Down and Out

The Latest from St. Vincent (Annie Clark) is "Actor Out of Work," off the upcoming May release, Actor. Personally I loved on the first leak, "The Strangers" more. However, I'm still digesting the album as a whole. If I didn't think I'd be deleted in 2.5 seconds for it, I'd share "Black Rainbow" with you, my favorite track so far. Keep on the lookout for "The Neighbors" too, it won't stop replaying in my head. Buy Actor in stores and digital release May 5.

St. Vincent - Actor Out of Work [mp3]

Before We All Burn

I'm in Love with a Robot

I know I've mentioned my obsession with this song, but twice - ten times - can't hurt. Royksopp's Junior didn't hit a grand slam with me, but it certainly got me up out of my seat and dancing. Seventh Inning BREAKDANCE anyone?

Royksopp ft. Robyn - The Girl and the Robot [mp3]
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome
Royksopp - Happy Up Here (Mr. Vega Remix) [mp3]
Royksopp ft. Lykke Li - Miss it So Much

The Amazing Sounds Of...

Celebrate this Tuesday April 7th! It marks the release of Two Suns and Bat for Lashes is back with a vengeance.

Radiohead - The Amazing Sounds Of... [mp3]

With the exception of Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion and possibly The Yeah Yeah Yeah's It's Blitz!, I can't say I've loved on a 2009 release quite like this. From start to finish Two Suns is hypnotically entrancing, not to mention innocuously addicting. I find myself throwing it on repeat without possibility of boredom or skipped tracks. In an interview with Natasha Khan for Spin's April issue, the "chamber pop" songstress related the album's purpose. Not only is she gorgeous and artistically prolific, but the woman behind Bat for Lashes is well spoken - poetic.

Two Suns is about the use of illusion to see beautiful things during a hard time. In other words, it's a breakup album.

Though I've never had my heart so abused romantically, the subject matter certainly seems relatable in these times of economic crisis, war, disillusionment, and global unrest. Heartaches can surprise us with their inventive apparition. We all can feel lost and broken, like we've just been dumped by humanity. At these times we're blessed to have records like this one, to heal wounds spoken words cannot.

Read more about Khan in this month's Spin. Make sure to preorder the album on iTunes. Cooler still, support your local record store by purchasing Two Suns in person. Most importantly, love on every single track. They all deserve your constant affection.

Here's some of my favorites to get you going.

Bat for Lashes - Pearl's Dream [mp3]
Unparalled in my opinion. My favorite new track at the moment.
Bat for Lashes - Moon and Moon [mp3]
Bat for Lashes - Sleep Alone

Bonus: Bat for Lashes - Daniel (Death Metal Disco Scene Remix) [mp3]
Bonus: Bat for Lashes - Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics Cover Live @ Radio One) [mp3]
Bonus: Bat for Lashes - On Fire (Bruce Springsteen Live Cover) [mp3]

LtK

With a Little Help From My Friends

Ashley and I before N.A.S.A.

Having friends with similar music taste is amazing. Having friends with said music taste, a passion for great eighties movies, and a husband in an unsigned, up and coming Seattle band is STELLAR.

The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends

Thanks to my bff from work, I had a date to Department of Eagles and N.A.S.A., and now an introduction to the extremely talented indie act - though they might not choose that title - Hazelwood Motel. In the words of Seattle Weekly:

Ed Vierda, Megan Pickerel (yes, Mark Pickerel's sister), and Patrick Smail make quiet, lo-fi folk music that uses whispered words, echoes, and tremulous vocals to create a moody atmosphere ideal for personal reflection, rainy days, and healing battered hearts...

Ed (Ash's Hubby), Megan, and Patrick

Hardly a party album, Hazelwood Motel possesses tremendous power in its quietest moments. In a whisper, the world ends, and then, with a strumming guitar, it's born anew. Yes. Their music is really that outstanding. SB. Seattle Weekly

Not only have they been seen on KEXP's song of the day and recorded an acoustic set for the same landmark radio station, but Hazelwood Motel have opened for several notable Seattle bands including The Blakes and Great Lake Swimmers. Three Imaginary Girls gave their self-titled, self-released debut an outstanding review back in February of 2008, praising "Debut albums are referred to by many characterizations, not the least of which are 'promising' and 'a sign of things to come.' But in the case of Hazelwood Motel, that 'thing' has already arrived long ago. One gets the sense that the band is completely content with their musical choices, and that their sound is one that has been and always will be with them. This confidence bleeds right into their hearts and out of their fingers and mouths, spilling onto twelve quietly brazen tracks."

Patrick, Hazelwood Motel Live @ KEXP Set

With lyrics that pierce the heart, and melodies to soothe the soul, don't miss out on this opportunity to become part of their fiercely loyal fanbase. You don't want to be the L 7 reading about them in Spin someday and wondering why you didn't get in on the lovefest back when.

Did I mention they were asked to record a "Little Boxes" cover for consideration/use on the critically accalimed television show Weeds? You know the Agrestic opening montage the likes of Elvis Costello, Donovan, The Shins, and Death Cab have all put their name to? I got a chance to listen to their take on Malvina Reynolds' classic and it killed. Too bad Nancy had to up and flee to Mexico, or we might have been humming along to HM in Season Four.

Hazelwood Motel - Break Myself in Two [mp3]

Hazelwood Motel - Not Enough [mp3]
Hazelwood Motel - Imagined Places [mp3]

Check out their Space. Love on their album. See them Live.
Sidenote: Unfortunately as of now, HM do not have concert dates scheduled in Seattle. There may be some core changes for the band on the horizon, but we'll update you if/when they occur. Till then, listen on soldier. Soldier on listener.

LtK