Joanna Newsom’s forthcoming album, Have One on Me, due worldwide on February 23 via Drag City Records seems to be making waves due to the newly released song and it’s zoo of an album cover. Also It’s going to be a triple LP, so expect another whimsical masterpiece from this very special lady.
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[mp3] Joanna Newsom – ’81 from Have One On Me (2010)
The more I hear the new Shearwater record, the more I am reminded that this may be my favorite record so far this year. Plus,the newly released song, Black Eyes is becoming my favorite song of the year. It’s going to take a lot to beat this one out. Shearwater was since grown into a mammoth of a band, rather than just a side project. I have already had my fair listen to this masterful record and I can already tell you that The Golden Archipelago may be their finest work yet.
You can Pre-Order the album here, due out February 23rd. [Buy the vinyl like I did!]
Shearwater will be at the Bottom of the Hill on the 25th of April. Buy tickets here.
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[mp3] Shearwater – Black Eyes from The Golden Archipelago (2010)
Your hype band has arrived; welcome Surfer Blood and their surf-grunge debut full-length, Astro Coast. However, this isn’t just your average lo-fi garage punk; it’s music to let loose to and allow yourself to rock out with confidence. Way less pretentious than Wavves and a shitload more fun, Astro Coast is a beach album that needs to blasted outside an El Camino in the afternoon. Released about two weeks ago, Astro Coast is a must for anyone going on a beachside drive.
Surfer Blood will be at the Bottom of the Hill April 2nd with Turbo Fruits and Ganglians. Tickets here.
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Those of you that were fond of San Diego’s The Muslims won’t find much of a difference from the renamed Soft Pack and their hazy-day post punk rock record of the same name. Rolling with Ramones like fun and power-pop choruses, The Soft Packs’ new record is fashionably crafted garage rock that is not too cool to let loose. Not necessarily a debut for the band itself, but for the name; Soft Pack is a bit more polished and louder than any previous Muslim records. I’m assuming this is due to ex-Girls Against Boys bassist Eli Janney producing and mixing what has become one of the more anticipated records of the year.
The Soft Pack will be released on the 2nd February on Kemado Records. You can pre-order it here.
This week we have Soft Pack guitarist Matty McLoughlin answering this week’s Kuestionnaire. Someone please read question #6, find some footage, and make this happen. I want to see a youtube link by the end of the week…
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Matty McLoughlin- I play guitar in the band.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Simple rock music.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Abe Vigoda, Pearl Harbor
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
The Beaters at The Echo in Los Angeles.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
The University of Miami football team during the late 1980’s, Rodney Dangerfield, Grape Gatorade, Alec Baldwin.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Cosby Show
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
George Clinton
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Kurt Vile “God is Saying This to You”
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Felt- “Ballad of the Band”
Sly Stone- “Running Away”
Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty- “Stop Dragging My Heart Around”
Thin Lizzy- “Dancing in the Moonlight”
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Selling used cars
11. What is the last book you read?
“Boys Will Be Boys”- Jeff Pearlman
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Waste of time.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Not really. My guitar cable used to fall out of my guitar alot if I drank too much before we played. I’ve since rectified that problem. That really isn’t that embarrassing though.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, New York, Austin.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Dancing Fool.
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[mp3] The Soft Pack – C’mon from The Soft Pack (2010)
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[mp3] Pearl Harbor – Luv Goon from Something About the Chaparrals EP (2009)
Atmospheric rock bandWater & Bodies are releasing a new album on Jan 13th at Doug Fir in Portland, OR. It’s the second part of a dual album titled The Rain City Sessions. If you don’t live in Portland and can’t make it to the release show you will be able to purchase the new album online soon after Jan 13th so keep posted. If you live in Portland, come out to the show, purchase a beautiful limited edition hand screen printed Water & Bodies poster and get the album for free.
Above is a behind the scenes video of the band in the studio.
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[mp3] Water & Bodies – Free World from Water & Bodies EP (2009)
I’ve stumbled across a handful of bands that I figured I’d share with you all. The amount of potential in these acts are unprecedented and should be infesting your iPod, or at least showing up on the next advertisement for one.
The Piano Creeps
Bringing back memories of Mazzy Star and channeling Nico and The Velvet Underground; The Piano Creeps is filled with desertlike folk country-ish sounds, that never seems to wear thin. Though lead vocalist Mary Lorson rarely raises her voice above a sultry whisper, it’s bright enough to hold your attention all night. Just yesterday, the band released their debut album “Future Blues (for me and you)” on The Kora Records.
The Piano Creeps – Hey Love
Rademacher
Whimsical, heartfelt, sincere: all these adjectives only scratch the surface of Rademacher. The Fresno, CA group has independently released three EPs and a full length and have just released their fourth EP entitled, ERA. The EP showcases that their truly individual sound knows no boundaries and is willing to cross genres many times within a song. The great thing about Rademacher is that they are able to create catchy indie pop without lumping themselves into “Garden State” territory. Check them out on their California tour this October.
Rademacher – If U Know
Blackout 101
It’s hard to find good honest young talent these days. And when you do find it, it’s only a matter of time before they are corrupted by the evils of fame. Well that may not be the case with the Calabasas, CA based pop punk band, Blackout 101. While living the dream of talented musicians, like touring the UK and having their record produced by Deftones producer Shaun Lopez, the boys have still been able to keep their music tight and imaginative in a genre sucked dry of creative energy. This week, Blackout 101 has been lucky to open up for the newly reunited Far, as well as a few more West Coast dates. Check’em out.
Blackout 101 – Open Your Eyes
Well I’m off to LA to see Hot Little Ponyat the Troubadour in LA. I’ll be back Friday night with pictures and probably a funny story or two.
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
The more I hear the new Shearwater record, the more I am reminded that this may be my favorite record so far this year. Plus,the newly released song, Black Eyes is becoming my favorite song of the year. It’s going to take a lot to beat this one out. Shearwater was since grown into a mammoth of a band, rather than just a side project. I have already had my fair listen to this masterful record and I can already tell you that The Golden Archipelago may be their finest work yet.
