Easter recommendations.

This Will Destroy You.
I actually avoided listening to this band because I assumed they were hardcore or metal. Just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover - they're an instrumental post-rock band.
For Fans Of: Explosions In The Sky, Caspian, God Is An Astronaut
myspace.com/thiswilldestroyyou


She & Him.
This is the result of a collaboration between M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel actually has a very pretty voice, and these songs are delicately beautiful.
For Fans Of: Coconut Records, Tegan And Sara, Bon Iver
myspace.com/sheandhim


The Hush Sound.
This Illinois group just released their third album, Goodbye Blues. It's a wonderful record that may even top their previous recordings.
For Fans Of: Straylight Run, Rilo Kiley, Eisley
myspace.com/thehushsound

2.17.07 recs

We Shot The Moon.
The newest project of former Waking Ashland frontman Jonathan Jones. These piano pop songs are catchy as hell, and I can't stop listening to them.
myspace.com/weshotthemoon


Kiss Kiss.
I should have listened to people earlier when they told me about this band. Their odd brand of darkly theatrical pop-rock is creative and always impresses me.
myspace.com/kisskiss


The Faint.
I recently rediscovered my love affair with this bizarre Omaha-based electronic group. Their dark lyrics and detailed instrumentation can get just about anyone out onto the dancefloor.
myspace.com/thefaint

2.10.08 recs

Mercy Mercedes.
Usually I'm not a fan of dance-rock, but Mercy Mercedes are the catchiest new band I've heard recently. "Dr. Huxtable" has been on repeat ever since I got a hold of their new Casio Rodeo EP.
For Fans Of: The Years Gone By, Farewell, Cobra Starship
myspace.com/mercymercedes


Once soundtrack.
Once is one of the most beautiful and touching movies I've ever seen, due in no small part to the incredible soundtrack featuring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. These are songs that can easily bring me to tears.
For Fans Of: Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, The Frames
myspace.com/oncesoundtrack


At The Drive-In.
Here's a classic for you. Complex prog-rock band that had a brief and intense career before splitting up to form The Mars Volta and Sparta. If you don't already own the album Relationship Of Command, you should probably go to your local record store immediately.
For Fans Of: Fugazi, Bear Vs. Shark, Death From Above 1979
myspace.com/atdi

2.3.08 recs

Empires.
Their initial claim to fame is that their guitarist is Tom Conrad, formerly of The Academy Is. However, Empires is a legitimately separate entity from that band, and I think they might really make waves with their pop-rock tunes.
myspace.com/empires


The Morning Of.
These kids have seen a lot of hype recently, and with good reason. Bouncy pop songs with dual male/female vocals, their album is a good time all around.
myspace.com/themorningofrock


City And Colour.
The acoustic side project of Alexisonfire frontman Dallas Green. This is his second album as City And Colour, and it's completely breathtaking.
myspace.com/dallasgreen

12.2.07 recs

These are all artists who played at Folkfest at my school last night.


Doug Cheatwood And The Bastards Of Fate.
One of the most bizarre things I've ever seen. Cheatwood was rolling around on the ground, pies were thrown at the audience, and there were crazy lights and fog. I can't quite tell if they're geniuses or just insane.
For Fans Of: Portugal. The Man, The Drugstore Cowboys, Bear Vs. Shark.
myspace.com/dougcheatwood


Red Clay River.
Good old-fashioned bluegrass/country, heavy on the moonshine. Vocalist Daniel Bivins has a gritty voice reminiscent of Tom Waits, and the group of them are perfect when it comes to harmonizing and stomping their feet.
For Fans Of: Tom Waits, Harry McClintock, The Cox Family
myspace.com/redclayriver


Ced Hughes.
Performing under the name Shoot The Moon last night with a friend as a DJ and Kid A on backup vocals, Ced Hughes has a bouncy, in your face style of hip hop that uses beats from Interpol, Justice, and Amy Winehouse, just to name a few.
For Fans Of: Kanye West, Consequence, Jay-Z
myspace.com/cedhughes

11/25/07 recs

Rosie Thomas.
Beautiful acoustic pop music. Her album These Friends Of Mine was recorded with Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer, and includes guest vocals from Jeremy Enigk (on a Denison cover), Damien Jurado, and David Bazan.
For Fans Of: The Weepies, Brandi Carlisle, Maria Taylor


