Peter, Bjorn And John "Writer's Block"In their hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, Peter, Bjorn and John agreed on some rules before they started recording Writer's Block — 1: Keep it simple. 2: Whatever you do, don't lose the spontaneity of the first take. 3: Never stay …
[Music] Long Way HomeFor Jonezetta, 2006 has been a busy year. In January, after signing with Seattle-based label Tooth & Nail Records, the band took one month to write and record their first LP, "Popularity," which was released in October. Then, in March, …
Heaven On EarthFor many people, the land of Timbuktu is a mythological one. They've heard the city's name, but don't realize it's an actual city—an actual society. Timbuktu, less than 10 miles from the Niger River, was established in the 10th century …
[Music] Bulldozin' BluesmanJohn Horton III is sitting in the cab of his bulldozer on a cool early December morning in Swift Water, Miss. As the Aqua Farms crew rebuilds a catfish pond, he rehearses alone on his harmonica for the upcoming weekend's …
EDITORS MIX IT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYSrelease iTunes exclusive Remix EP...bands and fans leak their own remixes as well. On the cusp of leaking the details to their next album (which they're currently in the midst of recording), Editors have opened the vault to their debut, …
The Strays "Le Futur Noir"It is a rare moment when a debut album can rival an album by The Clash. On several tracks you might think these rockers are channeling Joe Strummer with such raw D.I.Y. money. With a touch of the Replacements, the …
Darkel "Self-titled"The solo debut from Jean-Benoit Dunckel from "Air" masters the fey French disco aesthetic like no one can. Polish "Air" sampled electro-pop and bubblegummed the atmosphere to a perfect pop silk. Darkel doesn't have the trippy dance floor power of …
[Music] More Alike Than DifferentYou may not think rappers and country rockers meet up too often, but I met Ryan Baucham and Cody Cox of country-rock group Goodman County at Seven*Studioz, where we talked about "ink" (tattoos) for a bit before sitting down with …
Damon McMahon "Mansions"As the frontman of the Pink Floyd/Moody Blues-inspired, NYC-based Inouk, Damon McMahon spent the last few years touring with Modest Mouse, Secret Machines, White Magic and the like. His first solo effort on Astralwerks veers his psychedelic folk roots to …
[Music] Not A Minor OperationEvent planners for Operation Shoestring's holiday benefit have changed the format this year to include only three artists rather than the usual 13. But with Buffalo Nickel, Will Kimbrough, and headliner Rodney Crowell & The Outsiders, this is not a …
Upcoming Matador Releases to Look ForJANUARY 30 - LOVE OF DIAGRAMS s/t EP. This is a H-O-T M-F-F trio from Melbourne that lock in with the intensity you think your old Rough Trade singles had, then you're all disappointed when you put 'em on. Includes …
THE EARLIES "The Enemy Chorus" Drops on Jan. 23.The Earlies sophomore effort "The Enemy Chorus" is a hypnotic voyage through a largely aphotic locale with unpredictable bursts of light and sound - perhaps amidst the heavens, or maybe under our own feet. The album comes from a darker …
[Music] Our Faces Made For Smiling<i>* Listen to Colour Revolt's "Mattresses Underwater", the song Casey Parks describes as "undeniably one of the best songs of 2006" here! *</i>
[New Releases] Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/Lovesounds"As cliché as the phrase has become, because of his new single Justin Timberlake has truly brought "sexy" back on the music scene. "Futuresex/Lovesounds" is an album listeners can use to get their sexy on, whether in the bedroom or …
[New Releases] My Chemical Romance "The Black Parade"My Chemical Romance's new album "The Black Parade" is the resurrection of alternative rock. Lately, alt. rock has survived only by those who started the movement (Kurt Cobain made millions last year). But there are some new kids on the …