Like I Birthed You From Some Greasy Crevice On My Underside

I know that I have been absent for a couple weeks, but here come the excuses! Work has been busier and more draining than usual. My mother was in town for a few days. My laptop is nearing the end of its run and has essentially become a desktop. And my dog at my homework. But now I'm back...somewhat. Unfortunately, I am traveling for work and do not have access to my extensive collection of music; therefore, I am unable to post newer music. As a result, I'll be taking the NBC route and presenting a "it's new to you" song from a band that I've previously posted about here.

The Tom Fun Orchestra is, apparently, "the world's premier Vaudevillian Cluster Rock ensemble featuring an ambitious mix of electric and acoustic instruments and enough skilled musicians on stage to intimidate even the largest crowds." In other words, think of them as Canada's answer to Gogol Bordello...only without the accent. I posted their most accessible song, Watchmaker, back a while ago. After I wore that song out, the band's other songs became lost in the immense number of new songs that have been coming my way. The other day, though, I felt compelled to revisit their music and was reminded of just how interesting their work is. That's why I'm posting their song When You Were Mine. It may take a few listens, so give it a chance.
For additional songs and tour dates (sadly, none in the U.S.), visit them on MySpace.

I Will Listen To Your Every Word

I'm a big fan of free stuff, but an even bigger fan of free music. It is a safe assumption that if you're here, then you probably are, too. Which is why I'm happy to let you in on not only some free tunes, but what I consider to be some really fantastic songs. I'd definitely pay for them if it weren't already available for no charge. Richard Swift creates some gorgeous tunes with only a four-track recorder and a computer. His new EP, Ground Trouble Jar, sounds straight out of the 60s or 70s and feature some beautiful vocals. So head over HERE to download the album if you like the sample below.

BANG BANG BANG On The Wall

The always beyond brilliant Ladyhawke is back with her third single, Dusk Till Dawn. As per usual, both the song and video have an undeniable 80s vibe. And get ready for September 22nd, cause that's when she finally releases her album...something we've all been waiting some time for.

Some People Want To Do Crazy Things

So I have three new obsessions that just started this week. The first is, if you know me at all, quite shocking due to my lifelong dislike of fruit. I was roaming the LES over the weekend and felt compelled to try out Liquiteria. As I was studying the menu, one of the guys behind the bar asked if I wanted a sample. It was taken with much hesitancy because the Green Monster (which, contrary to what the name suggests, is not actually green) contains my most hated of all fruits...strawberry (you'll also find blueberries and bananas in there). To my delight, the mixture was sweet and delicious. Now I find myself scurrying over there at least once a day...out of the way (and rather pricey - a little more than $6 for my drink alone) as it may be.

This second one comes as a shock for me. I generally don't do too much reading, aside from the occasional magazine. In fact, the only time I have ever truly been captivated by a novel is when I was reading The Fountainhead in high school and, in the past decade since, any of the three works of the brilliant Zadie Smith. But since I've moved to NYC, I've felt as though I could be doing so much more than just listening to music and people watching whenever I'm riding the subway. So I picked up The Road, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel from Cormac McCarthy. I wound up finishing the novel in a day, due partly to the larger than normal font. But that left me hungry for more, so I rushed out and picked up The Amazing Adventures Of Kavalier And Clay, which is a book I've actually been wanting to read since it hit shelves in 2000. Now I'm completely wrapped up in it. So much so that it's actually inspired me to pick up my pencil and start drawing again. How long that'll last is anyone's guess.

And, naturally, my third obsession is some new music. Actually, the song I'm posting isn't necessarily my obsession, as it's really the entire new bundle I snatched up yesterday that is. This one just happens to be a fun, summery song that just helped put me back into a good mood. It's called Good Times and it's from Brazilian Girls, an NYC-based group. Their new album, New York City dropped earlier this week.

Of course, if you like what you hear, head over to Amazon or iTunes (via the link below) to download the album.

I'm Still There Holding Your Hand

One of my new favourite songs is I Wish I Could Keep You by New Zealand-based duo Little Pictures. It's a cute, pop-y song, plus, it makes me think about someone I know. Their debut album, owl + owl, is out now and may be ordered via Lil' Chief Records.

I Stood By It Until It's Last Sigh

The musical talent runs in the family, at least in the case of The Barbers. Last month I reported on Matthew Barber, but now it's his sister's turn. Jill Barber has delivered a saccharine sweet album all about love. Where her brother puts a pop twist on folk, she takes a decidedly country route. Dare I say I may just be more impressed with her body of work...enjoy Hard Line, a track from the album For All Time. Now, mind you, this album was actually released in Canada all the way back in 2006, but it's just now finding its way outside of that market. It's a good thing.


Download the album via Amazon or iTunes (the latter via the link below)

There's No Way You're Breaking My Heart

Be on the look out this Tuesday for new artist Little Jinder's debut EP, Polyhedron. She's from, where else, Sweden, and it's very evident in her songs. Below is one of the tracks from the album, I Like It Casual

I Can't Help It If It's True

Pitchfork has just made me the happiest guy alive! They've debuted the first single, Id Engager, from Of Montreal's upcoming album Skeletal Lamping! This is something that I've been eagerly anticipating since first listening to their previous effort, the amazing Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer, just under two years ago.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across another track from the album, Feminine Effects. While I absolutely love it, Id Engager, while kind of lacking a hook, is far more, well, engaging. It's also more along the lines of what they had to offer on Hissing Fauna..., although I've read that the rest may be more of a departure than this. If you enjoyed the previous album (most of my readers back then thought was far too funky) then you'll definitely love this single.

DOWNLOAD, courtesy of Pitchfork (Right click and 'save as...')

I strongly recommend you support this band (cause they are my favourite) by pre-ordering via Polyvinyl. It's a great deal, too. If you order the three different versions of the vinyl single in the package form, it costs you a mere $10. BUT WAIT! That's not all. The vinyl will also contain the link to download all the tracks in mp3 format. I just did my part and pre-ordered, so should you!