Human Tetris, “People” MP3
As a goth and/or existentialist band names go Human Tetris is up there with Crash Worship and Sisters of Mercy, the latter of which is clearly some kind of influence, as Tetris vocalist Arvid Kriger has a long-faced Andrew Eldritch crow. They’ve also got that perfect goth forlorn futility steez whilst singing an apocalyptic tale that may or may not have anything to do with their hometown of Moscow. Yes it is that serious. And just for kicks, watch the awesome video for Sisters of Mercy’s “Lucretia, My Reflection” after the jump.
Download: Human Tetris, “People” (via Weekly Tapedeck)
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posted on Nov 19, 2009 in MP3 / STREAMS tags Crash Worship, goth, Human Tetris, rock, Sisters of Mercy
Kevin Greenspon, “Softened” + Two More MP3s
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
Since we sent Dee Dee of Mayfair Set/Dum Dum Girls to talk to bands all over the California coast for a story in FADER 62, you’ve probably been wondering what’s up with the dudes at Family Time Records. If your initial thought was, not much is up with the dudes at Family Time Records, you’d be wrong but forgiven because they’ve been steadily cranking out releases to little fanfare. And surprise, surprise! In the midst of all our sleeping on Family Time, they’ve released some jams from Kevin Greenspon, head of Bridgetown Records, who is releasing a Cloud Nothings CD-R. Should we be making a map of this? We’re already getting confused. Although we’re posting them on Thursday, the best look would be to save these pieces of pillowy guitar washed bedroom pop for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Download: Kevin Greenspon, “Softened”
Download: Kevin Greenspon, “Sundowner Lane”
Download: Kevin Greenspon, “Reveille” (all three via Get Off the Coast)
Video: Several Dudes from Minnesota Rapping
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
At first it was like, The last thing we need in our lives is a six-minute posse cut featuring a grip of rappers we’ve mostly never heard of, but it turns out that is exactly what we never knew we wanted. Every dude on this song raps like this is his big moment, and maybe it is. Maybe Minnesota can be the next Philadelphia (or maybe it already is and we don’t know?), turning out rappers that get us excited about the entire concept of “lyricism” without sounding boring. (via Cocaine Blunts)
Premiere: Weekend, “Youth Haunts” MP3
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
Weekend’s “Youth Haunts” is what happens if No Age traded in good vibes and instead got real angry from the depths of a muffled cavern. It’s about four minutes of build up, windy moans and plodding drums giving way to a balls to the wall freakout as the whole song collapses on itself. Kinda like watching a dog get exhausted chasing its own tail, but, you know, in a good way. “Youth Haunts” is from Weekend’s upcoming 10-inch on Mexican Summer.
Download: Weekend, “Youth Haunts”
Fan Death, “Cannibal” MP3
- story Matthew Schnipper
- photo Matt Lutton (F58)
For all you New Yorkers and people who may one day visit New York, please make your way to Brooklyn’s Bedouin Tent on Atlantic Avenue between Bond and Nevins (closer to Bond). They make the most sumptuous pita you’ll ever eat. They also bump major Arabic jams while you eat off wooden plates, many of which sound mysteriously similar to the tangy opening disco moments of Fan Death’s “Cannibal.” A Canadian duo of self-confessed Cure lovers, they’ve opened their door to Bollywood and balalaikas on this plucky track. They’re still well within their comfort zone of goth-disco—admittedly, a strange enclosure to be comfortable in—but they make it work, brushing against the ends with soft opium strokes. Actually they’re Canadian so it’s probably not opium so much as whatever beer is on sale at Tim Horton’s. They play Canadian disco in the donut drive-through we heard.
Download: Fan Death, “Cannibal”
Vampire Weekend, “Cousins”
- story Peter Macia
Just judging by their previous videography, you could’ve guessed Hammer & Tongs would become the Winston Churchill to Vampire Weekend’s Franklin Roosevelt (they were bros, right?). After a decade of directing high concept videos for erudite Anglos such as Pulp, Blur, Badly Drawn Boy, Radiohead and Hot Chip, and adapting A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to the big screen, the director/producer duo consisting of Garth Jennings and Nick Goldsmith made their way back to the colonies for last year’s twitchy “A-Punk”. For their reunion, H&T put VW on a dolly track a million times. What does it mean? Nothing!
Washed Out is Going to Call You Back Soon
- story Matthew Schnipper
Sorry, he’s been away and he just got married and things got really busy. But, seriously, he’ll call you back really soon, sorry to keep you waiting.
G-Side, Huntsville International Mixtape
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
After spending a couple days in Huntsville, Alabama, a couple years ago, we discovered that their music scene is even larger than we could have anticipated. As the artists began to get some shine, an entire secret rap history emerged, and we get the impression we’re only now scratching the surface of its scene. Huntsville International is the next move forward forG-Side, the Block Beataz and other assorted rappers making local names for themselves. The album showcases the rappers’ versatility, as well as shedding light on the Block Beataz’s ability to incorporate cheesed-out trance in a beat (see also: “Rollin“) without it seeming like an empty cash grab.
Download: G-Side,Huntsville International
Video: Bushwick Bill, “Testimony of Redemption”
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
In the scheme of things, this isn’t one of Bushwick Bill’s best songs. Not even close. Instead it works as a primer to those who might not know what his deal is (there is a lot to recap). If we’re judging it by that, it’s pretty good. If we’re judging it by the final scenes, in which Bill is giving a motivational speech flanked by KRS One and Lil Wayne, then it is great and maybe also confusing. When did this happen? Where were we? Can we come next time?
Harlem, “Sometimes” MP3
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
Harlem’s “Sometimes” wins our new “Cover of the Month” award, a song which was originally by Gene Thomas, then Paul Revere and the Raiders, then The Kingsmen, before finally landing at the Flamin’ Groovies version. Okay! Harlem changed this from a pretty sweet love song into something darker, just by virtue of being so messy and sloppy it seems the band barely held it together long enough to actually record it. At some point, hopefully soon, Harlem will be releasing a new album on Matador.
Download: Harlem, “Sometimes”
