Mum: new album on the way

Icelandic electronic outfit Mum, have a new album coming at the end of this Summer. The new disc, titled, Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know! will be hitting stores on Aug 24 via Morr Music in Europe, and on Euphono in the US on the 8th of September. The new work which will be the bands fifth full length, was recorded in various locales including Estonia, Finland and Iceland, and follow's up 2007's Go Go Smear the Poisin Ivy.


Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know! tracklist:
01 If I Were a Fish
02 Sing Along
03 Prophecies & Reversed Memories
04 A River Don't Stop to Breathe
05 The Smell of Today Is Sweet Like Breastmilk in the Wind
06 Show Me
07 Hullaballabalú
08 Blow Your Nose
09 Kay-ray-ku-ku-ko-kex
10 Last Shapes of Never
11 Illuminated
12 Ladies of the New Century

From 2002's 'Finally We Are No One'

We All Have A Map Of The Piano - Mum

Mum on myspace.

Our latest installment of 'Field Recordings' w/Point Juncture, Wa.-"Kings Part 2"

If you haven't caught on to Portland band Point Juncture, Wa. yet, then your truly missing out on one of the hidden gems of the year. The band released their fantastic album Heart To Elk at the end of last year, and it made such an impression that I had to include it on my end of the year 'Best Of list' after only limited spins. The wonderfully textured album got a wider re-release on Mt. Fuji records several months back, and it mixes effortlessly powerful indie rock, sugary pop, and perfect harmonies.
We caught up with the band while at a tour stop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with The Thermals, where the band gave us a nice intimate performance along a rocky waterfront overlooking the NYC skyline.



Point Juncture, Wa on myspace.

Frightened Rabbit live performance-'The Modern Leper"

Frightened Rabbit's brilliant 2008 LP, The Midnight Organ Fight is still one that gets heavy play on my iPod these days. But as good as the album is, catching a live performance from the band might be an even better experience, watching frontman Scott Hutchinson and the band pour their soul into each performance. The emotionally charged and cinematic LP had some of the best songwriting of the year, and the track that sets it all up was the album opener, "The Modern Leper."
You can catch a great live performance of the track, as the band recently stopped by the studios of NYC radio station WFUV's spin off The Alternate Side.

Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn teaming up on new project

Actress Scarlett Johansson and Jersey singer/songwriter Pete Yorn have teamed up on a new album titled, Break Up. The new disc which drops Sept. 8th was said to be recorded in 2006, a full two years before Johansson released her Tom Waits covers albun, Anywhere I Lay my Head.
The discs first single, "Relator," is currently streaming over on the pairs official website.

Relator - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson

listen to new tracks from: The National

It seems like The National hasn't come up for air ever since the release of 2007's critical smash, Boxer, as the band has been on tour virtually ever since. Which is why it's hard to believe that the band has even had time to work on brand new material, but the guys have been showcasing several new tunes while out on some recent stops in Canada and the U.S.
The band is said to be going into the studio at some point this year, but for now you can check out the new tracks, "Vanderlylle Cry Baby" which is a typical National slow building charmer, and also the track 'The Runaway" which has also appeared as "Karamazov" from a recent stop at Canada's Q tv.

"Vanderlylle Cry Baby"


"The Runaway" (Aka Karamazov)

(via Stereogum)

The National's website.

Samantha Crain touring w/Langhorne Slim and Avett Brothers

Young Oklahoma singer/songwriter Samantha Crain has managed to keep some pretty good company on tour this year. Her and her band The Midnight Shivers have headed out on the road with the likes of Josh Ritter, The Felice Brothers, Thao & the Get Down Stay Dow, and even as a guest on the all girl Hotel Cafe tour from late 2008. Crain's stellar full length debut, Songs in the Night was released just last month and has been getting rave reviews. Crain and The Midnight Shivers continue to tour in support of the disc, and will pick up their latest leg of dates supporting both Langhorne Slim and The Avett Brothers, with other festival appearances scattered across the Summer. (see all the dates below)

