avanderzwan

So for any who have not heard this band before, I just introduced you to your new favorite band. For everyone else, aren’t they fabulous!? The Midnight Organ Fight is my most prized album right now, a definite contender for my number one Album of 2008.

The band’s lyrics are highly notable. They push emotive longing, emptiness and fear to new levels. Scott Hutchison pours out his soul in raw lyrical feuds, accenting their strengths: pounding beats, soaring vocals and powerful guitar riffs. No one could expect one with his voice to play so perfectly with the lyrical depth and musical magnitude expressed on each track (his scottish accent helps). I can’t rave enough about how amazing my journey through this album has been these past few weeks.

Also, I am excited to announce that I will be in Chicago this Thursday to see them live. They are playing with the French-Kicks who I really dislike ever since their horrible performance at Calvin with the Decemberists. But do not fret, Frightened Rabbit will be worth all of the bustle. If you are interested we are leaving at 5:00pm and will be home later than 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome. I know I know, this will make work the next day tough, but it will be well worth it, trust me.

I am in love with every track on this album so choosing these are hard, but to prove that I’m not just crazy, here are two great songs that I think most encompasses their sound. So give them your deserved attention (and buy their CD from emusic or insound) because they deserve it. You can also listen to more Frightened Rabbit at their Myspace.

 Modern Leper [3:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 Good Arms vs. Bad Arms [5:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It has been disconcertingly long since I have been so inspired, excited, courageously charged by good music… and it feels good to have it once again!

The subject of this ecstatic feeling… Cloud Cult. Many of you know that I have been a huge fan of Cloud Cult in the past, their eclectic pop sound (yeah I said it), mesmerizing syncopation, and inquisitive lyrics make me cry and dance at the same time. I was a huge fan of their 2005 release Advice From The Happy Hippopotamus, and I liked what they did in 2007 with The Meaning of 8, but it seems that while touring, painting, and saving the world (they are extreme advocates of environmentalism) they have the ability to write extremely enticing music. Feel Good Ghosts is a distinctive release for Cloud Cult, setting them well beyond the scope of most artists. I am reminded why I liked them in the first place but this time for progressing reasons.

Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) is accessible pop music that has been ripped up by Cloud Cult and then masterfully placed back together piece by piece… how they want it to be. This is not news if you are familiar with Cloud Cult, but this album takes different shape than the others. It seems happier, a bit less wrenched over, yet still very inquisitive and prodding. They also use much more orchestral pieces than the previous albums which makes their sound extremely full, and makes me miss Nate Stehouwer a lot.

I will post a song here, hopefully they wont mind. You can listen to more Cloud Cult over here. Every song on the album is amazing, choosing which one to post was difficult (so when you get the album, make sure you listen to the last track). With that… I URGE you, buy their album. Get it at their website, $12 shipped to your door or $10 mp3 download (no iTunes music locks). eMusic also has it, if you are subscribed.

I hope you like it. Let me know what you think.

 Journal of the Featherless: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The extremely talented and fun band, Domestic Problems, showed up at Rocky’s Bar and Grill last night and put on a little show for the bar’s regulars. They stepped in during open mic night, sat elusively in the back and came up quietly. There was no pompous attitude only graciousness and politeness from the rock stars. It was a little treat for the few who had the honor to witness and adore.

Click on image to view larger. You can see Bill, Matt and a little of Reggie in the back.

Kevin Fuller is opening on a Tuesday night gig at the Intersection (contact him for tickets). We were hanging out the other night and he mentioned that we should check it out. I was in then cause I think it’s important to support local musicians, especially those who hang out at Rocky’s. Then later, I was talking to Joel and found out Kevin was opening for a band called ‘The Silent Years‘. The Silent Years have opened for Calexico, and have played with Paleo. I got into them right when there first album was released in 2006. They are a really fun, high energy, pop-rock band, that most people would enjoy at a show. I’m looking forward to it. Here is more info on the show.

 The Silent Years - Someday [2:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download