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NOW PLAYING: July 2010

Kate Bradley — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:34:17 +0000

Highlights of what’s been running through the speakers here at OUTLANDOS HQ the last month or so:

Danish outfit, very Death Cab for Cutie. Honestly, the jury is still out but so far, thumbs up; meaning, I didn’t reach over to shut it off once through the first listen — and that’s saying something . I also did reach over to turn it up a couple of times, most notably for “New Lipstick” and the cover of Neil Young’s “Philadelphia.” Summary: take a risk.

2. David Chernis, Music for Super 8

Sure, sure… I might be biased. But this is beautiful. The guitar-balls behind the original Damnwells‘ lineup releases his first solo project, a complete 180. Instrumental. Restrained. Surprising. Eclectic. Enjoy.

3. Chris Trapper, Into the Bright Lights

Lead singer of The Push Stars out with a solo EP, getting back to that Push Stars pop sound I love so much after diverting a bit. Gorgeous.

NOW PLAYING: April 2010

Kate Bradley — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:31:26 +0000

Highlights of what’s been running through the speakers here at OUTLANDOS HQ the last month or so:

1. Luke Doucet and the White Falcon, Blood’s Too Rich

I think I’m in love. Seriously. Massive man/guitar crush. He is wicked. Don’t let the fact that he’s Sarah McLachlan’s guitarist spook you.

2. Broken Records, Until the Earth Begins to Part

Edinburg seven-piece (apparently, Edinburg is having an uberchic moment), old U2 meets one fierce violin.

3. The Silver Seas, Château Revenge

Yes, still on this one . Just can’t seem to stop. You know a record holds up when you can keep it on replay. Daniel Tashian (son of Barry Tashian, of legendary New England garage rockers The Remains) et al. Château Revenge’s on sale this month at your favorite usual spots, sneak listens to almost every single song, its entirety, at the links below (we featured them all last month on THE DAILY DOSE):

Best Thing in Life
What’s the Drawback?
Somebody Said Your Name
Home & Dry
Candy
Help is on the Way
Those Streets
From My Windowsill
Jane

NOW PLAYING: Top 9 2009

Kate Bradley — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:59:33 +0000

You read that right, it’s the Top 9. Two qualifiers: 1) an album totally worth the price, your money will be well spent and 2) an album that’s stood up on replay, ad infintinum. Hence, there were only nine. Trying to squeeze in a 10th felt like a copout. And we can’t have that. So, just in time for your shopping lists, our faves around Outlandos HQ for the past year:

1. Michael Miller, I Made You Up

Awash in a melodic swath of near-psychedelic ether, Miller’s sound teeters between that delicate dream state of newborn refuge and Milky Way haze. But don’t let the SoCal singer-songwriter thing fool you: Miller’s unassuming yet gumptious approach places him squarely alongside the likes of troubadours Pete Droge/Steve Forbert but with flecks of Supertramp/Bowie-style transcendental grandeur. No kidding. Which is why it’s my top pick.

2. Chris Velan, Solidago

Solidago was on my tops last year because I had an early copy (the release was April 2009) but it’s so good I’m putting it on the list again. The scoop: cunningly disguised as jangly chill-lax pop, Solidago reveals whipsmart songcraft and no-bullshit guitar rockers juxtaposed amidst easy-going ditties. Think Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Wallflowers, Bob Marley. The kind of political/romantic moxie that makes me think hell yes, I too am a Hard Way Learner.

3. Mike Gent, Mike Gent

A pop masterpiece. Seriously. It’s easy, it’s smart, it’s fun, AND it has balls. Like Wilco used to (think Box of Letters, Monday). Speaking of balls, Mike’s other band, the Figgs, has long been one of my favorite badass live outfits.

4. Glasvegas, Glasvegas

Timeless Glasgow glampop at its uber-finest. Echo and the Bunnymen-esque, bigger drums. Shit-hot.

5. Gidgets Ga Ga, The Big Bong Theory

Fountains of Wayne meets Cheap Trick meets Strawberry Alarm Clock. Lots of bouncy, chimey guitars, and an authentic garage sound. Plus the album has a million songs on it. Loads of bang for your buck.

6. Contramano, Contramano

Argentinian chamber-punk. Go figure. It’s spectacular. Seriously, you need to own this record IMMEDIATELY.

7. Roman Candle, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

The Bees (US) are easily one of my fave bands ever. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, they had to change their name to The Silver Seas. They should have a new album out soon (yay!). In the meantime, Bees’ cofounder Jason Lehning has been keeping busy. Roman Candle is his latest project and everything you would expect from a Bee. Smart, fun, shades Steely Dan, Pretzel Logic-style.

8. Passion Pit, Manners

A dance record! Who knew. Fun fun fun. Very Jackson 5. Plus a lot of synth.

9. Gary Yerkins, Compass

Gotta have a touch of blues in your list. Gary has a sweet Robert Cray sort of thing going on. Produced by guitar great Pete Droge who plays all over it as well. Total gem.

NOW PLAYING: November 2009

Kate Bradley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:39 +0000

Been digging through the holiday stacks here at Outlandos HQ, getting ready to program THE DAILY DOSE for December. I tell you, it nearly killed me trying to figure out what to play next to the McKenzie Brothers doing the 12 Days of Christmas. But it’s my favorite holiday song so I have to play it for you guys. Be sure to check in each day to see what we’ve got cookin’ for the holidays along with our hand-picked wine and cheese recommendations to go with each song. Yes, we are bonkers.

That said, if you haven’t already, join THE DAILY DOSE on Facebook and become our friend (it still always feels sooooo high-school asking that). We’ll look forward to checking out pictures of you when you were 12… or whatever it is you’ve got posted there.

Now for what’s been playing at Outlandos HQ so far this month:

1. WDST’s Unleashed

One of the best new music shows out there. Mostly new but they pipe in some older gems as well. Sound familiar? Ida and Dave have killer taste and a great on-air presence. It’s my new Sunday night must-listen. You can catch whole episodes by clicking here.

2. Gary Yerkins, Compass

Totally reminds me of Robert Cray/Gerry Rafferty. Produced by guitar great Pete Droge who plays all over it as well. Total gem, you should own it. Hear Gary on THE DAILY DOSE December 3.

3. Sam Prekop, Who’s Your New Professor?

Wow, wow, wow. Thanks to NEXT Music‘s Chris Bro for the intro to Sam, of The Sea and Cake. Is it electro-jazz rock? I don’t know how to describe it, except to say smart. Hear Sam on THE DAILY DOSE 11/24.

NOW PLAYING: October 2009

Kate Bradley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Just getting ready to program The Daily Dose for November, for sure, these guys will be showing up alongside older tunes we think make sense as well as our wine and cheese picks.

What’s that you say? You couldn’t stand to miss a single Dose? We hear ya. So, an RSS feed to solve your woes, because we love you. We really do.

Now for what’s been playing at Outlandos HQ so far this month:

1. The Dimes, The King Can Drink the Harbor Dry

Portland Oregon 4-piece. Mellow but not in the annoying Gray’s Anatomy way. Sounds a whole lot like John Stirratt’s (of Wilco) side project The Autumn Defense. Simon & Garfunkel too. Ten Days After even. Buy it.

2. Dodos, Time To Die

Also mellow but edgy, lots of unexpected syncopation. Hints of XTC and even… Phish. Strange, I know. Bet you’ll like it.

3. Gidgets Ga Ga, The Big Bong Fiasco

Remember those Nuggets box-sets? These guys have tons of balls, lots of bouncy, chimey guitars, and an authentic garage sound that’s not just a ploy. Shades of Cheap Trick too. Loving it.