We’ve recently developed a pretty good friendship with the folks at betterPropaganda. If you’re not familiar with their site, you really should take some time and get acquainted this weekend. They’ve got an amazing collection of guilt free mp3s that are just patiently awaiting to be loaded onto you iPod!

Where does Rock Sellout fit into the equation?! Well, they’ve added us to their music news rotation…which makes our happy little family a much bigger one. They’ve also allowed us to have our own playlist on the site which allows us to compile 10 of our favorite songs from their site and offer them to you for your downloading pleasure!!

Stop by their site and look around. Register while you’re there! Click here and scroll down to listen and download the songs I’ve gathered for our first (of what I hope will be many) playlist!

Here’s two from betterPropaganda’s New Music bin that didn’t make the playlist:
MP3: Kelley Stoltz - “Your Reverie”
MP3: Beach House - “Gila”

First of all, I should clarify something. Japan didn’t technically come from the 80’s - they came from the 70’s. However, their 70’s incarnation was so completely transformed by the time 1980 rolled around, that they were essentially a different band. If you compare Quiet Life with Adolescent Sex, you’d be hard-pressed to convince a casual listener that it was the same band, let alone that the disparate vocal stylings were from the same guy.

You see, Japan started out - more or less - as a glam-cum-punk band. At a time, it should be noted, when both styles were starting to seem dated. Often accused of being nothing more than New York Dolls knockoffs, their first two albums were not exactly considered required listening. I have to admit, listening to them now it is difficult to excuse some of the weaker tracks, with their glam-lite feeling. On the other hand, it’s impossible to ignore gems like ‘Adolescent Sex’, as well as see how it might have served as a blueprint for bands like The Rapture (on the other hand, David Sylvain has more or less disowned both Adolescent Sex & Obscure Alternatives).

By 1980, Sylvain had abandoned his sneer for a baritone, and the result was Quiet Life, and a brand-new Japan. It seems like the boys threw away their NYD’s records and bought some Roxy Music. They even managed to invent New Romantic, though they hated the term.

So enough history, why exactly are Japan worth the time? Oh, may I count the ways! Sylvain sounds like Simon Le Bon & Bryan Ferry’s lovechild at his crooning best, backed with all the right 80’s touches - sax, synth & sex appeal. The band really expanded their soundscape on their 80’s albums, taking great effort to create atmospheric yet powerful records. Quiet Life, Gentlemen Take Polaroids & Tin Drum are something of a musical trilogy, each one picking up where its predecessor left off. I can’t honestly recommend one over the others, so do yourself a favor and pick up all three!

Listen:
Japan - Adolescent Sex [From Adolescent Sex 1978]
Japan - Halloween [From Quiet Life 1980]
Japan - Methods of Dance [From Gentlemen Take Polaroids 1980]
Japan - The Art of Parties [From Tin Drum 1981]

- Sean

I’m a sucker for album art and the way a CD is presented. When I receive a promo that removes the album art (like this one), it doesn’t receive the amount of attention a CD with a nicely designed insert does. I usually toss them in the trash, but the gal who sent this to me is nice, so I’ll plug it and then throw it in the trash. Is this clearly another example that whatever is wrong in my head needs a quarter-clockwise turn or can someone out there relate?!

/rant

Chicago’s The Aluminum Group recently released the finale to their “Happyness” trilogy. Little Happyness continues to blend the pop orchestration that brothers John and Frank Navin are best known for. The album features eleven tales of the day to day struggle to find “Happyness”.

MP3: The Aluminum Group - “Headphones”

Like what you hear?! Click here to stream Little Happyness in its entirety.

My friends from Killbeat Music kindly shared the latest offering from Vancouver’s Hinterland. I have a tenious link here as the good captain, after whom the city is named came from my home county Norfolk. The album’s title continues the nautical feel…Pan Pan Medico is a nautical distress call.

Slated for release on 19th Feb on Submerged Records. I found it to be a charming mix. It’s maybe not thinking mans music. Sometimes though I just want to be entertained that’s not to say there is not depth in tracks like “Future Ghost”. The more I listen the more this grows on me.”Titled” is probably my favourite track. Give them a listen!