The New Frontiers.
Formerly known as Stellamaris, these Texans play atmospheric pop rock that will completely envelope you while you are listening. Their upcoming full-length was recorded with Matt Goldman, and I'm sure it will blow many listeners out of the water.
For Fans Of: Nada Surf, As Tall As Lions, The Appleseed Cast


Cold War Kids.
Long Beach natives Cold War Kids are a pretty unique band these days. They play a blend of rock and blues, full of swagger and soul that's hard to find in our scene. The album released earlier this year, Robbers & Cowards, is probably going to end up pretty high on my end of the year list.
For Fans Of: The White Stripes, Spoon, The Strokes

10.7.07 recs

Beirut.
This kid is really young, but he's making breathtaking, romantic music that's easy to fall in love with.
For fans of: Sufjan Stevens, Devendra Banhart, Grizzly Bear
myspace.com/beruit


Modern Skirts.
Meandering indie pop from Athens, Georgia. Their singer has a distinct voice, and their music is perfect for relaxing with a glass of lemonade.
For fans of: Lakes, Blackpool Lights, Ben Jelen
myspace.com/modernskirts


k-os.
Accessible hip-hop with a reggae twist. His new album, Atlantis, is a must-have.
For fans of: The Roots, Talib Kweli, Common
myspace.com/kos

recs 9.30.07

City And Colour.
This is the solo project of Dallas Green, frontman for Alexisonfire. His acoustic songs are surprisingly heartwrenching and beautiful.
RIYL: Dustin Kensrue, Damien Rice, Rocky Votolato
myspace.com/dallasgreen


The Bled.
Hardcore powerhouse The Bled are back full blast with their new album Silent Treatment. It's a no holds barred explosion of sound.
RIYL: Every Time I Die, He Is Legend, Norma Jean
myspace.com/thebled


Explosions In The Sky.
Brilliant experimental instrumental music. EITS songs are easy to lose yourself in.
RIYL: Unwed Sailor, Mogwai, The Album Leaf
myspace.com/texasband

9.2.07 recommendations

These two recommendations come via the show I hosted at my school last night. Both bands put on impressive performances.


Valencia.
Pop-punk from Philly, they put on an explosive show and are all genuinely nice guys. They have just recorded the follow-up to This Could Be A Possibility, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
RIYL: Spitalfield, Cartel, Hit The Lights


You, Me, And Everyone We Know.
Imagine if Say Anything started writing dance rock tunes. These guys always bring the party - make sure you catch them on their upcoming tour with I Am The Avalanche.
RIYL: The Graduate, Head Automatica, Brighten

8.26.07 recs

Between The Trees.
These guys write impeccable pop rock songs. They're starting to blow up fast, so keep your eyes on them.
RIYL: Mae, Melee, Brighten.
myspace.com/betweenthetreesmusic


Crash Boom Bang.
Infectious pop rock from Northern Virginia. They put on one of the most interactive and entertaining live shows I've ever seen, and are currently recording their debut LP with Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T's.
RIYL: All Time Low, Cartel, Spitalfield.
myspace.com/crashboombang


Emanuel.
These guys are about to release their second album, Black Earth Tiger. It's a big departure from Soundtrack To A Headrush: so much heavier and darker.
RIYL: Every Time I Die, Underoath, Alexisonfire.
myspace.com/emanuel

8.12.07 recs

All of these recommendations come courtesy of my friend Sally, and I thank her so much for introducing me to these bands.


Feist.
Leslie Feist is also a member of Broken Social Scene, but her solo work is most impressive to me. She has a beautiful voice and a great ear for melody.
myspace.com/feist


Sondre Lerche.
Singer-songwriter from Norway. He has been called the Scandinavian answer to Bright Eyes, but he is much more polished and refined than that.
myspace.com/sondrelerche


Cavil At Rest.
This L.A. based unsigned band writes ethereal, haunting pop songs. Their live show is ten times better than their recorded material, but they're definitely a band you should keep your eye on.
myspace.com/cavilatrest

sunday recs, a day late.

