all that you can do. I am good, I am good.”

2. Stuck in My Throat (411 points)

When I saw this rocketing up the chart, I couldn’t quite understand it. I had never been the biggest fan of this song, the first proper single from Reuben’s debut album. I had my doubts when I first heard it, whether the album would be as good as I hoped. Of course, I got the album and loved it straight through; with this nestling quite nicely as an album track. It was only when I listened to the song by itself, doing this list now, reading other fans words that it all really clicked. In the words of forum member Wordsfromreuben, “It’s that dirty opening riff. It’s that awkward intensity that accompanies genius lyrical content. It’s that incredibly slick transition from growling to singing that only a Lenman can provide.” It’s everything that Reuben encapsulated as a band. I love it more now than ever, as do I understand it more too. Time is a great thing. “I thought I saw you stray but I love you anyway. And I'd like us to be forever. That's what I tried to say, but it gets stuck in my throat, and words are missing.”

1. Return of the Jedi (453 points)

No Reuben song is more deserving of the number one spot. This is the one song that any Reuben fan can understand; even it spelled the end of the band long before it ever happened. In truth (and the words of Dave Venom), it’s a song that “rages against the music industry with such venom”, while still keeping the Reuben upbeat pop sensibility, and utter lyrical grace. It’s Reuben at their most truthful, stating, “these here Helmet rip offs, they don't buy my lunch, so I will get a real job in the office, and I wont bother to make my music, and I wont bother to sing my songs.” It shows certain vulnerability for their way of life and the state the music industry is in these days. For these kinds of bands who devote their lives cannot make a living off of their love, where so many others can, forcing them to get other jobs and spend less and less time being creative, until their world becomes squashed. “Piracy is piracy if you sail the seven seas or surf the net, Record firms, they're making losses but they spend it like they're making it… so your favourite bands they don't make that second album- dropped by their label cos they can't pay it back- it killed them!” Also with this song, the band take a firm stance against the record labels which have dragged them and so many other bands down into the gutter, and the piracy that causes them to loose their steady paycheck. It’s a heavy song, lyrically and musically, but still swings around with a forceful dancing beat. It’s Reuben in their finest hour, and there is nowhere else it should be than here.

Still, there is a message to be taken from it. Reuben didn’t give up there, and in fact went on to record another album, a Christmas single, and an EP. Felix Carter explains, “the "Sure..." sung in the last seconds of the song, I always took to be a sarcastic retraction of the previous verse (“I wont bother to make my music”). As if he was so in love with music that it had become an indispensable part of him, and regardless of how poor he was, or unsuccessful, he could never give up music. It's an inspiring sentiment for any musician; now bathed in the twisted light of irony, given Reuben's decline.” What else is left to say?

The gap in the hearts of Reuben’s fans will never be filled, unless they come back of course. No band comes close. None. (Cheesy, but true.)

But the saddest part of it all? We’ll never get that Doctor Who themed album!

Still, at least he gets a name drop in their Christmas single:

Carl England

Reuben top 25 part one.

2008-12-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

In 2008, arguably the UK’s best underground band, Reuben, split up. Well, okay, “indefinite Hiatus”, but how many bands have said that and then never act on it? The band’s official forum blossomed with uproar, memories, emotion and heartache. Reuben’s fans are loyal, I can tell you that, and everybody who had a farewell message to the band almost broke their keyboard with their huge goodbyes. It is for that reason that I have delivered this list to you. You may not know the band, but maybe this, and their music, will change your mind.

Reuben’s ten-year history had its ups and downs, including headlining festivals, having their Christmas dreams shattered, stealing fans from Metallica, almost breaking the top 40 and then breaking up. Along the way, they wrote and recorded over one hundred songs, released three albums, eleven singles, six EP’s, a huge double-disk DVD and even had time to pose as their favourite Doctor’s. This list tries to chart their musical successes by taking the votes from dozens of fans, and compiling them to find out what is truly Reuben’s greatest song.

25. Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (118 points)

Starting off the list is a great little song that was first heard on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show when he had them in doing a session. It’s tough little riff and fast yet complex structure made sure fans knew that album two was going to deliver, hard. “I got a band and a woman too,
I got a plan and a focussed view and that's cool for twenty one”

24. Moving to Blackwater (133 points)

This slow little number was the bands final single from album number one, and personally, I think it was an odd choice. After the first (‘Stuck In My Throat’) terrorized the listener and the second (‘Freddy Kreuger’) was a poptastic wonder, it was an odd choice to see Reuben pick this, slower effort instead of something a little more crowd pleasing. However, it stuck it out and is now favoured by many as a great song, landing itself in many top 5’s. “My smile is fragile, my heart is held together with string and sellotape, be gentle.”

