A band of young desert dwellers (they’re from AZ) with an eclectic sound that echoes both Live at Pompeii-era Pink Floyd and The Smiths. Outstanding musicianship and voices all around. Hear ’em while they’re hip. Check out their Puspa in Space EP.
Six Underrated Albums of 2015
Other Lives, Rituals Stillwater, Oklahoma-based atmospheric indie rockers invoke names like Alt-J, Fleet Foxes, and early Radiohead. Ultimate Painting, Green Lanes Formed by James of Veronica Falls and Jack of Mazes, this duo crafts simple and true ’60s and ’70s-inspired guitar pop. Ryley Walker, Primrose Green An accomplished fingerstyle guitarist/songwriter whose music bridges…
15 Hippest Songs of 2015
In no particular order… “She’s a Witch” Gengahr, A Dream Outside “Trouble” Cage the Elephant, Tell Me I’m Pretty “Adventure of a Lifetime” Coldplay, A Head Full of Dreams “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Multi-Love “Something Soon” Car Seat Headrest, Teens of Style
EL VY
My dad told me to check these guys out. A quirky musical collaboration between National vocalist/lyricist Matt Berninger and multi-instrumentalist Brent Knopf of Menomena and Ramona Falls.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (Live on KEXP)
Freaked-out psychedelic madness by way of Melbourne, Australia.
Love & Mercy
“When you listen to Pet Sounds, use earphones in the dark, and you can hear everything.” Though I’ve long known that Pet Sounds is considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded, it was not until I watched a film called Love & Mercy that I ever gave the record a proper listen. The movie…
The Vinyl of My Life
Image credit: Robert Farkas
Ultimate Painting
Formed by James of Veronica Falls and Jack of Mazes, this duo crafts simple and true ’60s and ’70s-inspired guitar pop. Their latest album, Green Lanes, is great bopping-around music. Influenced by: The Velvet Underground Similar to: Real Estate
New Music: Other Lives
These guys opened for Radiohead a few years back and yet hardly anyone’s heard of them. An Oklahoma band that sings from the heartland. Haunting strings and ethereal vocals, perfect for a folksy Western soundtrack. New album, Rituals, is that electrified. They’re on tour now, so buy a ticket if they’re coming to your town.
Wasted Words (already been heard)
“There’s new love, heartbreak, good friends, not-that-much studying and a-few-too-many beers, all written with great wit. Highly recommended.” “This short novel gives an insightful and emotional perspective of a college student who is an outsider even when he is in a group. The prose is witty and playful, the comedic elements are laugh out loud…