- Mark

MP3: Hinterland - “Detwiller Pavilion”

Supergrass‘ new single “Diamond Hoo Ha Man” is available in UK shops now. Only 1,500 of them exist and they’re moving fast, so grab one before they’re gone. The 7″ is available in chocolate brown vinyl, and comes with free stickers and a brand spanking new B-side!

The band’s sixth full-length was recorded in Berlin with with producer Nick Launay (Gang of Four, PiL). The new album is titled Diamond Hoo Ha and will hit the streets April 15th via their new label Astralwerks.

Tracklisting:
1. Diamond Hoo Ha Man
2. Bad Blood
3. Rebel In You
4. When I Needed You
5. 345
6. The Return Of Inspiration
7. Rough Knuckles
8. Ghost Of A Friend
9. Whiskey & Green Tea
10. Outside
11. Butterfly

Here’s two from the brilliant I Should Coco:
MP3: Supergrass - “Alright”
MP3: Supergrass - “Lose It”

American Music Club are currently across the pond touring Europe, but we’ve just received their US tour schedule via the folks at Merge!

The band’s forthcoming effort, The Golden Age, will hit store shelves February 19.

04.02.2008 San Francisco CA The Independent
04.03.2008 Sacramento CA Harlow’s
04.04.2008 Portland OR Doug Fir Lounge
04.05.2008 Seattle WA Triple Door
04.06.2008 Vancouver BC Canada Richards On Richard
04.09.2008 Fargo ND The Aquarium
04.10.2008 St. Paul MN Turf Club
04.11.2008 Madison WI High Noon Saloon
04.12.2008 Chicago IL Schubas Tavern
04.13.2008 Pontiac MI The Pike Room
04.14.2008 Columbus OH Cafe Bourbon Street
04.16.2008 Buffalo NY Mohawk Place
04.17.2008 Toronto ON Canada Lee’s Palace
04.18.2008 Montreal QC Canada le Divan Orange
04.21.2008 Portland ME Space Gallery
04.22.2008 Allston MA Harper’s Ferry
04.22.2008 Allston MA Harper’s Ferry
04.23.2008 Northampton MA Iron Horse Music Hall
04.24.2008 New Haven CT Cafe Nine
04.25.2008 Philadelphia PA Johnny Brenda’s
04.26.2008 Brooklyn NY Williamsburg Music Hall
04.27.2008 New York NY Mercury Lounge
04.29.2008 Arlington VA IOTA Cafe
04.30.2008 Carrboro NC The Arts Center
05.01.2008 Atlanta GA E.A.R.L.
05.02.2008 Nashville TN The End
05.03.2008 Memphis TN Hi Tone
05.04.2008 Springfield MO Randy Bacon Gallery
05.05.2008 Kansas City MO Record Bar
05.06.2008 Des Moines IA Vaudeville Mews
05.07.2008 Omaha NE The Waiting Room
05.09.2008 Denver CO The Larimer Lounge
05.10.2008 Salt Lake City UT The Urban Lounge
05.12.2008 Phoenix AZ The Rhythm Room
05.13.2008 Tuscan AZ PLUSH

MP3: American Music Club - “All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco”

Justin Krol from Milwaukee’s Freshwater Collins was kind enough to touch base and serve us a sample from the band’s 5th studio release. The album was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison with Beau Sorenson behind the controls. The yet to be titled effort will be released this April.

Those attending this year’s SXSW Festival will be able to catch the band, if they so choose. I saw them at Summerfest last year and thoroughly enjoyed their set.

MP3: Freshwater Collins - “Pretty Demons”

Killing Joke is one of those bands that is so often overlooked in those tumultuous years between ‘79-’84 (the death of punk & the evolution to post-punk/new wave). It’s a crime honestly, as their ever-evolving sound has had far-reaching influence into modern music. It’s hard to believe that bands like Sons & Daughters, Ministry or even Liars could exist in their current forms without the building blocks that Killing Joke laid down.

Drummer Paul Ferguson famously described the band as ‘the sound of the earth vomiting’. I’m not sure I can get on board with that description, as I’m pretty fond of KJ, and I’m generally not a fan of vomit. If you’re a fan of Gang of Four, P.I.L or The Fall, you’ll probably find yourself in agreement with me. However, I wouldn’t want to limit the band’s musical palette or influences with those references (or their potential fanbase).

