Up and coming bands to look out for...

[bmack86]

Check out some of the stuff he did prior. While that's true, it's a step in sophistication for songwriting with the guy (and he's 19 I think?) It's nice to hear someone get blood curdling.

[TomAz]

I'm a bit full up on "boutique indie" right now- precious little bloodless musical shoebox dioramas where everyone politely plays their instrument and it's all very tasteful and nice.
I want something with some blood in it.

YES. This might be the most insightful two-sentence critique of the current state of music I've read. This exactly describes how much of the 'best of 2011' seems to me.

[HandBanana]

Thing is, even the Cloud Nothing record sounds a bit like someone's thesis project.

[Drinkey McDrinkerstein]

hey jason, did you check out that Total Abuse album from last year?

[HandBanana]

Did I? I dont recall but I def will now.

[Drinkey McDrinkerstein]

I have no idea if that your thing or not, but it's crazy raw, insane, and a bit disturbing. I would also recommend The Men to you in the same vein.

[HandBanana]

Really dig The Men, so I am on it.

[bmack86]

good call on Cloud Nothing's...their newest album is pretty sick. from the interviews i've read though, Producer Steve Albini had a very positive / game changing way the band has recorded tracks in the past. I really don't know much about his background, sounds like a cool dude though...

Topical

[Drinkey McDrinkerstein]

""So there's an asshole that runs this shithole venue in Chicago - this song is about fuck him and all the shit he does"

[faxman75]

""So there's an asshole that runs this shithole venue in Chicago - this song is about fuck him and all the shit he does"

That NEVER gets old.

[hereslookingatyoukid]

Good shout on Youth Lagoon. Their debut album was in my favourite five this year. Only coming behind The Horrible Crowes and The Antlers.

Can't wait to see Youth Lagoon live in March. Playing a tiny venue in London.

[theklein25]

The Concept. Swedish version of Phoenix. So Good. I want more info on them

[bmack86]

The Men and Total Abuse are both awesome. They've both been around for a few years, but they seem like they're ready to get more recognition now.

[getbetter]

I enjoyed Blouse a lot when I saw them last saturday

[GeezrRckr]

Thanks for the Milk Music, Bryan. It's a shame you weren't club age during the late 80's/early 90's.

[bmack86]

Agreed. I would have killed to have been a punk kid in the 80s and seen all those great SST, Sub Pop and Touch and Go bands play.

I think I showed you Milk Music when we were driving back from breakfast.

[GeezrRckr]

But, then again...the probability that you would have gotten your JD had you been a punk kid back then might have been nil. (and, yes, those labels were my soundtrack during those years; probably why I have some angst towards the new bands that come off as retreads).

Yes, you did already tell me about them. I blame the food coma for forgetting.

[bmack86]

So last night I went to Harvard and Stone because my friend's band Last American Buffalo was playing. The opener, Wildcat! Wildcat!, were playing their first show. They were really good: kind of a Grizzly Bear/Pinback/XTC sorta sound. They did a great cover of Making Plans for Nigel by XTC, and i just really liked their harmonies. Check 'em out

[Timestretch]

This new Young Hines track is pure joy!

http://www.americansongwriter.com/20...nes-rainy-day/


Good to hear about the Blouse show. I've been digging their music (particularly Into Black), but haven't seen them live. They are on my list for bands to see at SX.

[sonofhal]

Might as well face it, I'm addicted to MMOTHS.

http://soundcloud.com/mmoths