Every Time I Die.
These hardcore southern rockers are gearing up for some time on Sounds Of The Underground, and a new record in the fall. They've posted a new song on their myspace, and it's pretty ballin.
myspace.com/everytimeidie


The Format.
I know I've recommended this band before, but now they've got their ENTIRE ALBUM, Dog Problems, but for FREE DOWNLOAD on their website. You need it. Now.
theformat.com


The Rocket Summer.
Another artist I've recommended recently, but it's getting closer to the release date for his new album, Do You Feel, and you can download one of the new songs for FREE from Rolling Stone.
therocketsummer.com

6/10/07 recs

The Years Gone By.
Straight up pop-punk with obligatory gang choral bits and super catchy hooks - somewhere between Blink-182 and All Time Low.
myspace.com/theyearsgonebynj


Steve Moakler.
Acoustic pop that's just screaming to be signed. Reminiscent of Dave Melillo, Damien Rice, and early Dashboard Confessional. Just generally pretty songs. He's got a new track posted on his ap.net profile now.
absolutepunk.net/stevemoakler


Flight 409.
Very energetic piano rock, and their singer's voice sounds a lot like Andrew McMahon. Don't write them off as SoCo clones though, because they're a little more punk than that.
myspace.com/flight409


Don't forget to buy The Morning Light's EP, The Sounds Of Love, here!

5/27/07 recs.

Circa Survive.
This Tuesday, Circa is releasing their highly anticipated sophomore album, On Letting Go. It will be the first time frontman Anthony Green has release two albums with one band. From what I've heard, the new disc far surpasses their brilliant previous release, Juturna.
circasurvive.com


Hit The Lights.
If you're looking for a serious pop-punk fix, Hit The Lights is the band for you. Following in the footsteps of bands like New Found Glory and Cartel, HTL is all kinds of bubblegummy goodness.
hitthelightsmusic.com


The Rocket Summer.
Bryce Avary is The Rocket Summer, and he writes sunny powerpop anthems about friendship and love that are sure to warm up anyone who takes a listen. His new album, Do You Feel, is set to drop on July 17th.
therocketsummer.com

5/20 recs

Cursive.
Indie rock with heavy emphasis on uncommon instruments (especially strings). When coupled with Tim Kasher's brilliant lyrics and unique voice, Cursive is a band you shouldn't miss out on.
cursivearmy.com


Erin McKeown.
I often tend to write off lesbian folk music as all sounding exactly the same, until I heard McKeown's music. She's got her own spark she infuses her songs with, and every one of them is catchy enough to get your toes tapping.
erinmckeown.com


Maroon 5.
It's been a few years since Maroon 5 last released new material, and their new disc, It Won't Be Soon Before Long, is sounding like a fairly decent follow-up.
maroon5.com

now that you're home, won't you rescue me?

New Sunday recommendations!


Manchester Orchestra.
I will straight up admit that I really disliked this band at first. I didn't understand the intense hype around them. It wasn't until I saw them with Brand New a second time that I understood them. I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child is quickly becoming a new favorite.
themanchesterorchestra.com


The Format.
Dog Problems is an indiepop masterpiece. It's light and catchy with extraordinarily intelligent lyrics.
theformat.com


Kaddisfly.
Kaddisfly have recently released their second LP, Set Sail The Prairie. Their progressive post-hardcore is truly inventive and unlike most other music out there today.
kaddisfly.com

r-r-recs

This week, I'm going to rec you some rap & hip hop. Don't discount this post by saying you hate rap - that's not true. These artists are not the typical crunk crap that's all over the radio. They are very talented and intelligent and have great songs. Essentially, here's a starter kit for people who claim to hate rap.


Consequence.
Thanks to Patrick for introducing me to this guy. He's now on Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label, but is also notable for many collaborations with A Tribe Called Quest. He's got great flow and is just all around an enjoyable listen.
consmusic.com


Talib Kweli.
Kweli began his career as part of the duo Black Star with Mos Def. Now solo, Kweli has even played stints on Warped Tour, showing that he can appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
talibkweli.com


Brite One.
Brite One is the rapping moniker of Daryl Palumbo, singer for Glassjaw, Head Automatica, and a few other projects. Palumbo is actually a very good rapper. There aren't a lot of tracks out there, but what is there can be downloaded at the page linked below.
danceinmyblood.com