Keep Me Waiting - Cymbals Eat Guitars

If you haven't heard Cymbals Eat Guitars yet, I highly suggest checking them out. Unfortunately for Cymbals, they've stayed pretty well under that radar so far, and the awesome weirdness that is their second LP isn't doing anything to push them into the limelight. However, that's the beauty of this band. They don't really aspire to be famous, they aspire to make music that they like. If ...And the Hazy Sea doesn't get you hooked immediately, try listening to the rest of the first LP. It's a beautiful mix of 90s indie-rock mixed with post 2000 prog-rock with a bit of noise mixed in. This is a cut off of their newest LP, Lenses Alien. The video is a bit ridiculous, but that doesn't mean you can't sit back and enjoy CEG in all of their awesomeness. If they ever come to your area, find a way to get to their show. Joseph D'Agostino and crew tear it up on stage and will blow you away with some intensely epic breakdowns.

Check it out right HERE

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Jagjaguar (Justin Vernon's label) just released the deluxe edition of all 10 videos from the newest Bon Iver album. I'm not going to go through all of them here, but I think the quality of the LP speaks for itself. All 10 videos are available right HERE.

Bonfire - Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino takes a far more mature and refined approach on his newest LP, but that doesn't mean he doesn't lay down anything akin to Freaks and Geeks. Bonfire takes up right where the last album left off and it'll get you moving, trust me. The rest of the album tends to deviate from Gambino's traditional style but that doesn't mean that it's bad. Donald Glover does a surprisingly good job when it comes to more intimate style of rap.

Check it out right HERE

Lonely Boy - Black Keys

The Black Keys continue to absolutely kick ass on their new single (although I didn't really think that many people feared that they wouldn't). One fabulously funky gentleman shows that Carleton's dance moves are still as fresh as ever and that there's never a wrong time to get down n' dirty.

Check it out right HERE

Billie Holiday - Warpaint

There ain't nothin warlike about these girls, but damnit can they make some music. After watching the video you will be able to see why The XX decided to use Warpaint as openers. They sound something like a toned down Lykke Li but with a vocal style that is more in tune with the XX themselves. These are some seriously talented women and I suggest that you...

Check them out right HERE

Amor Fati - Washed Out

Just a reminder of our own humanness. My boy Ernest Greene manages to pump out an incredible Chill Wave beat and simultaneously add in some more anthemic moments (courtesy of AnCo producer, Ben Allen). The video follows Ernest running through what I am assuming is Iceland. He parties, sits in cars, gets hot dogs, and chases sheep around. Simply put, it is a video of one guy simply enjoying life and the beauty of it all.

Check it out right HERE

The Last Huzzah - Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, EL-P

Das Racist surprisingly aren't the best rappers on the song, but as every single verse is pure fire, it doesn't really matter. Women, guns, and weed are pretty much the focus of the video but I don't think anyone was really expecting depth from a guy called Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire. Still certainly worth seeing if you want to get your swagger on.

Check it out right HERE

Civilization - Justice

Justice carries on their electro legacy with Civilization, a track off their recent EP which carries the same name. Justice can't seem to stop cranking out fantastic songs, and despite the heavy Daft Punk influences, every one still feels fresh. If you haven't already seen the Adidas commercial that uses Civilization, I suggest you take a look because it somehow gets you more pumped than the original (link after the jump).

Check it out right HERE

And see the commercial HERE

How I got my Shrunken Head - Michael Myerz

Michael Myerz makes his video debut with this cut from his new album, "Nightmare from the 90s." Myerz is certainly no professional, but considering his resources he has put together a very well done video. The song is carried by Myerz' flow and a very interesting lo-fi synth beat. Hopefully this guy will get even better as time goes on.

Check him out right HERE

WHALE - Yellow Ostrich

Thanks to the most recent Paste Sampler I was finally able to listen to one of the fastest growing names in Indie Rock. Yellow Ostrich (who are currently opening for none other than the Antlers) sound something like a mix between Dodos and The Walkmen but with a toned down (but still fantastic) vocalist. In other words, awesome in almost every respect.

Check them out right HERE

King Night - Salem

This is seriously the most threatening thing I've seen since Justice's "Stress" video. Unlike Stress, however, Salem doesn't need all that much in the way of shocking imagery to inspire a deep sense of dread. Where Justice relied on a group of teenagers destroying everything they see, Salem requires only their staggered, throbbing beat and the image of a 16 wheeler driving through the night to make you want to sleep with a night light. Regardless, Salem has produced one hell of a witch-house track.

