Your source of music news, reviews and interviews sans all things unworthy of your ears.
Tune In: Jacks Mannequin
Jacks Mannequin is set to perform their song, Release Me, off of their latest album, People And Things, on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno, tonight! The Tonight Show airs at 11:35 PM EST on NBC.
Anthony Green has released one of the bonus tracks off of his upcoming full length, Beautiful Things. The song is called Only Love and features Nate Ruess (Fun., The Format). The remaining bonus tracks to be released have an array of guest artists including LIGHTS, Ida Maria, Colin Frangicetto (Circa Survive, Psychic Babble) and, Chino Moreno (Deftones).
Reuniting: At The Drive-In
At The Drive In has announced that their 11 year hiatus is ending. The band did not provide details about what is to come, but they will be updating their fans via their twitter.
Upcoming Tour: Anarbor
Anarbor has confirmed via Twitter that they will be announcing their next tour, which is sure to make us “crap our drawers” on Monday night (at 11:59, to be exact). Here’s to hoping they’re coming to a city near you, if only to help you clean up the mess they caused you to make.
On The Rise: Gabriel The Marine
It’s not often that an opening act is almost as (or just as) captivating as the band you went to the show for. This past Friday at Ollies Point, in Amityville, NY, Gabriel The Marine acted as this rarity. The headlining act was the beyond breathtaking Kevin Devine and the crowd was packed with his devotees. Gabriel The Marine effortlessly captured the attention of the entire venue and created an incredible energy, a feat that isn’t always easy amongst a niche audience. With vocals reminiscent of Anthony Greens, a violin reminiscent of Ra Ra Riot and an alternative sound that perfectly represents the Long Island scene, this band hit every single soft spot in my soul. I became a fan within the first few opening chords and it was obvious that I wasn’t alone. Immediately after Gabriel The Marine’s set, I went to the merch table to buy a CD and inquire about a future interview with the band, which will be happening within the next month or so! So, stay tuned for more from Gabriel The Marine and in the meantime, check out their ridiculously sweet music.
Sifted Static Recommends: Falling Faces
My Most Anticipated Albums of 2012
15. The Shins
When I heard that Shins frontman, James Mercer, was putting an album out with a new side project, Broken Bells, I didn’t think much of it. Upon listening to Broken Bells, however, I realized that their success might actually give that of The Shins a run for its money. I wondered what would become of The Shins. I’m more than relieved to know that there is more dreamy indie rock to come from these guys (and gal) with the release of their fourth full length, Port of Marrow, this year.
14. Justin Timberlake
The fact that Arcade Fire didn’t make my top 15 but J-Tim did may throw my indie cred out the window, but if you’re saying that you’re not excited for some more sexy, danceable jams from this jokester, then you’re probably a big fat liar.
13. Lana Del Rey
I’ve had high hopes for the music to come from Lana Del Rey ever since the release of her addicting single, Video Games. If the singles she’s released speak for the rest of her first major label record, Born To Die, it’s sure to be nothing short of sassy, soulful perfection.
12. Mumford & Sons
To me, Sigh No More, the first full length to come from Mumford & Sons is perfect, despite what anyone else may say. I’ve got all of my fingers and toes crossed in hopes that these guys don’t find themselves in a sophomore slump upon the release of their second this year. At the very least, I expect some more beautiful(ly cheesy) lyrics to scribble inside the margins of my notebooks.
11. Grizzly Bear
Grizzy Bear does for my life exactly what it did for the movie Blue Valentine, makes it a whole lot more beautiful and a bit less depressing. These brooklyn natives have yet to release anything that has been a complete disappointment and I’m sure that their fourth album will follow this trend.
10. The Gaslight Anthem
I was raised on the boss but I’m much more down to listen to these fresher Jersey faces than the album he’s putting out this year, especially after their absolutely amazing 2010 release, American Slang.
9. Two Door Cinema Club
Another band that I pray doesn’t fall into the sophomore slump. These adorable Irish indie poppers took over the world after the release of their debut album, Tourist History, in 2010. Here’s to hoping that the amount of tours and festivals this band has been a part of recently has provided enough inspiration for an album that’s just as fun to listen to as their first.
8. Say Anything
Because if the world is actually ending, I’m sure some angst reminiscent of middle school will surface. Besides, this band has been a favorite of mine for years, has yet to do anything disappointing, and isn’t likely to start now, especially with the addition of an awesome new bassist, Adam T. Siska (The Academy Is…).
7. Sleigh Bells
Because if the world is actually ending, I’ll want to dance to something better than dubstep as I party life away. I don’t doubt that Sleigh Bells second album, Reign of Terror will be just as much of a treat to listen to as their first. (See what I did there?)
6. Fun.
This band has lived up to its name thus far (aside from letting Glee use their recent single with Janelle Monae, that’s not fun). Their debut album, Aim & Ignite was cute, quirky and addictive in its entirety. Their second full length, Some Nights, will be released by Fueled By Ramen and considering Nate Ruess is the driving force behind Fun., it’s bound to satisfy.
5. Anthony Green
This is an album I’ve been not so patiently awaiting since the first solo release from Anthony Green in 2008. The solo work of Green delivers a calming ambience that isn’t quite as easily found in the music he’s produced as a member of several bands. His raw vocals paired with brilliant lyrics have kept Avalon in my constant rotation to this day. I don’t expect anything less of his second solo release, Beautiful Things.
4. The XX
I’ve spent many nights being lulled to sleep by this bands debut , self titled album. Though I’m still not sick of it, I’m welcoming some more sexy, brain melting tunes from these young UK natives with extremely open arms and ears.
3. Freelance Whales
This band is one of the few wonderful things that has ever come of a craigslist ad. Their music is about as unexpected as their roots, featuring an array of instruments that aren’t so typical to indie pop. Freelance Whales first release, Weathervanes is diverse and simply magical, worthy of soundtracking a day in the life of anyone. The amount of effort this band put into crafting their debut leaves hopes very high for their sophomore release.
1a. Local Natives
1b. Sigur Rós
Yes, we’ve got a tie for first. It’s hard to articulate my excitement for either of these albums and was simply impossible to decide which one I’m more anxious to hear.
Local Natives first album, Gorilla Manor, easily ranks in my top 5 favorite albums of all time. The band, comprised of self proclaimed perfectionists, spent four years ensuring that every detail Gorilla Manor was exactly as they wanted it. I’d hoped their next album wouldn’t take four years to craft and it looks like I’m in luck. Local Natives is taking half the time to produce their next release and even if it’s only half as amazing as Gorilla Manor, it will be one of the best records of the year.
As for the next release from Sigur Rós, there isn’t much to say other than that it’s hard to imagine this band putting anything out that isn’t absolutely brilliant. Sigur Rós did the music world an immense service by ending their hiatus in 2011. If all else fails in 2012, the seventh full length from one of the greatest bands of our time, is guaranteed bout of beauty.