For example, a lot of the band’s early work was influenced by a love of metal music, so I think Kip could probably count himself a fan. While not quite as heavy as Sisters of Mercy, they could certainly be considered musical cousins, so I think Mark might just find himself a fan too. And Ceci could probably find a lot to like on the band’s mid-80’s albums like Fire Dances or Night Time. I think Todd may hear the harder edges of a lot of early emo in KJ as well.

So, a little something for everyone, right? As an interesting piece of side-trivia, Killing Joke famously sued Nirvana in the early 90’s for copying the riff from ‘Eighties’ for ‘Come As You Are’. They dropped the suit after Cobain died, and apparently made up with Dave Grohl as he played on their second S/T album (generally considered their ‘comeback’).

Recommended Albums: Both S/T albums, Night Time

Listen:
Killing Joke - Complications [From the first S/T album]
Killing Joke - Love Like Blood [From Night Time]

- Sean

It’s not often that I enjoy every act on the bill at a gig. Last night, was just a real buzz! The 750 people in the sold out Waterfront were treated to three very different acts. First on were The Kabeedies who are building up a real hardcore fan base and rave reviews. Recently recording a Madia Vale session for BBC Radio, vocalist Katie (seen below) screams her way through the two minute bundles of joy that make up a Kabeedies gig. The band remind me very much lyrically of X-Ray Specs ala Germ Free Adolescence era. I have to admit to being drawn into Kabeedie’s world the more I see them live. Signed to Cherryade Records, their next release is slated for April 21st.

Main support came from Leeds band Grammatics. I was both mesmerized and in awe with their performance. From the funky opening bars of “Shadow Commitee”, Owen, Dominic, Rory and new cello player Emilia, had the crowd captivated. “The Vague Archive” is a monster of a live track, reminding me in the slow section of Arcade Fire. Introduced by Rory as “Time to have that slow dance”, “Broken Wing” gave the crowd chance to draw a breath. What a vocal on this one and Emilia’s Cello almost wept! Do I sound enthusiastic? It’s hard to put my emotions in words just how good they are live. “Dilemna”, the new single, will be released on Dance To The Radio Records on 7th April.

The band saved the best for last, “Relentless Fours” has everything. Owen’s stage presence made me wonder if Ian Curtis had returned from the dead. He was totally lost in the song before throwing the mic to the floor and exiting stage left. I can’t and don’t want to put them in any category…they are quite simply “The Grammatics”. Later, I spent time with the band backstage. I was impressed that despite major label interest they have decided to stay with Leeds based indie label Dance To The Radio. The reason being that they want artistic freedom and several of the major’s wanted them to have a more pop sound. This, I find quite admirable! They play a headlining tour through Feb/March. Don’t miss them!

Indie legends, The Futureheads took Norwich by storm last night! Fast, frentic, futuremen all of them. Their set saw the lads tearing through a full on hour of all the favourites including an awesome singalong version of “Hounds of Love”. Barry is one giant of a frontman! The great thing about the band live is that they give their all. They seem to have a new vigor both live and in the recordings the new tracks are much more punky/new wave. The sellout crowd lapped it up the low ceiling dripping and floor bouncing. It seemed to me that the band were glad to be playing these slightly more intimate venues to reconnect with the audience. Boy, did they do that last night! The highlight of the evening was the new single, “The Beginning Of The Twist”, it just totally rocks. The song is being recorded at every live show and made available for download. This is a nice touch for the fans! Single release date is March 10th on their own label NUL.

- Mark

MP3: The Kabeedies - “Sideburns”
MP3: Grammatics - “Shadow Commitee”
MP3: The Futureheads - “Skip To The End”

Being signed to a label started by a television music supervisor might make it difficult for a band to break amongst the notoriously snobbish blogger set. After all, this particular music supervisor - Alexandra Patsavas - made her bones on shows like Roswell & Grey’s Anatomy. And don’t you know, with our noses so high in the air we bloggers can’t watch TV. ;)

Lucky for The Republic Tigers, their ear pleasing blend of electronica & traditional sounds should be more than enough to win us over. They’ve only released one EP so far, but based on the gorgeous melodies contained within those 4 tracks, my interest is piqued for a full-length release.

You can check out The Republic Tigers EP on iTunes here.

Listen: The Republic Tigers - Buildings and Mountains

- Sean