Get the Fever Out - Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers

Upcoming tour schedule:
May 28 Sam Bond’s Garage w/ Langhorne Slim Eugene, Or
May 29 The Independent w/ Langhorne Slim Guns San Francisco, Ca
May 30 Spaceland w/ Langhorne Slim Los Angeles, Ca
Jun 1 Plush w/ Langhorne Slim Tucson, Arz
Jun 3 The Parish w/ Langhorne Slim Austin, Tx
Jun 4 Dan’s Silverleaf w/ Langhorne Slim Denton, Tx
Jun 5 Wakarusa w/ Gomez, Lucero, Langhorne Slim Ozark, Ark
Jun 6 Jackpot Saloon w/ Langhorne Slim Lawrence, Ka
Jun 7 Hi-Dive w/ Langhorne Slim Denver, Co
Jun 8 Urban Lounge w/ Langhorne Slim Salt Lake City, Ut
Jun 13 Thirsty Ear Festival Santa Fe, NM
Jun 14 Silverton Jamboree Silverton, Co
Jun 18 Frederik Meijer Gardens w/ The Avett Brothers Grand Rapids, Mich
Jun 19 Akron Civic Theatre w/ The Avett Brothers Akron, Oh
Jun 20 Newport Music Hall w/ The Avett Brothers Columbus, Oh
Jun 21 The Madison Theater w/ The Avett Brothers Covington, Ky
Jun 23 Kentucky Theatre w/ The Avett Brothers Lexington, Ky
Jun 25 The Pageant w/ The Avett Brothers St. Louis, Mo
Jun 26 Hoyt Sherman Theatre w/ The Avett Brothers Des Moines, Iw
Jun 27 Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater w/The Avett Brothers Minneapolis, Minn
Jun 28 House of Blues w/The Avett Brothers Chicago, Ill
Jul 10 Kennedy Center Washington, Washington DC
Jul 11 Indian Summer Showcase Washington DC
Jul 17 Border Bash Bristol, Tennessee
Jul 19 GrassRoots Festival Trumansburg, NY
Jul 24& 25 FloydFest Floyd, Va
Aug 1 & 2 Pickathon Roots Music Festival Portland, Or
Aug 14 Summer Series at Hartwood South Park, Penn
Sep 19 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Bristol, Va
Sep 20 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Bristol, Va

Samantha Crain on myspace.

Spinnerette announces US dates

Former Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle's new project, Spinnerette, have announced some new tour dates, which includes stops in New York City and Los Angeles this June (with more dates likely to follow shortly). The appearances will coincide with the release of their new self-titled debut, which hits stores in the US, June 23. The new project and full length have been rumored about for years but finally is coming to fruition, the group includes former Distillers band mate Tony Bevilacqua, Alain Johannes and Jack Irons (from Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
The bands first single, ‘Baptized By Fire', was released last week.

Ghetto Love - Spinnerette

Baptized by Fire - Spinnerette

Upcoming shows:
Jun 17 Call The Office London, Ontario
Jun 18 LiVE Lounge Ottawa, Ontario
Jun 19 The Mod Club Toronto, Ontario
Jun 22 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Jun 24 Troubadour West Hollywood, California
Jul 10 Oxegen Festival Naas, Co.Kildare
Jul 11 Wakestock festival Cargdigan Bay, North Wales
Jul 12 Academy 3 Manchester
Jul 13 O2 Academy 2 Oxford
Jul 16 Electric Ballroom London
Jul 17 O2 Academy 2 Newcastle
Jul 18 King Tuts Glasgow, Scotland
Jul 24 2009 Capitol Hill Block Party Seattle, Wa.
Aug 28 Leeds Festival - Bramham Park Leeds
Aug 29 Reading Festival Reading
Sep 5 Jersey Live St. Clement, Channel Islands

Spinnerette on the web.

hear new music from The Twilight Sad

Masters of melancholy, The Twilight Sad will be releasing their 2nd proper full length, Forget the Night Ahead this Sept. 21st in the UK and Europe, Sept. 22nd in the U.S. on Fat Cat records. The album will be the follow up to their brilliant 2007 debut, 'Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters'.
The band recently stopped by the folks at Fly TV to play some stripped down acoustic versions of two tracks, one of which is off the forthcoming disc, "Made to Disappear" and an older track"Walking for Two Hours", while at a stop at the Great Escape Festival. You can also take a listen to the new song "Reflection of the Television" below.


The Fly - Twilight Sad `Made To Disappear` FlyTV In The Courtyard on MUZU.


The Fly - Twilight Sad `Walking For Two Hours` FlyTV In The Courtyard on MUZU.

Reflection Of The Television - The Twilight Sad

The Twilight Sad on myspace.

'Song of the Week': Howling Bells-"Cities Burning Down"

This weeks 'Song of The Week' comes from the London via Australia based band, Howling Bells, with their track, ''Cities Burning Down." The group led by Juanita Stein (vocals, guitar) and Joel Stein (guitars) are out now with their sophomore album, Radio Wars, which is available in the UK and Australia, with a release date in the US coming this July 28th. The group spent much of the past two years touring the globe supporting the likes of Futureheads, Snow Patrol, and even nabbing a recent slot opening for Coldplay on their Viva La Vida tour.

Cities Burning Down - Howling Bells

Howling Bells tour dates:
May 27 SPAC Saratoga Springs, New York
May 28 Williamsburg Hall of Music Brooklyn, New York
May 30 Post Gazette Pavilion Burgettstown, Pennsylvania
Jun 1 Darien Lake Darien Lake, New York
Jun 2 DTE Energy Music Clarkston, Michigan
Jun 4 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, Ohio
Jun 5 Wireless Noblesville, Indiana
Jun 6 Sommet Center Nashville, Tennessee
Jun 9 New Orleans Arena New Orleans, Louisiana
Jun 10 AT+T Center San Antonio, Texas
Jun 12 Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines, Idaho
Jun 13 Qwest Center Omaha, Nebraska
Jun 15 MTS Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jun 17 Pengrowth Saddledome Calgary, Alberta
Jun 18 Rexall Place Edmonton, Alberta
Jun 20 GM Place Vancouver, British Columbia
Jun 21 GM Place Vancouver, British Columbia
Jul 4 Hop Farm London and South East

Howling Bells on myspace.

