This Week's Releases

John Bustine - credit
After a huge amount of releases last week, it seemed like hardly anyone had a release this week. However, we still have a couple quality releases put out by some lesser known bands.

My personal pick this week could have to be Kevin Drew's "solo" release Spirits If... The reason the quotes are there, is that there are around 20 different people that are featured on the album. In the first of a series of releases by members of Broken Social Scene, this CD serves a good reminder as to why the band got so popular in the first place. Front man Kevin Drew does a great job with the first release in the series, that will have each member write an album and then feature everyone else playing/singing backup.

Tbtf

I haven't listened to Hard-Fi in a long long time, but their first release Stars of Cctv was a pretty decent debut album. They finally have another release, titled Once Upon a Time In the West. More grown up and with a lot more experience, these guys put out a good record worth listening to if you are into that special brand of rock that has a flavor of electronics with it.

Suburban Knights

Doing a video contest for their new single "The Equestrian," Les Savy Fav has their latest album out called Let's Stay Friends. Another feel good dance type band, these guys are less electronic than Hard-Fi and more rock with a dance feel. Be sure to check the video below for "Patty Lee" to get an idea of what I am talking about.



Regionally, The A-Sides are a band from Philadelphia that have their newest release coming out this week. Silver Storm is much mellower than the previous bands mentioned, but these guys still have a great sound.

Cinematic

Another mellow indie band that has a great sound is Rogue Wave, with their new release Asleep At Heaven's Gate. Smooth vocals and great music find themselves intertwined into the whole album.

Lake Michigan

For something totally different, give Firefox AK's debut album Madame, Madame! a listen. Mostly electronic pop, this stuff will make you feel like you are in the club while you walk down the street, but isn't full of bass and won't give you a headache. Already released in Europe, the US release is finally here and ready for your ears.



Finally, we end with this week's new DC release. John Bustine released Waltzes and Pleases on local label Gypsy Eyes Records. Like their other releases, this album is a little country, a little folk and a little rock. If you great songwriting and introspective lyrics, this release is definitely worth checking out.

Miss Amputee, West Culver County

This Week's Mix

This week's mix features many relatively unknown bands along with some new music from bands you should know already. I have also tried to keep with the tradition of including two songs from local artists.

1. Architecture In Helsinki - Fumble


2. Kinetic Stereokids - Explosions Were Heard


3. Two If By Sea - Report From Damage Control


4. Phoenix - Long Distance Call


5. Broken Social Scene - Fire Eye'd Boy


6. Snow Patrol - Run


7. The Hold Steady - Massive Nights


8. Soft Complex - Barcelona


9. Stars of Track and Field - Movies of Antartica


10. The Automatic Automatic - Monster

Just a note on the locals. It looks like Soft Complex will be playing a one off at 9:30 Club on September 8, before they go back into hibernation to finish the album. Two if by Sea has several dates coming up in Baltimore and many other dates in the works. Check both of their sites for more information.