Check it out right HERE

Back to School: A playlist

As it is time for all of us to head back to class, it is also time for a new playlist. The following list contains my favorite discoveries from the summer. While the playlist is meant to be played in order, feel free to deviate.

The Darkest Side - The Middle East
Howe Sounds - Said the Whale
Go Outside - Cults
East Harlem - Beirut
Walk in the Park - Beach House
Heaven's on Fire - The Radio Dept.
Stables & Chairs - Portugal. The Man
Joe's Waltz - The Dodos
Weekend - Smith Westerns
Season of the Witch - Richard Thompson
The Bold Arrow of Time - Tame Impala
Angela Surf City - The Walkmen
Long Gone - The Black Keys
Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
The Wanting Comes in Waves/ Repaid - The Decemberists
That's my Bitch - Kanye West & Jay-Z (the guy at 1:45 is Justin Vernon which is insane,m you'll see why)
Not in Love (Feat. Robert Smith) - Crystal Castles
Don't Save us From the Flames - M83

Holocene - Bon Iver

Due to my obsession with Bon Iver, this one had to go up. Although I don't really get the video, it's gorgeous (as is the song). The video focuses on shots of Iceland in the summer and it's the sort of primal beauty that exists in few other places. If you haven't already taken the opportunity to download the new LP, then go do it. As a side note, if you get a chance to see Bon Iver live, I would take the opportunity; It's a life changer.

Season of the Witch - Richard Thompson

While on set for the TV series, Crossing Jordan, Richard Thompson was asked to do his own rendition of Season of the Witch for the show. Thompson proceeded to pick up his guitar and create a masterpiece of rock and roll.

Check it out right HERE

Typhoon! - The Honest Truth

Here is a gem of a song via Paste Magazine. Imagine, if you will, a combination of Arcade Fire style choruses combined with the musical stylings of Beirut. While the video is a tad lackluster, the song completely makes up for it. Do yourself a favor and...

Check it out right HERE

Don't Save Us From the Flames - M83

This one is certainly more about the song than the video. I only ever listened to a few M83 songs and I was introduced to this one yesterday and immediately fell in love. If you love heavy chaotic electronic riffs, this one is for you.

Check it out right HERE

Reader Submission: Paul Maxwell

The third entry in the reader submission series is from Paul Maxwell. Maxwell is another Atlanta local and has done some minor collaboration work with Michael Myerz. Paul produces instrumental tracks that are reminiscent of Bath's dreamy bedroom-pop but with a hip-hop twist. A few of his songs follow a more psychedelic trend but for the most part he stays with glitched out samples from the likes of Adele with some beautiful backing work and a strong drum machine presence.

Check him out right HERE

In the Mountain, In the Cloud - Portugal. The Man

If you are reading this and don't have yourself a copy of this album, get it right now. I was worried about Portugal after last year's underwhelming "American Ghetto", but they have proved once more that they can rock out and despite spending only a year in incubation, this album sounds quite polished. Whether or not the production is due to Portugal's move to Atlantic records, or if it is just a new direction chosen by the band itself is a bit of a mystery. Either way, this is one hell of an LP.

Since all of the mediafire links are down I can only suggest you check Pirate Bay or something of the sort.

Until then, check out the album's closer, Sleep Forever, right HERE

Reader Submission: Michael Myerz

Part two in the reader submission series comes from a Michael Myerz, a self proclaimed nerdcore rapper from Atlanta. His songs are marked by lo-fi beats that are (mostly) self produced, but contain more finesse than most other amateur rappers. His raps focus on clever pop culture references, and he has a strange obsession with Emma Watson (although you can't really blame him). Myerz intends to continue releasing new and remastered tracks throughout the summer, so look to him for some new songs in the coming weeks. As always:

Check it out right HERE
Update to post: Father Longlegs of Black Moth Super Rainbow is now producing beats for Mr. Myerz.

Echoes Trailer - M83

I don't even know where to begin with this one. First off, running this through your laptop doesn't even get close to what this is supposed to sound like. The actual video itself is a compilation of gorgeous shots of spots around the world that are sure to blow you away. The song is equally beautiful, floating into the trailer a few seconds in before reaching its crescendo and crashing down.

