The Unknown & Unheard Show 124!!!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 124 Right Here, Right Now! Baby Teeth – Big Schools – Hustle Beach (2009) - forthcoming 2nd full length - The Hold Steady Light? - Great big anthem with a touch more pop feels than The Hold Steady. - A little 80’s sitcom theme vibe going on here… seems like such an odd combination of sounds but I think it works. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Lucero – San Francisco – Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers (2007) - 3rd album of 6… they also have a Live CD/DVD out - band led by Ben Nichols o has a classic gritty raspy bar rock singing voice - name means ‘bright star’ in Spanish. - Kicked ass at Radio Radio with Titus Andronicus Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Suckers – Easy Chairs – Suckers EP (2009) - debut EP - big pounding, distorted anthem with a couple huge builds - loads of hype around this short 4 song release… deservedly so! - Love this Song! Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Sunset Rubdown – Idiot Heart – Dragonslayer (2009) - 4th album - One of Spencer Krug’s four highly regarded bands - All have a distinct sound. - Wolf Parade, Frog Eyes, Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Boston Spaceships – Tattoo Mission – Planets are Blasted (2009) - a new album from Robert Pollard??? Imagine that - Guess what… it’s another quality effort. This one has a nice glam rock riff to it - Robert Pollard = Former Guided By Voices frontman and Indie Rock Idol Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Dukes of Stratosphear – My Love Explodes – 25 O’clock (1987) - one of 2 albums from this alter ego of the band XTC - odd style of psychadelia reminiscent of Syd Barrett - I’m digging the Gong in this track more than I should. Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Titus Andronicus - Joset of Nazareth's Blues - The Airing of Grievances (2008) - debut album - huge reviews - this band’s energy and compositions are really good but the vocals are a little harsh and might turn off some people - hopefully you will persevere through, because I think this band is about an album’s worth of time and polish away from a brilliant effort. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Black Lips – Drugs – 200 Million Thousand (2009) - 5th album… out February 24th - This is an album that may sound like some other bands but the sum of the parts results in something truly unique to the Black Lips. - One of the best albums of the year - Playing the Pitchfork Music Fest Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine White Denim – Sitting – Workout Holiday (2008) - debut full length - this album belongs in the 60’s - the sounds sound familiar but the way they are assembled and presented make it one of the more impressive and unique albums you will run your ears across Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Strange Boys – This Girls Taught Me a Dance – The Strange Boys & Girls Club (2009) - debut full length - in the same vein as the Black Lips… lo-fi mash-up of 60’s/70’s rock, old r&b and punk. Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine

Tommy Jay – I Was There - Tommy Jay's Tall Tales Of Trauma (2007) - Debut release? - originally release on cassette in 1986 - I really have no idea about this guy. Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Bill Callahan - The Wind And The Dove - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle (2009) - 2nd album - Folk singer/songwriter type - The voice gets me here more than anything Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Kurt Vile – My Best Friends (Don't Even Pass This)– God Is Saying This To You (2009) - Solo debut. Most recent is the stripped down ‘God Is Saying This To You?’ - dreamy pop rock with vocals that bring up thoughts of Devendra Banhart - like Iron & Wine, cut his teeth with lo-fi recordings… Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

Lucero + Titus Andronicus Live

You don't have to look hard to find someone hailing The Hold Steady as 'The World's Best Bar Band' (for good reason), but Lucero is giving them a run for their money. I've been wanting to see them for several years and finally Lucero played Indy Friday night at Radio Radio for $12. Titus Andronicus opened and they seemed pretty deserving of the hype they are getting (they are an album away from being a name you will know). During this first set, Ben Nichols, Lucero's leader was wandering around the club, enjoying the show and chatting with fans... I always love it when bands do that, makes them seem a little less like high on themselves and a little more like all the rest of us. Anyway, Lucero came out a bit later and played a fantastic set. From their classics to new stuff, the crowd ate it up and the band looked like they were just having fun messing around like a small town band playing the same small town bar that they play every Friday night. It felt right. The highlight track for me was one that i've now found out will be on their forthcoming record. It's a typical Lucero ballad called 'Darken My Door.' Something along the lines of 'That Much Further West' or 'Sweet Little Things.' Great stuff from a band whose sound is enhanced sevenfold in a live setting. The set was capped off with the lead singer of Titus Andronicus coming out on stage and crowd surfing to Lucero's final song of the evening.

Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

The Unknown & Unheard Show 123!!!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 123 Right Here, Right Now! Suckers - It Gets Your Body Movin' – Suckers EP (2009) - debut EP - big pounding, distorted anthem with a couple huge builds - loads of hype around this short 4 song release… deservedly so! Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Benjy Ferree – Great Scott – Come Back To The Five And Dime Bobby Dee, Bobby Dee (2008) - 2nd album - Concept album inspired by Bobby Driscoll, the boy who played Peter Pan for Disney in the 40’s & 50’s - After hearing a couple old time pop songs (‘Fear’) I wasn’t expecting to hear a track like this one… sounds like it could be found on a Raconteur’s record. - He’s getting comparisons to Jack White, Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan… pretty accurate and pretty good company! Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Dead Weather – Hang You From the Heavens – Horehound (2009) - forthcoming debut out in June - New Jack White project with the female half of The Kills, Alison Mosshart, a Raconteur and a Queen of the Stone Age - Mr. White is playing the drums apparently even though the guitar in this track wreaks of his styling Official Site : Stream on HypeMachine The Kills – Fried My Little Brains – Keep Me On Your Mean Side (2003) - full length debut from this Detroit dirty grunge rock duo - latest album was out in 2008, ‘Midnight Boom’ - can get a bit too electronic, when they stay on the rock side they remind me a lot of BRMC… that is a good thing. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Iron & Wine – Free Until They Cut Me Down – Norfolk 6/20/05 (Live Record Store Day Release) - recorded prior to his latest album and features slightly more focused songs, as opposed the almost jammy ‘Sheppard’s Dog’ collection. - Sam Beam is the man behind this musical moniker - He favored lo-fi recordings early on in his career (probably b/c they went so well with his spare compositions) Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Paper Cuts – Future Primitive – You Can Have What You Want (2009) - 2nd album - Such a catchy bass line… I think I could just listen to that alone! Official Site : Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine Bill Callahan - Eid Ma Clack Shaw - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle (2009) - 2nd album - Folk singer/songwriter type - The voice gets me here more than anything Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Songs:Ohia – Easts Heart Divides – Impala (1998) - With Magnolia Elec Co.: 3 full lengths and 1 massive compilation out since 2005 - Jason Molina is the genius behind this guitar and mic - Played the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre last year and left me feeling like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Left me feeling… like I just saw an incredible talent that shows no need/desire to be flashy. - Plays with Mag Elec Co now. Official Site : Magnolia Elec Co Myspace : Songs:Ohia Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Death Cab For Cutie – I Was Once A Loyal Lover – The Open Door EP (2009) - latest release… follows up ‘Narrow Stairs’ - Made up of ‘leftovers’ from their last full length, but I’m liking the feel and sound of this better than a lot of what was found there. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Devendra Banhart – Long Haired Child – Cripple Crow (2005) - one of the leaders of the ‘freak folk’ genre. - One of the weirdest people you’ll come across - His latest project was released under the name, Megapuss - Very talented at writing catchy upbeat music with very unique wavering/vibrato vocals Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : Megapuss Myspace Kurt Vile – Freeway – Constant Hitmaker (2008) - Solo debut. Most recent is the stripped down ‘God Is Saying This To You?’ - dreamy pop rock with vocals that bring up thoughts of Devendra Banhart - like Iron & Wine, cut his teeth with lo-fi recordings… this shows up more on ‘God is Saying…’ Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Lucero – Anjalee – Nobody’s Darlings (2005) - 3rd album of 6… they also have a Live CD/DVD out - band led by Ben Nichols o has a classic gritty raspy bar rock singing voice - name means ‘bright star’ in Spanish. - playing Radio Radio with Titus Andronicus for $12! Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Replacements – Bastards of Young – Tim (1985) - 5th album, and considered one of the best in the decade - Paul Westerberg’s former band, gone onto make softer folk music - one of the most influential alt country bands - they’ve really inspired a lot of the bands I get into now: Ryan Adams, Lucero, Wilco, The Hold Steady Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Horrors – Who Can Say – Primary Colours (2009) - second album - big time airplay in Europe - dark, distorted 80’s surf/punk rock Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

My excitement surrounding P4K Fest is about to reach unhealthy levels!

It seems that every other Friday the good people at Pitchfork lock in and announce their latest additions to their July Music Festival. Two weeks ago it was The Black Lips (among others) and this week it's freakin Yeasayer (among others)!!! This video sold me on them, but there is very little that they've done that isn't quality. Is there anyone out there that shares my elation? Who knows... lately I've been considering adding a tag line to the show... The Unknown & Unheard: Caring about what noone else does since 2006! How can you not like this... Pitchfork Music Fest : Yeasayer Official Site : Yeasayer Myspace

Hey Bloomington, What'd You Let Them Do To You?

