MNDR

MNDR, aka Amanda Warner and Peter Wade, hasn't been around for long. Early 2010, they were the elusive "best kept secret" artist on your playlist. You didn't know much about them, except those circular, spacey, trademark glasses of Warner's. Now, nearly a year later, they're hitting Terminal 5 this coming Friday (February 4th) and has dropped an angelic, choir-backed, synth packed single, Cut Me Out. Have a listen. You can find the free download of the single here.

Iron & Wine/ Kiss Eachother Clean

(At last! A timely review!) A few days ago, Iron & Wine's new album hit iTunes early. Eagerly, I downloaded the whole album with out a second thought. Surely I knew what it would sound like: whispered vocals, soft acoustic guitar, and a female harmonizing the lengthened words of the chorus. I have never been more wrong in my life. Sam Beam has taken a new approach to his music. For starters, it's louder, which isn't saying much, yet it still is not the quiet, strain-your-ears-to-hear Naked As We Came sound. Although it still keeps the harmonic chorus and soft guitar, Beam has incorperated new sound: saxaphone. In his wonderful, seven minute masterpiece, "Your Fake Name is Good Enough For Me" the first forty-two seconds consist of jolly, swing-era, big band music...and did I hear an electric guitar in there, or was that my imagination? Despite what some of his stubborn fans say, Beam has sucessfully tackeled this new sound triumphantly. Five stars! Have a listen. Iron & Wine - Your Fake Name is Good Enough For Me

The Decemberist/The King is Dead

It seems as though the Decemberists have traded medival storytelling and long numbers rather than songs, for songs rather than numbers, and a ton harmonicas and accordians. If that makes sense. The King is Dead is loaded with country vibes, blaring harmionies and woeful ballads. I do love it, but part of me still years for the eccentric tales of Picaresque.

Anyway, my favorite is probably either their single, "Down By The Water", or January Hymn". I also suggest listening to "Don't Carry it All".

Have a listen. The song names are all linked.

Twin Shadow

Usually when I listen to electro, or anything remotley electro, I thoughtfully begin to plan my death. But then I met Twin Shadow. I was sent a copy of their song Castles in the Snow, and as it was playing, I think I said something along the lines of: "Hello, Twin Shadow. Where the hell have you been all my electro-hating-electro-hating life?"

Basically, if you like Crystal Castles, you'll like Twin Shadow. If you like Yesayer, you'll like Twin Shadow. If you like music you'll like Twin Shadow.

Have a listen.
Castles in the Snow - Twin Shadow