Showing posts with label The Weakerthans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Weakerthans. Show all posts

Wednesday, 7 October 2009

Hear New Music 008

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines please...


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

Sunday, 24 August 2008

Hear New Music 001


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.