Trigger Cut

Big Guns [mp3]

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley was bound to go solo at some point, and debut is pretty much exactly what you'd expect. The songs are full of religious overtones and are very country-fied; some tunes sound almost identical to Neko Case. Take a listen to the track Big Guns and see for yourself.

Also pictured in the above photo is the Watson Twins from Kentucky, who lend many backup harmonies across the album. Mr. Bright Eyes himself is releasing this one on his smaller Team Love label, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's in order to keep it a tad more low key -- its got a be a pain to field all those nasty break-up rumors gals like Jenny finally go solo.

More info on Jenny's booking agent's site.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bloodline [mp3]

I'm a sucker for lots of indie solo female artists with a whispery and distinctive voices, and you can add Orenda Fink to the my ever-growing list. In the same way Beth Orton, Chan Marshall, or Keren Ann made such quick and strong impressions on me in the past, this new solo record from one of the members of Azure Ray continues to grow on me. The posted mp3 of Bloodline is the most full-on-band-rocking track of the disc; expect lots of the typical low key string plucking ballads and minor piano chords you've come to expect from sappy indie rock gals.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You [mp3]

I can't help but feel a bit spoiled that I've had a copy of the new Silver Jews record for several months now, but nonetheless I'm excited that tomorrow marks the date of official release. I really can't say enough about how totally excellent this record is; its surely bound for my top 10 of the year list. I've always felt that Dave Berman writes some of the best lyrics in "rock n' roll " (he's always been a poet first and foremost), and his prowess certainly continues on this new outing -- who else has the power to have you singing "I Love You To the Max" over and over without fear?

My pal Hackmuth just alerted me to the release of a brand new video for the record, to be posted tomorrow on the Drag City website, so be sure to check that out.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Permission Magazine is already doing what I hope to achieve soon with Trigger Cut, weekly podcasting of new music. Most likely when I get around to such a thing it will neither be quite as frequent or as legal, but its a cool idea and it seems as though these cats are doing it well. Download the last couple of updates from their site to hear some great tunes from Animal Collective, The Rosebuds, Deerhoof, Stereolab and more.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Doris [mp3]

Upon my very first listen, the new Dirty Three disc easily slid its way into my top 10 for the year. I've always been a big fan of their work, especially after witnessing some absolutely monumental live performances in the past. This new outing really has it all, even vocals (supplied by Cat Power's Chan Marshall among others). Take a listen to Doris and you'll hear just one of many styles they invoke across 19 beautiful tracks.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bridge To Nowhere [Windows Media Stream]

The young ladies that make up the Los Angeles group The Like were certainly born lucky, seeing as how they all seem to have family ties to major recording labels and studios. But regardless of who told them how to go about their musical business, they've come up with a pretty nice sounding record. Its definitely a lot different than what most gals their age are aspiring to musically, and I recommend checking it out. For fans of PJ Harvey, Rilo Kiley, Giant Drag. (I'll try and get an mp3 up soon.)

A short list of other new records I'm currently listening to (and may soon write about):

American Analog Set "Set Free" (Arts & Crafts)
Blackalicious "The Craft" (Anti)
Blood on the Wall "Awesomer" (The Social Registry)
Boards of Canada "The Campfire Headphase" (Warp)
Calla "Collisions" (Beggars)
The Fall "Heads Roll" (Narnack)
The Fiery Furnaces "Rehearsing My Choir" (Rough Trade)
Giant Drag "Hearts & Unicorns" (Kickball)
Metric "Live It Out" (Last Gang)
Wolf Parade "Apologies to the Queen Mary" (Sub Pop)

Posted by Johnny Metro at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)