New Bat for Lashes, "Daniel (Lo Fi Version)"

The ear-pleasing and melodic Two Suns, by Bat for Lashes has been one of the talks of the music blogosphere thus far this year.  The album, complete with energetic, haunting and moving tracks, is a treat for any listener, and highly recommended.  If you already own it, or if you're planning on it, trust me, you'll want the following information.  

If you've got the physical CD, or plan to buy it, head over to pushentertainment.com.  Once there, you should put the CD into your computer's disc drive, then fill out the form.  Afterwards, you'll receive the eerie, yet familiar, stripped down version of "Daniel," the song that everybody's already raving about, with more praise to come, I'm sure.  If you'd like to hear the track before going to get it, check out the video of the band performing that version of the song below.  Two Suns is already out all over the place via Astralwerks.

John's Track of the Week: "Happy Up Here"

Track: Happy Up Here

Artist: Röyksopp

Album: Junior

Year: 2009

Since we do have lives outside of this site, it is often difficult to review more than one album per week.  With that in mind however, there's no reason why we can't talk about good music after it is released to the general public.  This is where "Happy Up Here" fits in.  As the opening track for Norwegian electronic pop group, Röyksopp's new album, Junior, the song throws you right into the synth-powered dance party that comprises the remainder of the record.  It's a great tone-setter, and harkens listeners to the group's hit 2001 effort, Melody A.M. However, overall, "Happy Up Here" is part of very different record entirely, as Junior appeals to a much broader crowd in my opinion, especially in the midst of the current dance-pop craze going on within the indie scene.

For those who may not already be associated with Röyksopp, they are a Norwegian electronic pop group (as mentioned earlier), existing since 1998.  Though they may not be known throughout the U.S., they are extremely popular in Europe, even winning the MTV Europe Music Award for best video in 2002.  Many will probably also know some of their earlier work, "Remind Me" and "So Easy," from the early Geico "Caveman" adds and T-Mobile UK commercials, respectively.  If you enjoy a good beat and feeling like you're sitting in an Eastern European rave club, this is probably your jam.  Even if you're skeptical though, I'd still give it a quick listen below.

New Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, "Nikorette"

As buzz starts to get rolling for Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band's new release, Outer South, I'm sure we'll be hearing a new round of stories of Conor's "child prodigy" status etc., since his music is now being introduced to a new audience of sorts.  As I said last time I spoke about Oberst, I'm pretty sure we're not going to hear another Bright Eyes album, or at least nothing resembling what Bright Eyes used to be, anytime soon.  With the Mystic Valley Band, specifically on this track, "Nikorette," as well as many of the songs on the group's debut record last year, he's at ease and relaxed.  It's as if he was a cowboy just hiding within a bangsy emo kid all these years (make of that what you will).  With that in mind, we now get to hear the second preview track from the forthcoming record, this time for free download.  Check it out below, courtesy of Stereogum.  Outer South is out May 5th via Merge Records.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band- "Nikorette" 

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele on Daytrotter

Here at Animal Noises, we're supportive of ukuleles as a main piece of instrumentation, so when I happened upon this post over at Daytrotter, I just had to bring it over here.  Basically, just take Elvis Presley and mix him with Beirut and Okkervil River, and you've got Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele.  Fronted by May, the band plays relaxing, nostalgic pop and recently released a full-length album, The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele (February).  If you're into any of the aforementioned acts, you may be a fan of this as well, so I'd recommend checking it out.  It's over here, at Daytrotter, where you'll find free mp3s.  Enjoy.

New Akron/Family, "River"

With their new album, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free, being released within the next 30 days or so, Akron/Family has allowed their fans an inside glimpse of what to expect.  One of those glimpses, "River" is the topic of discussion today, and is available for free download (courtesy of Stereogum) below.  The song (similar to the record as a whole) is neat, but still maintains a spacious atmosphere.  Opening with an initially haphazard collection of percussion instruments, it quickly reorganizes, kicking in with shakers and a tropical feel and vocal line that could be dead ringers for parts of Simon & Garfunkel's "Cecilia".  For already-established fans of the band, expect a positive departure from old in terms of arrangement.  And for those who have not heard them of yet, picture a family band in a barn, except better.  Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free is out May 5th via Dead Oceans.  Check out "River" below for a preview of what's to come. 

