Two Weeks of Releases

School consumed my life last week, so I was not able to get you your weekly release post. Fear not, because I have combined both weeks into one massive post.

Week of 11/6:
Last week was a week of EPs. It seems that a number of our favorite artists could not wait to give us some new music, so they put out EPs to hold us over while they finish their new albums.

The first EP for the week is from one of my favorite bands of the year, Tokyo Police Club. This was the official release date for the Smith EP, but it has been on iTunes since early summer. I actually didn't realize that it was never officially released, as I have been listening to it for months. Similar to their other releases, it is a short 3 song EP that is full of great music. I featured "Box" on a mix awhile ago and if you have had the chance to see them live, then you will be very familiar with all of these songs.

Box

Sigur Rós released a dual EP box set called Hvarf/Heim. It has been described as beautiful, can't miss and a work of greatness. They have always been too mellow for me, but I cannot dispute the fact that these guys are some of the most talented artists out right now. There is a DVD out by the band on 11/20 that is supposed to be a beautiful visual take on their music.

Hljomalind

Grizzly Bear's Friend EP is a ten song album (and a bonus track tacked on to the end of the last song) with a few covers of such indie favorites as Band of Horses and Atlas Sound. A few of the songs appeared on Grizzly Bear's first album Yellow House, but have been totally reworked and sound extremely different from their first recordings. The entire album weighs in around 30 minutes and could be considered a full LP, if all of the songs were original recordings. I consider it a strong enough release to stand on its own against Yellow House. This album is sure to delight its listeners and is sure to hold fans over until the next LP comes out next year.

He Hit Me

The next EP is from Wild Sweet Orange, who hail from Birmingham, Alabama. I have been following this band for a long time and eagerly await any release from them. The Whale EP has been hard to track down, but the preview songs sound great. There are rumors that their full length is due out early next year, so lets hope that holds true.

Wrestle With God

Great Northern has an iTunes only EP out now and it sounds pretty good. It happens to be the prequel to their full length. After seeing them at Black Cat, they had to be one of the best opening bands not from DC that I saw all summer. So I look forward to listening to any additional music that they put out.

Shakey

The final release of the week that I want to tell you about is White Williams' Smoke. This is the first full length from this electronic band. I saw them open for Girl Talk a couple of months ago and they are really talented. They have a similar appeal to most of the indie electronic dance bands. If that is your thing, you won't be disappointed by this.

The Shadow

Other Releases This Week:

Burial

Untrue - "Shell of Light"

60 Watt Kid

60 Watt Kid - "Ocsicnarf Nas"

The Black Swans

Change! - "Change"

Zookeepers

Becoming All Things: "Trumpets" & "Becoming All Things"

Oslo

The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate - "The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate"

Minipop

A New Hope - "Like I Do"

This Week:
Not much was released this week, but there are a few good releases from some notable artists.

Led Zeppelin

Mothership (Greatest Hits) - Full Album Stream

LCD Soundsystem

45:33 - Full Album Stream

Os Mutantes

Live - Full Album Stream

Christine Fellows

Nevertheless - "Nevertheless"

Aarktica

Matchless Years - "Seventy Jane"

Dirty on Purpose

Like Bees EP - "Mind Blindness" & "Girls & Sunshine" (from Sleep Late For A Better Tomorrow)

Great Northern @ Black Cat - Thursday, 7/26

Last night, I went to see Great Northern at Black Cat in Washington, DC. Going into this concert, I actually thought that Great Northern was the main act, not The Comas. Great Northern has the talent to headline, but it didn't matter. The biggest crowd that I had ever seen for an opening act at Black Cat backstage, made it out to see them. When the band hit the stage, Rachel admitted that they had just shown up about 15 minutes before the set started, due to the traffic that they hit coming out of NYC. It didn't play a part in the show though. The band played a wonderful set.


The band had a lot of energy coming out of the gate and that really got the crowd into it. Songs like "Telling Lies" and "Home" were fan favorites that had a lot of people singing along. Many of the songs had great solos and the lyrics blended so well with the music, that everyone was just swaying back and forth while enjoying a great night. The band knew the material well and they all did an excellent job playing their parts. When you listen to their album, you notice the lush soundscapes that they create. Seeing them live, allows you to visualize how they create each of those sounds. To me, that was the real treat.


The only problem that I noticed last night, was a minor sound glitch. Some of the vocals and keyboard were drowned out by the other instruments. Other than that, it was a great set. They played most of the songs off of their latest album and on the last song, The Comas joined them on stage banging away on tambourines. Next time that they come through town, I will definitely be in attendance.


You can view the rest of the pictures I took here.

Great Northern - The Middle

Tonight @ Black Cat

There is great show at Black Cat tonight. Great Northern and The Comas are playing backstage. Filter is keeping a tourzine for the entire run and they asked us to log tonight's DC date for them. Chris will be taking care of the duties and if you make it out, I'm sure that you will see him with camera in hand. Check back tomorrow for his review and photos.

Great Northern - Telling Lies
The Comas - Red Microphones

Shows For Your Tuesday

It's Tuesday, but there are definitely some shows worth seeing in DC tonight. Here's an overview of what your choices are...


Illinois has been generating a lot of buzz lately. Tonight, they will be in town and headlining at Rock 'N Roll Hotel. Tallest Highest will be providing the support.

Illinois - Alone Again


Great Northern is a band from Los Angeles that you have probably never heard of. They are worth checking out and you can do so tonight at Black Cat.

Great Northern - Telling Lies


Finally, there is a solid show at DC9. Arms and Legs will be in town and they have Vandaveer and Hot Coffee, Mississippi providing support.

Arms and Legs - Let Go
Vandaveer - Marianne, You've Done It Now
Hot Coffee, Mississippi - Postal Service