23. Parties Break Hearts (140 points)

This one is a dirty little rocker. One for the riffs, the dancing and certainly a little bit of sexual innuendo too. A brilliant song, which is one of my personal favourites, and clearly I’m not the only one. “And the word on everyone's lips is 'oxygen'. And before I can catch my breath it's time to drink and dance again.”

22. Good Luck (153 points)

Jamie Lenman donned his acoustic and a lovely girl vocalist for this, more intimate effort. This song about two separate events in Jamie’s life, which just made him want to say, “Good Luck, I hope I never see you again”. It’s a brilliantly written song, which a lot of people can connect too in some way, and I personally am thankful it made it onto this list. “Cause if you hurt me, I will hate you, it's just as simple as that, it's not mature, and it's not progressive, that doesn't alter the fact…”

21. Alpha Signal Three (153 points)

Bringing in another guest vocalist for this, almost entirely aggressive look at a relationship with a girl, this song shows the more powerfully focused side of Reuben’s heavy tendencies. Take shouting, add thundering bass and guitar, chuck in some brilliant riotous drumming and stir it up with a healthy dose of great lyrics, and you might have an idea of how bloody good this song is. “I guess I loved her, But I still made her cry.”

20. Scared of the Police (158 points)

Reuben’s first single showed a side to them that was almost undeniably the way of things to come, at least for their upcoming first album. It was heavy yet very melodic, with a healthy dose of singing and shouting too, and yet still had a sense of originality and burgeoning talent. “I’m scared of your anger, and I don’t know what causes it, and you know that it hurts me, but I like you.”

19. Suffocation of the Soul (161 points)

With their third album, Reuben showed more promise than ever before, writing a great amount of songs that just exploded with ideas and stories. This song seems to be about Jamie loosing his mind a little, with hints towards it focussing on his relationships and being a member of the band. It is a powerful song, which could have many meanings that only one man now working in an office knows. “I could create like it was stealing, I loved to sing how I was feeling. I had a soul that burned for beauty, but who gives a shit? I must admit, I've lost it a little bit, I've lost it a little bit.”

18. Horrorshow (163 points)

Another great from the early days of Reuben, this is the second song from their debut album ‘Racecar Is Racecar Backwards’. It seems to explore Jamie’s mind, encouraging memories for him while playing with Reuben, and showing a darker side to his personality that may not necessarily come through otherwise. Also, it shows his more dependant side on people with lyrics like “I try my best and now I don't sleep, I never rest. My aching heart is emptiest when I'm alone.”

17. Best Enemies (165 points)

A more quiet sombre number, this song explains Jamie at one of his clearly saddest moments, when his girlfriend has clearly been doing something bad behind his back, and he’s had let go a woman who he felt very attached too. This shows Jamie at one of is more heart-wrenching moments, and is a perfect example of the contrast from one song to the next in Reuben’s back catalogue. “So now the tears come easily and she promises to change her ways, but it's not about what you do, it is who you are that matters these days”

16. Cities on Fire (168 points)

Like many people, the day when Reuben released new material, live, on compilations or online, was the best day of the week. Reuben would always surprise, intrigue and keep you held close for the entire running time. So when I first heard ‘Cities Of Fire’ live, I was flabbergasted and loved it instantly. Before I would hear it on CD, I would hear it twice more live, and by the second time, I sang along with nearly the entire chorus. This song, inspired by the Great Fire Of London, sounds so warm, yet so abrasive, that it feels exactly as it should when describing a city ablaze. “So play your violin, and breathe the sulphur in,
take it on the chin, as London sheds its skin.”

15. Dusk (171 points)

To reach the end of Reuben’s first album unaffected would be a feat. And if you had, this song would surely change your mind. The song, described by the band themselves as being about “the exhaustion that the band felt in creating their first album” and everything they went through to get to that point, funding the money for it’s inception out of their own pockets. The song itself is sombre, yet satirical and pretty frank in its description of themselves as a band. “This situation, it tears us apart, and we joke about it, we make jokes of ourselves.”

14. Every Time a Teenager Listens to Drum N’ Bass a Rockstar Dies (176 points)

At this second album stage, this was a new thing for Reuben, as it was the first to feature a pre-song computer "beats" section, and it became a live favourite quickly due to this and it’s potent chorus line. It would seem like this is about the age-old description of someone who spends all their time with their girlfriend and leaves their friends behind, to abusive remarks.
”You're so pretty, and I'm so stupid...” became a favourite live line quickly, and it showed Reuben’s great fanbase, who would belt these lyrics back at the band, to the extent that they themselves wouldn’t have to sing them at all.

