The Octopus Project

Austin, TX's The Octopus Project have released the follow-up to their acclaimed "Hello, Avalanche." "Golden Beds" is an EP, and includes 5 cheerful tunes and 7 videos. Described by Rolling Stone as "like Stereolab with happy feet."

Check out the track "Wet Gold" here:


Get your own copy of "Golden Beds" here.

2009 Mercury Prize Shortlist announced

...and the nominees are:

* Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
* Florence and the Machine – Lungs
* Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires
* Glasvegas – Glasvegas
* Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
* La Roux – La Roux
* Led Bib – Sensible Shoes
* Lisa Hannigan – Sea Sew
* Speech Debelle – Speech Therapy
* Sweet Billy Pilgrim – Twice Born Men
* The Horrors – Primary Colours
* The Invisible – The Invisible

The Mercury Prize is an annual award for the best album from the United Kingdom or Ireland. The Mercury Prize has a reputation for being awarded to outside chances rather than the favorites. Last year's prize went to Elbow, despite almost certainty that Burial would be named the winner. My vote for 2009 - The Horrors!

New Mew!

MEW - NO MORE STORIES EP

The “No More Stories” EP is a sneak preview of Mew’s upcoming album of the same name. It contains two album tracks, and three non-album tracks. The “No More Stories” album wll be released by Columbia Records on August 25th.

Check out my favorite track, "Introducing Palace Players," here:


Get your own copy of the "No More Stories" EP here.

Fantasy Black Channel

LATE OF THE PIER – FANTASY BLACK CHANNEL

I actually think it’s a GOOD thing when a reviewer’s first words are, “My first reaction is, what on earth is this?” Garnering many such reviews from befuddled critics who just don’t get it, Late of the Pier is an intoxicating blend of glam, psychedelia, new wave, dancepunk, metal and experimental synth-pop. One of my favorite albums of the past year – I love it.

Check out the track "The Enemy Are the Future" here:


Get your own copy of "Fantasy Black Channel" here.

Beacons of Ancestorship

TORTOISE – BEACONS OF ANCESTORSHIP

After a five year absence, Tortoise returns with their sixth studio album. "Beacons of Ancestorship" includes elements of techno, punk, electro, lo-fi noise, cut up beats, and heavily processed synths.

Check out my favorite track, "Monument Six One Thousand," here:


Get your own copy of "Beacons of Ancestorship" here.

The Very Best Of Neil Diamond

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS – DARK DAYS/LIGHT YEARS

Welsh psychedelic pop legends Super Furry Animals have just released their ninth album, 'Dark Days/Light Years.” Though previous albums have seen the band experiment with extra instrumentation, this release is full of songs based more on poppy hooks than layered composition. Franz Ferdinand guitarist Nick McCarthy provides guest vocals – in German! – for the Kraftwerk-esque track “Inaugural Trams.”

Check out my favorite track, "The Very Best Of Neil Diamond," here:


Get your own copy of "Dark Days/Light Years" here.

Begone Dull Care

JUNIOR BOYS – BEGONE DULL CARE

The Junior Boys’ third album takes its name from a film collaboration between Norman McLaren and Oscar Peterson. Like their previous efforts, “Begone Dull Care” is subtle, sleek electronica – quite listenable, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Check out the track "Parallel Lines" here:


Get your own copy here.