Mixed emotions about last night… check. Soapbox… check. There’s a lyric in a Hold Steady song ‘Southtown Girls’ that I’m pretty sure is about prostitutes (of the less classy variety). This song came to mind numerous times last night. And no, the previously mentioned emotions were not mixed because of some crazy encounter with a lady of the night. No, it was really just one lyric from the song that kept running through my mind… ‘Hey Bloomington, what’d you let them do to you?’ Last night I was in Bloomington, IN, home of a huge freakin’ campus-full of young people. I was there to see Ezra Furman & the Harpoons for $5 and there were about 20+ people in attendance! OK, granted it was a Tuesday and he’s not the biggest name in the world and people are pretty strapped for cash, but what the hell? When I think of Bloomington I think of kids and hippies (and frat guys). Two groups of people who are open-minded and into the arts. This was not the case last night and this was not my first experience of this sort in ‘B-town.’ I realize that just because I happen to mention it a couple of times on my fairly insignificant show doesn’t mean everyone else is into it, but I was a little surprised and disappointed. Though don’t go running away in shame just yet, I do owe you some thanks. Thanks to you, Bloomington, my request for his closing song was granted and after the pretty rockin’ set we got to chat. I ‘know’ two bands! Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Sessions

The Unknown & Unheard Show 122!!!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 122 Right Here, Right Now! Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band– Nikorette – Outer South (2009) - 2rd album under his given name. Out May 5th - Best known for his work as ‘Bright Eyes’ - Headlined the Omaha music scene’s rise to respectability Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Creedence Clearwater Revival – Commotion – Green River (1969) - 3rd album, just re-released their biggest albums for their 40th anny - John Fogarty had to struggle to write a poor song, but his late 60’s work is unmatched in quality Official Site : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Death Cab For Cutie – Little Bribes – The Open Door EP (2009) - latest release… follows up ‘Narrow Stairs’ - Made up of ‘leftovers’ from their last full length, but I’m liking the feel and sound of this better than a lot of what was found there. - One of the most prominent Indie-to-major label bands. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Magnolia Electric Company – Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon) – It’s Hard To Love A Man (2005) - 3 full lengths and 1 massive compilation out since 2005 - Jason Molina is the genius behind this guitar and mic - His other equally enjoyable project is Songs:Ohia - Played the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre last year and left me feeling like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Left me feeling… like I just saw an incredible talent that shows no need/desire to be flashy. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm (When The Saints Go Marching In) – Vs. Children (2009) - 2nd release of the year, first was ‘Advance Base Battery Life’ - This is the musical moniker for Owen Ashworth Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : Daytrotter Session The Decemberists – The Rake’s Song – The Hazards of Love (2009) - Brand new album - Colin Meloy, leader, said he had initially envisioned this album as a musical. - distinct folk band that at times brings in some Jethro Tull sounds - Headlined the NPR music stage at SXSW - This track (and album) has some of the biggest, fattest riffs that they’ve ever put out. - Playing the Murat on August 8th!!! Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – Soul of a Man – A Stranger Here(2009) - Born in 1931 and recording since the 50’s - Blues, soul, country, folk… pretty much take your pick, he’s covered it all - Reminds me of Johnny Cash’s ‘American’ album series Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Black Keys – Act Nice and Gentle (The Kinks) – Rubber Factory (2004) - 3rd full length - Stripped down rambling version of a song from an artist you would hardly think to associate with The Black Keys - More of the traditional blues that, when they go for it, they pull of so well Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Totimoshi – To The Fire – Ladron (2007) - 2nd album, debut out in 1999 - Out of Oakland and though they lean towards metal at times this is a broodingly dark song that fits perfectly with The Black Keys and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott tracks Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – A Minor Place – I See A Darkness (1999) - 2nd under this alias of William Oldham - played The Vogue last Saturday. - I felt I had to go, he is considered by many to be one of the best at what he does - It’s like going to a sporting event to see someone like Jordan, Tiger or Peyton. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session Woods – Rain On – Songs of Shame (2009) - 4th release - Alternative rock/indie rock/ indie folk - High high praise coming from the critics Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Akron/Family – River – Set ‘em Wild, Set ‘em Free (2009) - forthdoming release from this experienced experimental folk outfit. - Think a far less electronic version of Animal Collective. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Richard Swift – Lady Luck – The Atlantic Ocean (2009) - 4th full length - Hops from genre to genre - This track has some serious vintage sounds, Motown in particular, and was released on a primer EP that was filled with similar feels. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Matt & Kim - Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare – Grand (2009) - 2nd album, debut out in 2006, Self-titled. - just added to the Pitchfork Music Fest, which is one of the more relevant festivals you’ll find - keyboard & drums that sound like much more than that… sum of the parts - Big indie rock sounds without a doubt… the sound of the vocals scream it. - This track thunders along and build very enjoyably Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Company Of Thieves – Oscar Wilde – Ordinary Riches (2009) - debut album from this Chicago band. - Pop leanings with a powerful emotion-full vocalist, Genevieve Schatz. - This track features her along with some very catchy rock(ish) guitar - Does not sound like a debut album… almost too much polish for its own good. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

The Decemberists Are Attacking From All Sides!!!