Check it out right HERE

Reader Submission: Black Animal – MH

This is the first in a (hopefully!) long series of reader inspired reviews. This review is actually on a completely original piece of work which I would highly suggest checking out. This is a short 12 song EP which consists of a mix of folk and semi-experimental sounding tracks. Hayes does a great job of working his way around the guitar and creating deep, rich melodies that perfectly match his voice, creating a distinct Xavier Rudd-esque feel. The experimental portions of the EP sound like a collaboration between Baths and Animal Collective, a mix of avant garde folk and bedroom pop. Either way, it is a very interesting listen and worth a look. The production quality is surprisingly good and none of the instruments seem to fight for the lime light.

Check it out right HERE
(Free Download)

Perth cover - Tim Keen

If you haven't already guessed, I am a huge Bon Iver fan. That being said, Tim Keen does one hell of a cover (and he plays multiple instruments). This one is certainly worth look.

Check it out right HERE

Calgary - Bon Iver

Bon Iver is one of the top folk acts out there and if you at all like folk, I would be sure to check it out. In Calgary, Justin Vernon's hauntingly beautiful voice strings itself together with a lonely, electric melody to create a perfect harmony that will keep you hitting replay over and over. The buildup in this song is something totally new for Bon Iver but if it's any indication of where he is headed in the future, I am not worried in the slightest. This video itself is a beautiful combination of muted colors and clever cinematography, and almost is worth watching without the song.

Check it out right HERE

tUnE-yArDs - Bizness

Some of the most inventive and original music I've heard in a long time. tUnE-yArDs new album is called W H O K I L L and I would suggest checking out the whole thing. From the songs I've heard it is an excellent album. Getting to the video itself, this white girl can really belt it out. The colorful sets and costumes add a while 'nother layer to the song, and the mini jazz breakdown at the end just kicks ass.

As per usual, check it out right HERE

Cannons & July - Youth Lagoon

Sorry for the delay between posts. I just graduated high school (yay) and have been dealing with all the junk that accompanies graduation. Anyway, I friend of mine recently made a mix cd for my car which contained the two songs by Youth Lagoon. I liked them enough to dedicate a post to the band themselves rather than merely just one song.

Get 'em right : Here
and Here

The First one is cannons, the Second one is July (I prefer the former).

Hot Potato - Freestyle Fellowship

If you need a reminder of what the 90s were like, this one's for you. It sounds a little ridiculous at the start but I promise it's worth the listen. A friend of mine found this as part of a mix that he bought in Little 5 for about a buck. Pure gold. There is no music video for it, but do listen to it.

Check it out right HERE

Freaks and Geeks - Childish Gambino

This is absolutely nuts. Not only can this guy write some hysterical comedy, he can also rap. This guy lays down lyrics about as fast as I've ever seen and his beat is incredible. This is a MUST if you are a fan of rap.

Check it out right HERE

Yonkers - Tyler, The Creator

OK, so somehow I forgot to post this the second it went online. For this I apologize. If you were wondering why the video is so dark, it's because Tyler directed it himself. This one isn't for the feint of heart (not that any OF really is). If you are a fan of the last few OF tapes, this one is definitely for you. On a side note, Tyler's fashion sense is fairly awesome.

Check it out right HERE

Molliwopped - Earl Sweatshirt

If you have been part of the OFWGKTA bubble that has blown up over the past 3 weeks, I suggest checking this out. While Odd Future had nothing to do with the beat, Weird Eye does an awesome job. I only wish the song was longer. While this isn't a music video, it is still worth a look.

Check it out right HERE

The Wall - Yuck

Hadn't heard of these guys until I saw the video online, but I suggest you check them out. Can't quite put my finger on why the singer sounds familiar though. Plus the big guy has a sweet afro. They sound like a louder version of the Shout out Louds, so if you are a fan then Yuck is for you.

Check it out right HERE

All the Lights - Kanye West

I think at this point it's harder for Kanye to not kill a song like this. This song just shows once again that Mr. West is one of the best producers out there. I wouldn't suggest watching this if you have epilepsy (you'll see why). Anyway, the visuals are awesome and Kanye is rockin' some pretty fly kicks, so...

Check it out right HERE

Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells

Get yourself some noise-pop courtesy of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller, and some funky-ass samples from George Clinton(Funkadelic). As I am madly in love with Alexis, pretty much anything Sleigh Bells related will find itself on here eventually. Anyway, if you get a chance to see these guys live, I would suggest you take it. They put on one hell of a show. As usual:

Check it out right HERE