Akron/Family- "River"

Pre-Screening: Woods

Album: Songs of Shame

Artist: Woods

Label: Shrimper/Woodsist

Due Out: April 14th

Bright, clear and pleasant, Woods' newest effort, Songs of Shame, has seemingly come out of the (wait for it)...woods, so to speak. Mixing elements of lo-fi, psychadelia and folk, the album does not mark a departure from their earlier sound, but rather, a reworking of it. It's still the same band, just making the natural progression toward a more mature and refined sound. I've already seen some skepticism amongst fans around the web, similar to the hesitance of Iran's fans to embrace the band's fantastic new album, Dissolver. However, if the skeptics bear with me for this, maybe they might come around, and even learn to enjoy this new and interesting listen.

The opener, "To Clean," brings a sort of raw and youthful energy out immediately. This demeanor remains at the forefront for its entirety, setting the stage for the rest of the album. The song, somehow, also feels clean- pure, if you will. Must be that youthfulness that you catch on to within seconds. Similarly, the second track, "The Hold," grabs you (pun intended) with a like mix of the band's traditional lo-fi nature, along with the bright blend of folk and psychadelia in the background. "The Number," the third part of what some could refer to as the first act of the record, maintains the previous sound, while seemingly drifting a bit out of the structured confines of the others. The soaring falsetto and battling guitars become entrenched, and the relaxing nature of the album takes over, seemingly letting you drift, but only momentarily.

For almost 10 minutes, you won't hear another word. "September with Pete" checks in with an engaging and active trip into the earthy psychadelia the band is usually known for, giving the listener a lot to consume, but a lot to like as well. Though it remains bright, it pales in comparison to the beginning of the album. Still, the trip stops the group of recordings from melting together too much, which I'll always consider a good thing. From there, "Down this Road"eases us back into the previous cheery aesthetic, allowing us time to settle before hopping back in for what is one of the best tracks on the record, "Military Madness (Graham Nash)". The song kind of reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel a bit, and in no way is that a bad thing. S&G had a penchant earthy-type folk, so I suppose the comparison fits quite aptly actually. "Born to Lose" and "Echo Lake" follow, and are the type of songs that you may forget initially, but after a listen or two, realize that they are some if the record's best offerings, and the gears that keep an effort like this flowing smoothly. As they hop along, you immerse yourself further in, barely realizing the time that has passed outside of the songs.

Next is "Rain On," the first single, I'm supposing, based on the fact that the band already gave everybody a free preview (it's up here a few posts back). As I said then, the song reminds me of an early Shins b-side- you know, before everyone knew them from Garden State (great movie- I don't hate). At first, it seems like it slows the record down a tad, but in reality, the track maintains the steady rhythm it had established on the previous tracks. The real sound explosion happens on "Gypsy Hand," literally a pop song, bouncing off the walls with an array of sounds you haven't seen yet on the album, at least not all at once. Not to end the album out of character, "Where and What Are You" brings us back to the relaxing and pleasant tonality that got us here in the first place, easing you out of the record.

What hit me most about Songs of Shame was the simplicity of it all. It's an enjoyable and fun listen, without getting too much sound, too much effort, or too many technicalities. As I said, it's relaxing, and its overall pleasant disposition is definitely reason enough to listen. This album of natural progression never tries to do too much, but yet doesn't seem to be holding back either. It grabs that all-too-rare dynamic of striking it just right, and providing us with a great listening experience. For similarities, I'd recommend checking out the aforementioned Simon & Garfunkel, as well as early stuff from The Shins, and Here We Go Magic.

