Brain Children - s/t

I would hope that the cover art alone would be enough to get you to click the download link below, but I suppose a slightly more detailed description wouldn't hurt. This is a side project from Mikey of Eddy Current Suppression Ring, but I'd imagine that this project may take center stage eventually. This is some incredibly catchy and danceable electro-pop with krautrock leanings. Brain Children's debut EP certainly has the potential to be the next big thing. Their falsetto vocals and smooth synths will please the ears of Black Moth Super Rainbow, Of Montreal, Neu!, and even MGMT (shudder) fans. I highly suggest bumping "Future Flights" or "D.O.J." at your next house party.

- Dan

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Boogie Boarder - Pizza Hero

While you can't always judge a book by its cover (unless you're dealing with shit like this) I have to admit, the album artwork/layout for Boogie Boarder's sophomore release is what initially piqued my interest. Unlike a lot of stuff I see floating around at the radio station, Pizza Hero came packaged in a bizarre coloring book/art zine that looked like it was penned by a demented child. And hey, with an album title like that, how can you go wrong? Thankfully the music here proved to be just as interesting as the CD case--if you could call it that. Boogie Boarder is a self-described Surf Rock band, but really this record plays out more like a low-fi garage rock slap in the face to bloated math rock groups. Fun music that is well composed and incredibly unique sounding: a surefire favorite for readers of this blog.

- Steve

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The Lava Children - s/t

(Link Fixed 09/15/09)

Apparently I'm a few months behind on this five track mini-lp, but I now know why people having been blowing some loads over it. Incredibly surreal and completely captivating acoustic tunes from this Tulsa, Oklahoma duo (and couple I believe). Fifty Foot Hose meets Deerhoof meets Broadcast meets...Boards of Canada?, and "Troll" is one of the more stoned and enjoyable tracks I've heard in a long time. I immediately ordered it from Graveface Records after giving it the once through. Gorgeous vinyl. There's also a Black Moth Super Rainbow remix that's included in the download but not available on the 12".

- Dan

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The G - Hold My Gold

It took a little bit for this LP to grow on me for some reason. I think I was more shocked to hear this on Shdwply Records more than anything. Certainly the loudest and, in its own way, most accessible release on the label thus far. This hard-hitting Philly foursome seems to be mostly concerned with blowing your speakers. The tracks vary from a louder early to mid-90s shoegaze/indie to straight up post-punk. Turn this one up loud. Released in May and limited to 200 copies. If they're still available, get 'em here.

- Dan

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Terminal 11 - Kaleidoscope Eyes

We received an email from Mike/Terminal 11 a week ago informing us of his new FREE mp3 release via Cockrockdisco, and, if we enjoyed it, requested we inform all of you as well. Well of course we fucking enjoy it. It's Terminal 11 and the dude is money. Kaleidoscope Eyes is so incredibly smooth that it's possible you won't even notice many of his samples as the pass you by. It's an album fit for deep space or the deep sea, and an overwhelmingly complex and unexplored mass for your brain. Thoroughly enjoyable. Mike has also started a label called Sunwarped Records which features artists out of Arizona and provides plenty of free music for your ears. Some good stuff there as well.

- Dan

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Ganglians - Monster Head Room

Channeling Brian Wilson at his most experimental and psychotic, Ganglians have produced an incredibly fun and melodic psychedelic pop record that fits in well with their fellow Woodsist label mates. The songs are relatively standard for the genre, but the vocals really put this record over the top. Imagine if those guys in Fleet Foxes stopped focusing on growing huge beards and used all of their free time to consume as many hard drugs as possible. Standout tracks like "Voodoo" and "Lost Words" will grab you immediately, while the second half of the record will likely take some time to grow on you. Well worth the investment I'd say. They're on tour right now with Wavves, so check them out and buy some shit when they come through your town. Also make sure you ask the guy from Wavves as many pressing questions about Barcelona as you can. I hear he really loves it when people do that.

- Steve

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The History of Michigan Garage Bands in the '60s - Volume 1: The Wheels 4 Label Story

60 tracks over 3 discs, this compilation features many lesser known Michigan garage acts who released material through The Wheels 4 label out of Detroit/Dearborn in the 1960s. An incredibly interesting and mildly depressing collection of songs for anyone from the Metro Detroit area. Although the Detroit music scene is obviously still going strong, the sheer number of garage pop acts is a reminder of how vibrant of a city Detroit once was. And no, there isn't a volume 2.

- Dan

Download The History of Michigan Garage Bands in the '60s Disc 1

Download The History of Michigan Garage Bands in the '60s Disc 2

Download The History of Michigan Garage Bands in the '60s Disc 3