New Music Spotlight #4

Metal Mother - Ionika

Metal Mother – Ionika Taara Tati, the creative visionary behind Metal Mother, released her sophomore album, Ionika, on her own record label, Post Primal, in mid-April.  Her moniker ‘Metal Mother’ is misleading on the surface because the word ‘metal’ doesn’t refer to a music genre, but instead refers to the strength it takes to be a … [Read more...]

Little Tybee – For Distant Viewing

For Distant Viewing

Two years after their sophomore LP, Humorous to Bees, took the indie circuit by surprise, Georgian chamber pop sextet Little Tybee returns with an even stronger statement, For Distant Viewing. Still maintaining the group’s beloved blend of bluegrass, pop, folk, jazz, and soul, it feels more nuanced, intricate, and profound. Although arguably not … [Read more...]

Suede – Bloodsports

Suede - Bloodsports

Hunky-dory Bloodsports heralds the welcome return of British band Suede after an over-10-year absence from the music scene.  Who would have thought that a band that made its name during the heady years of the 1990s, when Britpop ruled the U.K. and indie U.S. airwaves, would make a comeback in 2013? Who would have thought that, after all these … [Read more...]

Nathan Leigh – A Life In Transit

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A Life in Transit is a triumph over adversity recorded over two years in various parts of North America and completed with the help of friends when Nathan Leigh suffered a collapsed lung after being beaten by the NYPD during an Occupy protest. Contributions from over 20 artists create a rich tapestry of styles and voices. “Family of Ghosts” … [Read more...]

Depeche Mode – “Heaven”

DMHeaven2

Depeche Mode, the long-running U.K. electronic rock/pop band and touchstone for many an aspiring and established outfit, is still alive and kicking.  Delta Machine, studio album #13, is slated for release on March 26th. Lead single “Heaven” was offered up in late January and the official video has garnered over 3 and ½ million views on … [Read more...]

Interview with Dangerous Muse

Photo Credit: Dalton Flint

Hi Mike!  I’m so psyched ‘n’ enthused to be interviewing you regarding your electronic rock project Dangerous Muse.  It’s been a super-busy time for you since the release of Red this past November, the 1st of 3 EPs which will be compiled into your debut album.  What’s the vibe like for you now?  It's great to see how people are … [Read more...]

Sarah Cracknell – Lipslide reissue

Sarah Cracknell - Lipslide reissue

This past autumn saw the re-release of Saint Etienne chanteuse Sarah Cracknell’s 1997 solo album Lipslide in a 2-disc format.  The first CD contains the remastered (and reordered) tracks from the original album, while the second CD adds on various demos and previously unreleased material.  Sarah’s solo work is very much in line with Saint … [Read more...]

Toro Y Moi – Anything in Return

Toro Y Moi – Anything in Return

Beginning the year with fashionably great music is always a welcome addition. Now, for three of the past four years, Toro Y Moi’s main man, Chaz Bundick, has released a terrific new album at the beginning of each year. Commencing with his debut, Causers of This, where he, along with friends, ushered in the sounds of ‘chillwave,’ it was … [Read more...]

The 2 Bears – Be Strong

The 2 Bears – Be Strong

Beginning with three, before solidifying as a rock-solid duo, The 2 Bears officially began creating music in 2010. And while it doesn’t seem that far away in relativity (this was officially released in late January 2012), for Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard and Raf Rundell, Be Strong marks a carefully-placed album in the running for best electronic … [Read more...]

Interview with Pete Wiggs of Saint Etienne

Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, Pete Wiggs - Photo Credit: Elaine Constantine

  Hello Pete!  I’m absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to ask you a few questions about your spectacularly poptastic recent album Music and Words by Saint Etienne that has been out on Heavenly since May.  It’s a concept album and the ultimate fan love letter to pop music, where you hit the highlights of the soundtrack of … [Read more...]