13. Let’s Stop Hanging Out (179 points)

One of Reuben’s early singles, it was a surprise to many that this was re-recorded for their debut album. Personally, I don’t see why, as it was possibly one of their best songs up to that point, and clearly, is still held up high in many fans minds. It’s chanted chorus and potent mixture of melodic and aggressive lyrics made this a live favourite quickly, and Reuben gained a new fan in the shape of MTV’s own Zane Lowe. “Oh, lets stop hanging out, Let's stop having fun, you deserve to be with no one!”

12. Banner Held High (183 points)

Personally, I was surprised to see this up this high, considering it’s a b-side on a very early single. That though, has nothing to do with the song. The song is a rip-roaring blast festival in which your face wouldn’t last 3 seconds. This song was originally favoured over the eventual A-side choice of ‘Stux’, to no avail, as it ended up 22 spaces higher in this list than aforementioned single choice. “Social interaction, it makes me sick down to my stomach, I'm just building up a network, of these people I pretend to know.”

11. Fall of the Bastille (195 points)

Personally, I think this song is about a time in Jamie’s life when he was young, and his girlfriend dumped him. Well, it may not sound like an inspiring time of life, but it’s what happened after that which I think inspired the lyrics. It seems like Jamie’s dad’s words of comfort helped him out, and got him back on the right path. Who knows, it’s all conjecture really. “If you say "nothing left to lose", then you have not lost your voice, and if you've got the guts to choose, I will still give you the choice”

Hear New Music 003

2008-10-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Zip File [104Mb] | Torrent

You are travelling through space at 4 miles per hour, your options are EVERYWHERE and Dennis. Y/N?

1. The Hives - a.k.a. I-D-I-O-T
Starting with a kick to the face from way back in the 90s isn't exactly a way to promote new music, but when the band is just this cool, you cannot complain. Two minutes worth of energetic fresh faced punk rock, can you do better?
MP3 | Source

2. Andrew W.K. - We Want Fun
The answer is: Yes! This may come off sounding more like Kiss than your 'run of the mill' Andrew WK stuff (can you really have that after 'Slam John Against A Brick Wall'?) but that doesn't mean it's not a classic. Sure, I may be working against my own tide, since this is from 2003 [well, this version at least] but who cares when you need to kick off a party?
MP3 | Source

3. Sigur Rós - Untitled #4 from ( )
So, when I said this was a party, I forgot Sigur Ros were coming. Now, it's a movie soundtrack to a heartwarming tale of lost love, or something. Sigur Ros immediately make you forget about whatever party you were at by quenching your post-rock thirst (you do have that, right?) and making you feel warm and surrounded by pillows. I challenge anyone not to absolutely love this song.
MP3 | Source

4. CSS - Alala
These girls (and guy) hail from Brazil, but I probably don't need to tell you that. Yes, this huge band have songs to give away too! Thank you goes to Sub Pop Records! CSS bring us a completely different slice of pie and start with a few punches to the gut, before dancing around the room around your sobbing body. Shame, least you get to listen this great song.
MP3 | Source

5. Verse - The New Fury
Verse come in to pick you up from the floor, then blow you back down to the floor with this array of melodic hardcore and TNT filled riffs. This comes straight from their newest album "Aggresion", which is already being held up pretty high as one of the best albums of 2008. Simply, this is just a great song.
MP3 | Source

6. Baroness - O' Appalachia
And now for Baroness, who bring their Killing Joke tinged Mastadon sound to the forefront of your face to blow it up. Plus, it's two and a half minutes long, which is a great feat for metal bands these days. Short, brilliant songs, especially ones this good, can do just as much as 10 minute long songs can. This proves it.
MP3 | Source

7. Suicide Note - Waiting, Waiting, Waiting
Suicide Note are heavier than this, but who can deny you of this brilliant, more melodic fare from the face bludgoning Hardcore band? Not me! It's just too good, and encompasses so much more writing skill than thunderous riffs that it is worth anyone hearing it.
MP3 | Source

8. Flight Of The Conchords - Business Time
And from a completely different world, Flight Of The Conchords are a band who have just about taken over the world. But for any people in the UK who haven't heard of them, let me give you an idea. Imagine Mighty Boosh, but from New Zeland, and set in the real world (which just makes them seem stranger). You can catch the TV show on BBC2or3 in the Uk and I believe HBO in the states, but for now, let this sensually massaging song calm you, before...
MP3 | Source