M. Ward, Look Out! The Decemberists' new album The Hazards of Love is making a damn strong case for best album of the year. It's a big booming impressive record with even some help from (not that it needed it) My Brightest Diamond. Not only that they are also coming after YOU via the TV and the live concert venue! Catch them on The Colbert Report, April 27th (their only scheduled TV appearance so far) AND Catch them on their newly announced string of tour dates! For those people out there who are me, you may be interested in knowing that the tour includes a stop at the Murat Theatre here in Indy, Saturday, August 8th!

Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine MP3: The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid

Black Lips Added to Pitchfork Music Fest!!!

This year's edition of the best 'concert' I went to last year, freakin stepped up big time! Pitchfork just announced the latest additions to their July audio exhibition and The Black Lips have signed themselves up! Aside from King Khan & The Shrines and White Denim, this is the band I want to see live above all others. Holy cow, I'm pumped more than I should be. Join me? Pitchfork Music Festival The Black Lips Official Site : Myspace MP3 - Starting Over MP3 - Short Fuse

The Unknown & Unheard Show 121!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 121 Right Here, Right Now! Ezra Furman & The Harpoons – The World is Alive – Inside the Human Body (2008) - 2nd album - One of the funnest records to listen to in the past couple years. - Playing Bloomington Tuesday, April 14th Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Sessions White Rabbits – Percussion Gun – It’s Frightening (2009) - debut album, huge hype and acclaim surrounded this album - I like this song better than anything I heard on their debut… promising start for what’s to come on the rest of the album. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session Teenage Prayers – No Sex – Everyone Thinks You’re The Best (2008) - 2nd album - features a duo of ‘Kyle’s’ taking care of the rhythm section. - Reminds me a little of Jon Spencer and the Blues Explosion. - Just did a great DayTrotter Session. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session The Decemberists – A Bower Scene & Won’t Want For Love (Margaret in the Taiga) – The Hazards of Love (2009) - Brand new album - Colin Meloy, leader, said he had initially envisioned this album as a musical. - distinct folk band that at times brings in some Jethro Tull sounds - Headlined the NPR music stage at SXSW - This track (and album) has some of the biggest, fattest riffs that they’ve ever put out. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Black Mountain – Evil Ways – In The Future (2008) - 2nd album from this group of Canadians - Darker and more psychedelic blues than their equally enjoyable debut. - Jagjaguwar Band… Bloomington’s star loaded label. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Black Sabbath – Wicked World – Black Sabbath (1970) - One of the greatest debut albums ever conceived - Ozzy’s first band and where he was at his best Official Site : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Radio Moscow – No Jane – Brain Cycles (2009) - 2nd album, debut out last year - big psychedelic blues rock - Black Sabbath… Black Keys - In the middle of an extensive and far reaching European tour Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Runaway – It’s Blitz (2009) - 3rd full length from this stylistically unique garage rock band - This wasn’t supposed to be released this soon but after it leaked online they felt the it was best to release the album early. - Here they step out further from the norm and present an album that’s almost disco/dance. - This track would pair well with TV on the Radio and Coldplay - May have the coolest album art in some time. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware Your Only Friend – Beware (2009) - latest album from William Oldham - playing The Vogue THIS Saturday! - This track has a little Oasis feel to the guitar. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session The Theater Fire – Swashbuckler Blues– Matter and Light (2008) - debut album and another I kick myself for missing - this track screams The National… the best tracks from the National; ‘Start a War’ ‘Wasp Nest’ and ‘Fake Empire’ - There’s something that makes me really enjoy this album’s cover art. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Mumford & Sons – Roll Away Your Stone – Debut EP (2009) - my favorite new band I’ve found this go around at SXSW - such a big, building sound for an acoustic song Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine WAND – The Forgiveness Factory – Born Bad (2009) - solo album from the leader of Wooden Wand, James Jackson Toth - this album is a result of a pretty crappy year. Set out on a really long tour on which his musical partner and wife left him… as well as his band. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine White Buffalo – – Hogtied Revisited (2009) - debut album kind of… self released ‘Hogtied Like a Rodeo’ but that one has been discontinued. - looks like a musician should. Big beard and long flowing hair Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Lucero – Tonight Ain’t Gonna Be Good – That Much Further West (2003) - 3rd album of 6… they also have a Live CD/DVD out - band led by Ben Nichols o has a classic gritty raspy bar rock singing voice - name means ‘bright star’ in Spanish. - playing Radio Radio with Titus Andronicus for $12! Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine