City & Colour - Waiting City & Colour - Constant Knot City & Colour - Hello, I’m in Delaware

Today, when I opened up my Myspace (evil, evil myspace), they had an advertisement for City & Colour. Seems they’ve started up a new section of the social networking system called ‘Transmissions’ which features some bands that are really under the radar, and some that aren’t. (James Blunt, Nada Surf)

Having fallen in love w/ Dallas Green about a year ago, I was happy to see that they (the evil evil Myspace) covered someone who isn’t very popular, but still extremely talented. Green was the lead singer of emo/punk/indie Canadian band, Alexisonfire. Even though Alexis found some success with their music, it seems that Green had to do some recording of his own, to get it out of his system. He thus formed a solo act, City & Colour.

His first album ‘Sometimes’ became quite the hit, even with Alexis fans, despite it’s melodic acoustic nature. It is a tremendous album that bleeds passion and honesty. If you should so happen to be a fan of Bon Iver, Damien Rice, or Iron & Wine - this is your guy, if you didn’t know already.

In January, he released ‘Bring Me Your Love,’ which I just got my hands on, and I must say, is a little more mature than ‘Sometimes’ was. If you haven’t picked it up yet, you really should, if acoustic singer songwriters that have tremendous voices is your thing. Make sure you also check out the ‘Transmissions’ section of the evil myspace as well. He has a few songs, and answers a few questions. It’s good stuff. Even if it is on Myspace.

The Ting Tings - Shut Up and Let Me Go
Why we like it: It’s FUN! Whether you’re in a mood that needs fixing, or just wanna dance in your room in your cute panties and tank top, this is your new favorite disc. I, for one, don’t dance in panties, but it’s the visual I get when I put this record on. The Ting Tings got popular by playing house parties in England, and it’s easy to see why. Their electropop style will move you, even if you don’t want to be moved.

Why we don’t: I wanted to see how they pulled this off live, as the group is only made of 2 members. The answer is, brilliantly. I’m not annoyed on a first listen of this disc, or the 2nd, or the 3rd, so I really can’t find a reason to bitch. But, if you find a good reason NOT to like this british indie-pop record, you’re gonna have to let me know.

Like Artists: The Bird and The Bee, Kate Nash, Imogen Heap

Genre: indiepop, electronic, british

The Cool Kids - Miami Beach

Why we like it: The Cool Kids are bringing back Old School rap with a new flavor. Just a couple of guys out of Chicago, their debut release is fresh and as one of the emcees, Mikey, repeatedly says - our sound is dope and ill. Their beats are simple and don’t overpower the the effectiveness of a slick rhyme.

Why we don’t: Some of the tracks can sound like some of the other tracks when it comes to the music, as they keep within a very tight BPM all over the record. It doesn’t sound like anything that is out currently, which is a good thing, and these guys are getting A LOT of attention for that. If you don’t like rap/hip-hop or old school rap, then this isn’t for you.

Like Artists: Slick Rick, The Pack, Neptunes

Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop, Old School

Islands - Creeper
Why We like it: This album is complete. How many times do you listen to an album and hear the same song 8 times? It doesn’t happen w/ the Montreal based indie lo-fi ‘Islands.’ From beautiful backing violins, to grungy guitars, it’s what I’ve been praying some indie band would do. And it’s very different from their freshman record, ‘Return to Sea.’ (which is still a good thing)

Why We don’t: They’re from Montreal. And I think there’s just too much damn good music coming out of Canada right now. The states have a few good artists, but our upstairs neighbor is just kicking our ass and laughing about it at this point. Seriously.

Like Artists: Of Montreal, Wolf Parade, Tapes N Tapes

Genre: Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Canadian

Free Islands tunes @ Daytrotter.

After the success of ‘Ghosts’ being released for free on Nine Inch Nails website in March, lead man Trent Reznor thanks his fans for their support by offering ‘The Slip’ free of charge, 2 months later. I have yet to listen to the record, but the reviews are sensational. Now if we can just get him to release Axl Roses ‘Chinese Democracy’ for nothing, the world might make complete sense again.

As an added bonus, a band you may not have heard of, The Rosebuds, have done almost the same thing. While the album content isn’t original, they’re definitely taking notes from Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails. Their 2007 release ‘Night of the Furies’ has been remixed, and their label, Merge Records is offering it on their website for nothing as well.

Now, I’m not one to complain, but what will this lead to? How many bands are going to start releasing albums for free before the music industry gets their head out of their rectum? While I am happy to download free music legally and share the love, I also know how difficult it can be as an artist to make ends meet. I wasn’t surprised at Nine Inch Nails giving their hard work away, but The Rosebuds album comes as a complete shock. If you enjoy ‘Sweet Beats, Troubled Sleep’ make sure you check out ‘Night of the Furies.’ I do own that album, and love it.

When you click on the album covers, you’ll be redirected to the respectable websites to download away. Let me know what you think about the albums, as I won’t get a chance to listen to these for a few days. I’m anxious to see which gem I should try first.