9. Take A Worm For A Walk Week - Lumber Puncture
...Take A Worm For A Walk Week eat your face, and with only 58 seconds to do it too! That is all.
Midmarch Records 2007 Sampler | Source

10. Annuals - Brother
After your face is gone, you won't have much left to do except from enjoy this incredible and haunting song. "Me and my brother might find a turtle, just have some fun" remains the nicest lyric I have ever heard, and If this truely is an ode to a Brother, he better be proud, because I would be. Vote for this song, always.
MP3 | Source

11. Mimas - Treehouse
This song is great, it's just so laid back and enjoyable, I can't stop my ears from listening. I think I may be a bit of a Big Scary Monsters Records junkie. I mean, this is the first of two BSM bands to feature on this CD, and on HNM002 there were 2 more! I just can't help myself, can you?
Big Scary Monsters Autumn 2008 Sampler | Source

12. Bridge and Tunnel - Call to the Controller's Office
I think bands that sound like what the 90s called Emo are great. Emo was different then, it wasn't about whining, and it feels like it was meant to be that way. I mean, Jimmy Eat World are still about, and they are 90s Emo. Compare them to the 'Emo' you know today, and you'll get confused. Back to Bridge and Tunnel. This song is great and... well, reminds me of 90s Emo, unless you hadn't guessed!
MP3 | Source

13. Mock Orange - Beauty of a Scar
I'll be honest, this song is really nice. But if one thing sucks me in more than anything, it's the handclaps. And the chord changes. And the flowery guitar. And the sweetly calm vocals. And the great drum sound. And the thick bass. And the song structure. But y'know... mainly the handclaps.
MP3 | Source

14. Defiance, Ohio - The List
Defiance, Ohio are clearly lovely. A great little song with a great little tune, and a great little sense of love and warmth. What I love most about Defiance, Ohio though? They give all of their music away for free, and thats two reasons they remind me of Bomb The Music Industry!, which is nothing short of a brilliant thing.
MP3 | Source

15. Meet Me In St Louis - Eins Zwei Drei Hasselhoff
Oh, Big Scary Monsters, when will you not put out good music? I'm hooked now, can't you see? Even although this band are split up now, you're going to me make me love them too right? Damn. Here we are at BSM band two, and it's just as good as the Mimas song, if not very very different. A great song by a band who appear to have been really really good, who probably split up for the same reason every good British band splits up, low record sales and more income from your office job. It's a damn shame.
MP3 | Source

16. Between The Buried And Me - Alaska
If only you were born in the states and were in a metal band. This insane yet classic track shows exactly why Between The Buried And Me can be trusted to bring the 'mosh' into anyones hearts. Enjoy this or... eh, suffer it. It's really up to you and your ears, but I reccomend enjoying it, considering how it's really good and everything.
MP3 | Source

17. Caspian - Quovis/Further Up/Further In
In a way, this is three songs altogether, but since they come together and sound so damn good that way, how can you deny them this eight and a half minutes of being brilliant. This is from The Silent Ballet compelation series again, which I am loving, clearly!
MP3 | Source

18. Your Best Friend - The Path of an Illogical Liar
This may sound kind of like Noughties Emo, but in a way, it's more like the Big Scary Monsters sound I'm more than addicted to now. Really it's a hard rocking pop song in the style of The Holiday Plan (who are now ~~Stay Puft~~ ~~Ruskin~~ Matt Tracker!) which is nothing short of a good thing!
MP3 | Source

19. Jacobs Stories - Ballerina
Jacobs Stories live is great, especially if it's just him and some equipment. He has this haunting sound that just floats around your head and makes you want to marry him. But not really... I don't like my ladies to have beards... or to be men. But still, the sentiment remains. Awesome, I have this on vinyl and now I'm glad I can add it to my Mp3 collection too. Enjoy.
Midmarch Records 2007 Sampler | Source

Zip File [104Mb] | Torrent

Till next time,
Carl.

PROBLEMS. EDIT!

2008-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oh dear. Things are not going well this month.

FIRST. Blogspot deleted Hear New Music 002 (along with thousands of others blog entries) and it has not been returned, so I have a rubbish one without links in it's place.

Edit! This has not been fixed! Boo!

SECOND. Rapidshare deleted the zip file of HNM002 citing "Due to a violation of our terms of use, the file has been removed from the server." And I have yet to recieve an email back regarding the exact term of use I have failed on, as (under the creative commons copyright regarding music given away free on the internet) I'm pretty much safe. [Torrents are uneffected! Continue!]

Edit! Rapidshare still haven't gotten back to me, but I've put it somewhere else, accessable from the links to the right. Hurrah!

THIRD. I'm not drunk enough.

Edit! I'm still not drunk enough.

003 is in the works.

Edit! 003 is finished, I'm just typing it all up to be nice and lovely for you all. :)

Thanks,
Carl

Torrents

2008-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is new territory for me, and I'm the only one with the file at the moment. So, bear with me, and when in doubt, get the zip file :)

Carl.

P.S. I'd also like to point out that I only have a 2mb net connection, and so far, it's been quite a slow uptake for anyone downloading them at the moment. Let me know if you know a way of zooming it a little.

002 Single

2008-09-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

More than one band give lots of songs away for free? Who knew!?

This time it's:

Bayside

1. Duality
2. Devotion And Desire
3. Masterpiece

Source (and theres more here!)

And as an added bonus, their upcoming album 'Shudder' is streaming in full at their myspace, along with yet ANOTHER song from the incredible 'Walking Wounded' album from last year.

Generous or what?
Carl

Hear New Music 002 (3rd attempt)

2008-09-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Zip (86Mb) | Torrent

Alrighty then.

This is just a stand in due to constant deletion of this entry, as I just happened to write this in a Doc before typing here, so there's no MP3 links, just the Zip and the torrent. However, it wouldn't be that hard to find them, most are from myspaces/purevolumes/record labels, but one is from The Silent Ballet, a great website you should check out.

1. Prizzy Prizzy Please - Too Many T-Shirts
Well, how else could I start this one but with something wierd, unusual and trippily happy? The singer here has "too many t-shirts over (his) head", and clearly it's turing his band into geniuses. This song has no guitar apparently, so that wierd guitarish noise? Beats me! What it does have is gang vocals, hand claps, wierd high pitched noises and shouting. It's fun and I love it.

2. Tubelord - Half Man, Half Amazing
And guess what, I love this too! I recently saw this band along with 3 others (one of which is on this CD a little later), in what I would call the most eventful gig I've been at in quite a while. Not only did this band run off stage while playing, to serenade a girl sitting at the side not really paying attention but the other bands lost trousers and had birthdays while on stage too! And to add to all of that, the music was outstanding, as this song demonstrates!

3. *shels - The Conference of The Birds
As Rob Gordon says "You've gotta start high, then take it up a notch, then bring it down a little". Unfortunately, none of these songs took it down, so you'll have to do with this incredible 9 minute epic by *shels, a band with one of the most incredible albums I've heard in years. This one was a Rock Sound CD, where I was first introduced to the band, and sat in awe as I listened, then replayed it at least twice, before using my hard earned cash to import this album on Amazon. Incredible song and album.

4. The Stills - Animals + Insects
The Stills first album 'Logic Will Break Your Heart' holds a special place in my heart. Just after a wedding out by the coast of Scotland, I took a wander around the area with my CD player at the time, staring up at the stars and listening to this. I had never really heard it before then, in fact I'd ignored it for months after I had gotten it as a Birthday gift. But when I really listened to it, It clicked with me and I love it. This isn't the best off that album (that would be 'Gender Bombs'), but it is an absolutely brilliant song.

5. Genghis Tron - Arms
Off on the most bewitchingly strange tangent now, Genghis Tron are pretty far away from any other genre here, but with the little electronic work here, I figured this was the best home for it. Be prepared to be confused, and hear blast beats mixed with post-rock tendancies and soft electronica, I think it's pretty damn solid, and works pretty well within this setting. Though you probably disagree, don't you?

6. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
Alright, I would be hard pressed to find anyone who hadn't heard this song before, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be included. For the uninitiated, when Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard isn't doing the aforementioned, he does this with an electronic artist named Dntel, and we should all be happy that he does, as 'Give Up' is possibly one of the best albums ever, with this in the shortlist for 'Song Of The Decade' at the Valhala Awards sponsered by God. There's also a really sombre little cover by Iron And Wine out there which is well worth finding.

7. Hundred Year Storm - Mental
A little band I found with the genius tool found on Purevolume.com 'Random Profile Jump', which I could litteraly spend days doing (and have). This band came out of nowhere, as I think I was searching post-hardcore at the time. Still, this song and the few other songs they have up there are great, even if they having nothing in common musically! A really enjoyable little song, inclusive of a speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

8. Ahleuchatistas - The Day The Earth Stood Still
One of the strangest little bands I heard on my search for songs to complete HNM2, this band verge on punk, a little bit post-rock, but especially Jazz. They have a song or two from most of their releases on their website, pretty much all good! It's a great song, but I wouldn't blame you though if you made faces like this on first listen though.

