I'm you but with better taste Bringing you good stuff one day at a time

Today's song is Radio Moscow - The Escape. This band started in 2004 in Ames, IA (of all places) and can be described as psychadelic rock harking back to the glory rock 'n roll days of cream & jimmy hendrix. Their first album was produced by Black Keys guitarist, Dan Auerbach, after the lead singer gave Auerbach their demo following a Black Keys concert. They clearly needed to be on the same record label. Following a nostalgic trend in rock 'n roll, Radio Moscow joins the ranks of similar bands The Black Keys & the White Stripes. It's bands like these that escape the drab gutless music of today and give me hope for the future of rock. If you like this song, the rest of the album follows suit. Pick up their 2009 release Brain Cycles, they need your support.

After last night's Phoenix concert I was tempted to play a less popular track off their first album, but I will restrain. Today's song is Albatross, Albatross, Albatross by Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band. The best part of this band is the way it's formed. The lead singer & guitar player, Benjamin Verdoes, is a high school teacher, the drummer is his 14 year old adopted brother & his wife sings backup. Ben told his brother that when he was good enough to play in a band, they would start one. Two years later, when his brother Marshal was only 13, they started MSHVM. This song is the strongest on the album and has very well done music video. If you like this song be sure to check out the rest of the album. There are definitely a couple gems on this Seatle band's debut.

Today's song is from the band Say Hi entitled One, Two... One. This song is probably my favorite off the album and does a good job representing the tone of the band. Say Hi, formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom, has a unique upbeat yet gloomy sound that can only be described as Seattle indie (where the band founder hails from). This album, released in 2009, is definitely their best work so far and leads me to believe that they will continue to get better as they release future albums. How can you not like a band with the name Say Hi to Your Mom? Check out the music video below.

Today's song is The Cribs - We Share the Same Skies. If you are a Cribs fan then you may be disappointed with this song and the rest of their most recent album, Ignore the Ignorant (2009). This album has a much lighter and mature sound than previous records; personally I prefer the less refined Cribs of yore. Despite mixed reviews, the album has placed well on UK charts. The song below is by far my favorite from the album. If you like this album, check out the older stuff. You are in for a treat.

This album is one of the best kept secrets of 2009. With a post-punk electro rock sound, they deliver original beats in a pretty generic music scene. Hailing from MA, they definitely step up the east coast scene. The mp3s can be purchased online, good luck finding this cd for sale anywhere. The first single Shere Kahn is below and is a pretty good representation of the rest of the album. To quote another reviewer, "The album is kind of amazing. It could put bears on the moon."

Today's song comes from from an Austrian band named Bilderbuch (Storybook). Their debut album, Nelken & Schillinge (Carnations & Schillings), was released in 2009 in Europe but has yet to make it stateside. The cd is not even available online, only mp3. They are a young band (average age being about 20) and have definite influence from other euro indie bands like the Arctic Monkeys & Kasabian. Their first single entitled Calypso has a fast beat and catchy tune. I wish I could understand what they were singing about. Their music videos are all shot with what looks like a Red camera; very high quality. They are a goofy looking foursome and remind me of Sprockets the German spoof band from SNL. Take a look and see for yourself.

Today's song comes from Jet's most recent album, Shaka Rock. As a whole the album is pretty generic. Jet played it pretty safe and stuck with what they are good at, infectious beats and catchy lyrics. This particular song reminds me of a cross between Spoon, The New Pornographers and maybe a little Supergrass. If you like these bands definitely give the song and the album a shot.

Today's song come from the band Cities. This band formed in 2004 in NC and came out with this self-titled album in 2006 never to be heard from again. The single Capitol sets the tone for the rest of the album; dark & gloomy indie rock. I wish they had released subsequent albums.

Check out the single Cities - Capitol below. I actually had to upload this myself due to its obscurity.

I have had many attempts at a blog in the past, none of which succeeded for one fundamental reason; it is never a good idea to put your weekend debacles in writing. I promise to do a better job with this one and focus more on good music, good food & all around good times.