Welcoming Back... The Black Keys

Hear The Black Key's new single 'Tighten Up' produced by Danger Mouse on their myspace now.

http://www.myspace.com/theblackkeys

It is taken from their new upcoming album 'Brothers', which if the above picture is the actual artwork, it is the greatest album cover ever (perhaps I'm getting a little too carried away here).

and have a spin of my propeller...

She & Him - In The Sun

Summer Camp - Ghost Train

Summer Camp - Ghost Train (viral) from Paddy Power on Vimeo.

Darwin Deez - Radar Detector

Robin Pecknold covers Joanna Newsom

everybody has their time in the firing line

when we speak, I find it hard to think straight

GANGLIANS - MONSTER HEAD ROOM

A 2009 release, but one well worth seeking out. Released on Woodsist (Kurt Vile, Woods, Vivian Girls) 'Monster Head Room' is more brilliance from the new lo-fi brigade. Ganglians sound like a much more expansive band than alot of their label mates. There are acoustic numbers of searching love with distant sweet harmonies and swirling summer wind guitars. There are more swaggering numbers with built up rhythms and 60's echoes. Reviews pick up on Kinks, Beach Boys and Grizzly Bear similarities, and they are definitely present. Whilst the album certainly feels nostalgic, there are enough elements and variety for it to sound fresh and needed.

SARAH JAFFE - SUBURBAN NATURE

I only downloaded this album yesterday but I felt I had to write about it straight away, and to try and get it heard by lots and lots of people. It deserves to heard. Think Slow Club. Think Laura Marling. Think Belle & Sebastian. Think bloody amazing-awesomeness. It's not released for a month or two, and is only on a small label, but I strongly recommend getting your nice little hands on it.

13 beautiful tracks, a truly unique and gorgeous voice, stunning folk acoustic backing. A pleasure to listen to, and I haven't really stopped listening. Here is one of the best tracks, an amazing number called Clementine (a name I've been hearing a lot lately).

I know there is alot of folk/acoustic singer/songwriter stuff out there, but with 'Suburban Nature' must be one of the best releases of the last few years, hopefully Sarah Jaffe will get recognition for it. And I don't even know how to say her last name.

Expecting... The Black Keys

After late-2009's great blues rock/rap cross over 'Blackroc', The Black Keys are returning by themselves this year. The duo will release 'Brothers' in May, and is self produced, with one track produced by 'Attack & Release' producer Danger Mouse. Expect live dates to follow the release.

Tracklisting:

'Everlasting Light'
'Next Girl'
'Tighten Up'
'Howlin' For You'
'She’s Long Gone'
'Black Mud'
'The Only One'
'Too Afraid To Love You'
'Ten Cent Pistol'
'Sinister Kid'
'The Go Getter'
'I'm Not The One'
'Unknown Brother'
'Never Gonna Give You Up'
'These Days'

New Videos Time

OK GO - THIS TOO SHALL PASS

FOALS - SPANISH SAHARA

GORILLAZ - STYLO

Welcoming Back... We Are Scientists

If you follow possibly one of the best band websites around (http://wearescientists.com/sci-cave/), and you should, you'll be aware that We Are Scientists will be releasing a new album in June, combined with 'The Big Fuckin' Deal Tour'. Oh, and the album is called 'Barbara'. I won't say anything about that, I'm sure plenty of other people will. Check out single 'Rules Don't Stop' on their myspace, featuring ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows who is now a fully fledged member of the band. I don't think it's up their with 'The Great Escape' or 'After Hours' as a lead single, but it's still a good tune.

http://www.myspace.com/wearescientists

Welcoming Back... Foals

Spectacular return for Foals. Sounding every bit the future on this new song 'Spanish Sahara'. 6 minutes plus to drift away to. And you will. New album 'Total Life Forever' to follow.

THE STRANGE BOYS - BE BRAVE

I found it too late to consider it really, but I now think The Strange Boys '...And Girls Club' was one of the best debut albums of 2009. And only months after their first release, they are back with 'Be Brave', filled with more of the same brilliant garage rock.

Nothing quite lives up to the title track and first single, with the drawl singing, shouting, harmonious choruses and energetic, youthful guitars backed by a rough saxophone. 'Be Brave' doesn't contain as many stand out tracks as the debut, but their are more elements in the mix here, showing a maturity over just a few months. Don't worry, they are still not 'mature' in anyway, they still sound like The Black Lips little scamp cousins, but they have tightened up, which live shows will probably prove.

There is still plenty of lo-fi scuzz and disharmonies, but the Boys show here they have sensitivity underlying it all, with real Southern flair and grit. One of my favourites of 2010 so far.

Welcoming Back... Crocodiles