9. Protest The Hero - Heretics & Killers
Protest The Hero's latest album is just incredible and the closest band to come to the epic complex metal opera that is Between The Buried And Me's 'Colors'. This however is from and earlier album, in (slightly) more simpler times. Incredible riffs, near falsetto vocals, great arrangement and theres a great guitar battle at the end. Great.

10. Youthmovies - Ores
Although this is from when they were called Youthmovie Soundtrack Strategies, Youthmovies display why they are one of the best rising talents in the UKs experimantal music scene. It's inventive and it harks itself to the best of British Emo, while traveling to such exotic locations as Post-Hardcore and Electronica. What's not to like?

11. Colour - Conversations
I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I came across this band, but it was probably though Big Scary Monsters label site, as I've just jumped on that brilliant wagon of great bands. This actually reminds me, funnily enough, of a little band who are split up now Colour Of Fire, even although there is absolutely no connection! Weird. Maybe an inspiration? Who knows. All I know is that this song is pretty damn good, catchy too!

12. Bayside - Duality
I've known this band for years now, but I only really got into them when 'The Walking Wounded' hit last year. They may be on Victory Records, but don't take that as a bad thing, as this is one of the few bands that are actually great on that label (theres about 6), and their back catalogue is just as good as their most recent output too. I can't wait for more and consider myself as a bit of a fan now!

13. Blakfish - Jeremy Kyle Is A Marked Man
This is the other headlining band from the Tubelord gig I was at. Boy, that was a night to remember. Their set was great and had an incredible ending too. The three members of tubelord ran on during the last song, stole to instruments from everyone but the drummer, and proceeded to play the end of the song, while Tubelord ran around the 13th note starting pits and jumping on tables. Great gig, and this song is great too. Their a little heavier live, but that is no bad thing!

14. pg.lost - Yes I Am
This song comes as part of one of many compilations by a website called The Silent Ballet with what seems like full conscent of the bands featured. That means that yes, theres no MP3 link here, but the compilation is brilliant so thats no bad thing. Originally I came to this one for Balmorhea but Pg.Lost won me over and stole the place (But rest assured, Balmorhea will feature soon!) with their brilliant post-rock stylings. Fantastic.

15. Every Time I Die - I Been Gone A Long Time
I don't have to explain this choice to you, the song will do that for me, with it's pop-laden hardcore hooks and great raspy vocals and stripped back bass and thundery drums. Damn it. I just explained myself didn't I? Damn you, cowbell!

16. Mike Park - On That Stage
I first heard of Mike Park when he supported Alkaline Trio at Barrowlands, and his inclusive slideshow and acoustic show working together to win the crowd over. His music is quiet yet fun, and it's an enjoyable break from the constant hardcore, metal and post-rock I love to throw at you so much.

17. Adebisi Shank - Jump Cut
Back to all that stuff, and this takes me back to that Tubelord/Blakfish gig I keep going on about, even though this band weren't even playing. Y'see, after the gig, I spent about £35 on merch, showing my appreciation to the bands. But what they had that interested me, was a box full of CDs by bands you've never heard of, all for cheap prices. I asked the guy at the table to give me a few descriptive words on each one, and picked one based on those words. This is what I picked, and boy am I glad! The EP is brilliant. And as this song shows, this band are well worth random buyings of their material. Take a chance!

18. Cats And Cats And Cats - Happiness For Lola
This band are a little like the latter (I may have found them on a myspace string of friends links) if not slightly more upbeat. Plus, with a name like Cats And Cats And Cats, how can you not love this band? Their instrumental and post-rock tones can lighten up even the saddest mans day.

19. This Will Destroy You - The World Is Our
How better to finish, than with the best post-rock I've ever heard? This Will Destroy You have one increible mini album and a Full Length in their back catalogue which are both well worth hunting down. Escpecially with the range of formats you can get it on too. You can even get it on cassette, wrapped in foe fur! Enjoy it, I have.

Till next time,
Carl.

001 Single

2008-09-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, bands give more than one song away. (Shock and/or horror!) Meaning that I listen to more of their stuff (if I hadn't previously heard them that is) and I have more choices to make. Not only do I have to whittle my big list down to 80 minutes, I also have to get rid of the second choices. Sometimes though, I don't want to, and I want to let you know that even more of this bands work is surfing the internet shelling itself out to anyone who wants it. And this is where this bit comes in.