Sharon Van Etten: new video "For You", album out next week

I'm glad to see Brooklyn singer Sharon Van Etten getting some well deserved publicity for her forthcoming new disc, Because I Was in Love. The second full length from the Jersey born, and Tennessee raised Van Etten drops next Tuesday, May 26 on Language of Stone, and she has already received press this week from The Tripwire, and Pitchfork. The new disc really showcases Sharon's raw, intimate, and heartbreaking songs, featuring the tracks, "Consolation Prize", 'It's Not Like", and the first single "For You" which she just released a new video for below.

Sharon is currently touring across the UK with Canada's, Great Lake Swimmers, with more dates around the NYC area with Alela Diane, Twi the Humble Feather, and Laura Gibson in the coming months.

To see Sharon playing for our 'Field Recordings' performance series click here.


Sharon Van Etten - For You from Toolshed Media on Vimeo.

Consolation Prize - Sharon Van Etten

Upcoming Tour Dates:
5-21 Twisted Wheel in Glasgow w/ Great Lake Swimmers
5-22 Glee Club in Birmingham w/ Great Lake Swimmers
5-23 Rough Trade In Store London
5-23 Borderline in London w/ Great Lake Swimmers
6-11 Union Pool Brklyn (Northside Music Festival) L Magazine showcase
6-12 92Y Tribeca, NYC (w/ Stars Like Fleas, Twi the Humble Feather)
6-16 Mercury Lounge, Manhattan NY (w/ Laura Gibson)
7-03 Sycamore, Brooklyn NY
7-16 Monkeytown, Brooklyn NY (w/ Speck Mountain)
8-14 Union Hall, Brooklyn NY (w/ Alela Diane)

Sharon Van Etten on myspace.

Help save Paste magazine

The Magazine industry has taken a real beating during this economic crisis, with shrinking ad revenues taking it's toll and shutting down numerous publications. The latest to feel the wrath is one of my personal favorites, Paste Magazine. I've discovered more than a few great artists over the years thanks to Paste, and their cd samplers. The mag gives a refreshing alternate take to a lot of the other music based magazines out there, with a nice focus on singer/songwriters. So now Paste along with various artists and fellow publications are appealing to their readers and fellow music lovers looking for some help to keep things going. The bottom line is about money, and the magazine is looking for donations to keep things afloat, but they are also offering up to anyone that lends a hand a nice free download package of 120 songs from over 70 different artists featuring lot's of rare tracks you may have never heard. Some of the acts featured on the free download are, The Decemberists, Neko Case, She & Him, Of Montreal, Josh Rouse, The Avett Brothers, Ra Ra Riot, Loney Dear, Brandi Carlile, Marc Broussard, William Fitzsimmons, and Samantha Crain.

Here's a sample of Paste's appeal ..."We’ll make it through this short-term economic crisis—but it’s only with your help. Our fate is (and has been and always will be) in your hands. Big-time investors are not “in the game” right now—but readers can rise up and “invest” in Paste’s future. Will you be a part? We appreciate all of your support so far—everyone who’s subscribed, given a gift, or even read a story online or opened a newsletter. It’s all enabled us to make it this far. ... "It doesn’t take much. Every little bit helps and you can be a part of continuing our efforts to help you find signs of life in music, film and culture. If $1 (yes, one dollar) came in from everyone on our e-mail lists (or $10 from 10% or $100 from 1%), we’ll reach our goal and emerge from this recession as a stronger magazine and website. While we’re not a non-profit (this isn’t a tax-deductible gift), know that every dollar you give goes into keeping Paste alive and, ultimately, making it even better.

To make a donation to Paste you can go here.

new project from members of Ra Ra Riot & Vampire Weekend: Discovery

A powerhouse indie duo of Ra Ra Riot crooner, Wes Miles and Vampire Weekend keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij have teamed up for a brand new project, called Discovery. The pair have an album on the way this summer, due July 7 on XL Recordings. The full length will feature appearances by Dirty Projectors' Angel Deradoorian and Rostam's fellow bandmate from Vampire Weekend, Ezra Koenig.
You can currently hear two tracks streaming over on their myspace, "Orange Shirt" and "Osaka Loop Line."

LP:
01 Orange Shirt
02 Osaka Loop Line
03 Can You Discover?
04 I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend [ft. Angel Deradoorian]
05 So Insane
06 Swing Tree
07 Carby [ft. Ezra Koenig]
08 I Want You Back
09 It's Not My Fault (It's My Fault)
10 Slang Tang

Discovery on myspace.