Rating: 7.5/10

Best Track: "Gypsy Hand"

Bonus .mp3, courtesy of Stereogum: Woods- "Rain On"

Stuart Murdoch's God Help The Girl

Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian decided last year that he wanted to make an album and movie following a narrative he wrote about two girls and a guy.  After auditioning numerous young ladies, Brittany Stallings, Dina Bankhole and Catherine Ireton all got the job, and equal opportunity to contribute on an album which, from what I've heard in the clip below, is nothing short of intriguing.  I, like so many other fans of music, can always enjoy when someone decides to leave their comfort level in a natural progression, to produce something original or organic.  This seemingly fits the bit, in what I hear as a 1960s-style re-conceptualization of Belle and Sebastian, and life, in general.  If you're still skeptical, check out the short back story documentary about it below, and maybe you'll change your mind.  God Help The Girl is out June 23rd via Matador.  I'd recommend it.  See the website for more info.

New DOOM, "Gazzillion Ear (Thom Yorke Remix)"

The artist formerly known as MF DOOM is now simply just DOOM.  We've discussed this already, but haven't really talked about his new album, under his new monicker, Born Like This, which came out March 24th.  It's a good record- stays true to what DOOM's always been about, so no complaints there.  If you buy it on itunes, along with the 17 tracks you initially thought you'd be receiving in return for your money, you'll also get a remix of "Gazzillion Ear", by none other than Radiohead's Thom Yorke.  Everyone's favorite Miley Cyrus-hater does a good job with an already legit song, so I'd suggest checking it for yourself with the YouTube video below if you haven't heard it yet.

Matt's Track of the Week: "I Was A Cage"

Song: I Was A Cage

Artist: Right Away, Great Captain!

Album: The Eventually Home

Year: 2008

I'm slowing things down this week with "I Was A Cage" by Right Away, Great Captain!.  This band, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated musical projects in the current indie scene.  It's basically made up of Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull, along with some small collaboration with friends.  For those of you who don't know, the first album, The Bitter End, was a rigid concept record that was put together in 3 days.  It revolves around a 16th century sailor at sea and the journal entries he writes to his captain and his wife back at home.  The general vibe was that it was very much a side-project.  With The Eventually Home, however, RA,GC! has come into their own right, with an album that is less obviously based in the story, and more about solid songs with some great sounds.  It's actually hard to tell that it's the second part of a planned trilogy.

"I Was A Cage" is a slow burning and emotional tune that feels similar to something off of Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning. There's a feeling of regret to it, but it isn't depressing.  It tells the story of a narrator who might still have the one they love by their side if only they had not smothered them and made them feel trapped.  It's a good song to wind-down with after a long day.  In fact, the album as a whole is incredibly relaxing, and if you haven't heard it yet, I would recommend that you get a hold of it soon.  Give the song a listen below.

John's Track of the Week: "Do You Realize??"

Song: Do You Realize??

Artist: The Flaming Lips

Album: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Year: 2002

This week, my track of the week sort of switches back to the type of stuff you'd normally see from me.  "Do You Realize??", probably The Flaming Lips' most popular and well-known song, is one of the many relaxing and spacious tracks off of 2002's Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.  Readers will probably recognize it from VH1 spots, as well as Mitsubishi and HP commercials, but before that, it was simply a song about struggling with addiction and the hardship left behind from a close loved one's death.

While in the studio recording Yoshimi, lead singer Wayne Coyne was still dealing with the death of his father, and bandmate Steven Drozd was struggling with kicking a drug addiction.  The emotions of these events combined allowed Coyne to pen "Do You Realize??", which indirectly deals with the two situations, while speaking of death and getting the most out of life.  The band actually enjoys the fact that people find this song rather endearing, and, entertainingly enough, it was named the state of Oklahoma's official rock song last month.  Though I wasn't aware that states had official rock songs, you can still enjoy Oklahoma's below.