The singles section, is me making up a single for that band using the many Mp3s they lavish upon the world. This week, the winners are:

EDIT: 65dos gave their site an overhaul. These songs were lost in the process, and while I did try to find them elsewhere, not all of them were available, In fact, only track one was held at their labels site Monotreme Records. Tracks two and three have been substituted for other great songs (that I didn't know were being shared!) However, you can still hear Betraying Chino over at Last.fm

1. I Swallowed Hard Like I Understood
2. ~~Betraying Chino~~ Hole
3. ~~Massive Star At The End Of It's Burning Cycle~~ Await Rescue

Source

Enjoy.
Carl.

Hear New Music 001

2008-08-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Zip File [100mb] | Torrent

Here it is, the first in a hopefully long line of HNM. Here I offer the mp3 links (where possible) alongside the source link (the page it is from) for every song. As well as this I'm going to try and have a zip file and torrent of each HNM, with the music, the artwork and simple tracklisting, as well as a Nero cover package for all of you who own it. If there is another free cover creator free to download for everyone, let me know where to find it, and I shall use it instead. For now, simply enjoy.

Edit: Now with playlist-y goodness!

01. 65daysofstatic – I Swallowed Hard Like I Understood

England based 65daysofstatic share one of their more rock-orientated songs from their incredible debut album “The Fall Of Math”. It’s one of many songs hosted on their official website, although it is, like this, mostly older material that gets the share. Still, be grateful of any, as it’s a worthwhile introduction to a great bands already stunning back catalogue.

MP3 | Source

02. The Snake, The Cross, The Crown – Behold The River

From the 2007 album ‘Cotton Teeth’, this is a perfect example of why The Snake The Cross The Crown are a band that needs to be noticed. Their two albums simply wash over you with an immense power I didn’t think a band that mix folk and rock could do. I highly recommend getting either album by this band, ‘Mander Salis’ for more on the rock side, and ‘Cotton Teeth’ for more folk-fare.

MP3 | Source

03. The Weakerthans – Plea From A Cat Named Virtue

After hearing this song on Punk-O-Rama 9, I was initially perplexed, but after giving it a few more listens, I decided it was my favourite song on the compilation, and that’s a pretty tall order considering the Refused and Error songs on there. Luckily though, this song is available for free on the Epitaph website, so I can continue the sharing.

MP3 | Source

04. Textures – Old Days Born Anew

‘Silhouettes’ is the latest from French-based Textures, and it features this impressively heavy, yet melodic and technical song in its barrage of the human ear. Available on their myspace, this could be your first taste of Textures, so savour it or flick it. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but give it a whirl.

MP3 | Source

05. Kidcrash – The Ground That Eats You

Kidcrash have been put in the situation that no band wants to be put in. And that situation is: not being paid a dime for your music. Their label kept, and continues to keep, 100% of the money made from selling Kidcrash records digitally. Here they are, fighting back, by giving it away for free. And I’m glad they are, just to give you a taste of the brilliant effort they appear to throw into every song. It’s a tremendous effort and I highly recommend getting the full album. [No MP3 link here, as it comes within the album set.]

~~MP3~~ | Album | Source

06. Fightstar – Phalahniuk’s Laughter

Probably the most well known band so far, Charlie has a past with really awful music in it, but forget Busted, and give Fightstar a chance. Their debut single, which seems so very far back now, still packs a huge amount of punch with its huge bassy riff that charges through your ears while the drums kick your face into submission. It’s a buffet of wrestling for your ears.

MP3 |Source

07. Emanuel – The Willing

While Emanuel’s second effort may have lacked absolutely any talent whatsoever, their first still gets a huge amount of play from me. With songs like this leading the charge, why wouldn’t it. My advice? Don’t invest too much in this band, but definitely get a hold of their debut album.

MP3 |Source

08. Dustin Kensrue – Pistol

Thrice’s frontman shows us why Earth from ‘The Alchemy Index’ worked so well. This experimentally folky album from Dustin showed the depth of his writing talent before he got to it with his band. A greats song, and it’s free!

MP3 |Source

09. Maybeshewill – Not For Want Of Trying

This is probably the best song of Maybeshewill’s Debut album ‘Not For Want Of Trying’, which shows their destructive rawkus riffs, and their use of very early 65daysofstatic sampling and electronic music put to the greatest effect. I’m not sure where the speech in this song comes from, but whatever it is it will never sound as good in whatever film it’s from without this accompanying it. At least, not anymore!

MP3 | Source

10. The People Involved - Stuck

Another relatively unknown band here showing of their strengths in what’s closest to post-rock with lyrics. Recently, I’ve been completely bummed out by the fact that I know the perfect pairing for this band, Amusement Parks on Fire, are playing a show in London that I just cannot make. Their EP (and a CD of sneaky
demos I got sent by the band themselves) showed themselves to be an incredible band, and one I’d keep a hawk eye on in the future.

MP3 |Source

11. Bomb The Music Industry! – I Don’t Love You Anymore

Get used to seeing this band name and the label ‘Quote Unquote Records’ here, as I will mention it on basically every CD, as their entire ethos is based on giving music away for free. Something that I am clearly on board with! This song, coming from the 2007 album ‘Get Warmer’ is an ingeniously Blues Brothers-esque hit! Get it! Love it! Or don’t, as the song suggests.

MP3| Album | Source

12. Saves The Day – At Your Funeral

Probably the oldest song on this compilation, it could still be new to you! A great little pop punk song that I can imagine being the biggest anthem at any Saves The Day gig. Though I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been, but probably. It’s a great song and to survive this long on the labels site is a testament to its sheer pop-punk power.

MP3 |Source

13. Atmosphere – Trying To Find A Balance

In response to criticism, this is the most Hip-hop you’ll get, at least on HNM1. Atmosphere is on Epitaph Records, who give this incredible song away for free. This is another one from the Punk-O-Rama CDs, which are a bargain by the way, always coming out for 5 quid or less. It’s got a great beat and the lyrics spit out of this mans mouth like air, taking the world in and putting it back out in words.

MP3 | Source

14. Error – Nothing’s Working

Coming from Nine Inch Nails collaborator Atticus Ross and Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, Error is probably the most alienating thing on HNM1. It’s raw ferociousness and intelligent studio workings create an insane and screaming work of genius. Love it or loathe it, it’s here.

MP3 |Source

15. Talk Less, Say More – Someone Else’s Summer

Talk Less, Say More come from a more eclectic version of Quote Unquote’s ethos at Records on Ribs, and involve more of a home studio blips and bops feel to their sounds. It creates an eerie yet satisfying sound to this otherwise delightful tune. [Again, no MP3 link here, as it comes within the album set. Also, this link leads you to the MP3 album. There are also Ogg and Flac versions available under the Source link.]

~~MP3~~ | Album | Source

16. Transistor Transistor – Letter Of Resignation

I’ll keep it short, like the song. Blow your mind with this intense punk rock n’ roll sound that triumphs through your ears like an elephant through a cake shop.

MP3 |Source

17. The Ocean Fracture – Polaroid Intimacy

A wee band from just outside Glasgow, Scotland, destroys faces with theirincredible mix of melodic hardcore and Dillinger Escape Plan-esque drumming. Polaroid Intimacy is nothing short of a great example of what they do. It can be heavy, even devastatingly so, then it can be melodic and calmed out, but be assured that it will be back to kick you in the teeth before the song is over. One thing’s for sure, this is definitely a band to keep an eye on.

MP3 | Source

18. The Fall Of Troy – Cut Down All The Trees And Name The Streets After Them

In an entirely different way from the aforementioned, Fall Of Troy also destroys faces, but instead, this is with chaotic riffs and surprisingly catchy elements. Sometimes, you can get quite lost in a very pop riff from Fall Of Troy, not here though. Here, instead, they focus on bringing the beef. Enjoy it, it’s home-farmed.

MP3 | Source

19. Misery Signals – One Day I’ll Come Home (Feat. Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy)

And now, probably the best hardcore band on the planet: Misery Signals. They do what most other hardcore bands wish they could do: bring the most intense heavy music possible, keep melodic elements constant and fresh, with an incredible vocal mix to sharpen everything up. This song features all these elements in an incredible overflow of talent, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the first HNM. Enjoy.

MP3 |Source

Till next time,
Carl.

Yes. Welcome.

2008-08-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Alright then, let's begin shall we?

This is a blog that shall try to uncover the rare brilliance of the internet, and it's greatest commodity: Music.

Music is out there, being played, right now. You don't know what it is, it could be anything. Folk, pop, rock, hardcore, dance, anything. The internet has brought musicians closer together, helped new bands find fans, and helped the general public find music they're interested in too.

I hope to be a further cog in the machine.

This will be a place to come, and download a mixtape, entirely legally, made only from music made available by bands or the labels on the internet for free. There is no profit involved, other than the furthering of the music endeavors of good bands.

It's free for the bands to distribute their music on the internet.
It's free for me to gather the music.
It's free for you to download it.

You may find music you like, that you wouldn't normally have come across! Who knows?

The first CD shall be up soon.