NAH : "hiver en neuf morceaux / IV" (via kinsman and meng pr /YouTube) Chastity Belt : "Different Now" (via Hardly Art /YouTube) Dinosaur Jr. : "Knocked Around" (via Jagjaguwar /YouTube) Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Long overdue track selections for February... The Besnard Lakes : "The Divine Wind" (via Jagjaguwar /YouTube) Strange Lot : "Have It Your Way" (via Tell All Your Friends PR/Soundcloud) anjou : "glamr" (via Rarely Unable/ kranky /Soundcloud) Pissed Jeans : "The Bar is Low" (via Sub Pop /YouTube) Mons VI : "Away" (Mons VI/Bandcamp) Away/Tangerine (Eternity Redux) by Mons Vi Jessica Moss : "Glaciers I (Part I)" (via Rarely Unable/ Constellation Records /Soundcloud) Sam Rae : "It's Alright, It's Okay" (via Terrorbird Media/Soundcloud) You'll Never Get to Heaven : "Images" (via Force Field PR/ Yellow K Records /Soundcloud) Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Wolves in the Throne Room : "Initiation at Neudeg Alm" (via Earsplit PR/ Noisey /Soundcloud) Ought : "Today More Than Any Other Day" (via Rarely Unable/Vimeo) Ought "Today More Than Any Other Day" from Constellation Records on Vimeo . Pink Mountaintops : "The Second Summer of Love" (via Jagjaguwar/YouTube) Earth : "From The Zodiacal Light" (via Rarely Unable/Soundcloud) Incarnated : "Madness" (via Earsplit PR/YouTube) Beige Eagle Boys : "I Saw Your Face on the Pavement" (via Earsplit PR/YouTube) Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Alterbeast : "Vile Remnants" (via Earsplit PR/ Decibel Magazine /Soundcloud) Ought : "The Weather Song" (via Rarely Unable/Soundcloud) Small Black : "Lines of Latitude (feat. Frankie Rose )" (via Jagjaguwar, Gorilla Vs. Bear /Soundcloud) Pink Mountaintops : "Ambulance City" (via Jagjaguwar/ Noisey /YouTube) The Afghan Whigs : "Algiers" (via Sub Pop/YouTube) Dum Dum Girls : "Too True To Be Good" (via Sub Pop/ V Magazine /YouTube) Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

And today's "what the fuck" moment goes to the new Pink Mountaintops single, "North Hollywood Microwaves." The side project of Black Mountain mastermind, Stephen McBean , Pink Mountaintops will have a new album out called Get Back on April 29th.  I reviewed the band's last album, Outside Love , for No Ripcord in 2009. So, the song... ... it's kind of erratic and No Wave -ish in a James Chance manner of speaking.  And, then there is the rapid onslaught of vulgarities conceived and spoken by Giant Drag 's Annie Hardy , who talks about man juice like it's the soup du jour in a foodie blog.  The press release has stated with what would seem a very convincing tone that this is "quite possibly the filthiest song in the Jagjaguwar catalog."  Listen for yourself and I would recommend headphones. The song, tour dates and other Pink Mountaintops info comes to you courtesy of Jagjaguwar.  Pink Mountaintops Returns With Get Bac...

Ought : "Waiting" (via Rarely Unable/Soundcloud) Wolf People : "When the Fire is Dead in the Grate" (via Sure Shot PR/YouTube) PINS : "Waiting For the End" (via [PIAS] America/ Brooklyn Vegan /Vimeo) PINS - Waiting For The End from PINS on Vimeo . Christina Vantzou : "Going Backwards to Recover That Which Was Left Behind" (via Rarely Unable/ Kranky /Soundcloud) TOY : "It's Been So Long" (via [PIAS] America/YouTube Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Girls Names : "The New Life" (via Force Field PR) Cut Yourself in Half : "The End" (via US/Them Group/ Invisible Oranges ) The Besnard Lakes : "Colour Yr Lights In" (via Jagjaguwar) *NSFW!!!* Cop Problem : "Bear Witness" (via Earsplit PR/ CVLT Nation ) Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Granted the arena rock blues jam and Jethro Tull vocal that courses through the six-something minutes of Wolf People 's "When the Fire is Dead in the Grate," the title track from the band's upcoming four-song single release, seems an unquestionably authentic throwback to decades ago.  Still, somehow to me it sounds modern, and I think this is owed to the guitar sounds, which sound splintered next to the tracks rather clean rhythm section.  Check out the info on the release, which was provided by Sure Shot PR.  Wolf People announce New 12" When the Fire is Dead in the Grate on Jagjaguwar Start Debut US Tour and Announce End of Year UK and European dates Wolf People have announced their brand new limited vinyl 12", When the Fire is Dead in the Grate for 2nd December. The release includes two brand new tracks – ‘Become the Ground’ and ‘All Returns Part II’ alongside, ‘When The Fire Is Dead in the Grate’ and ‘All Returns’ which have become huge fan...

A fluttery electro-propulsive new wave single is what I needed to hear today apparently.  Small Black has released "Free At Dawn," the band's latest offering and the first single from their upcoming new album, Limits Of Desire , which won't be out until May 14th. All info, links and audio are courtesy of the great people at Jagjaguwar.   Small Black have announced that they will release their new album, Limits of Desire on May 14, 2013 via Jagjaguwar. They have shared the first single with The FADER today, along with the album art and tracklisting. Stream the first single "Free At Dawn" on SoundCloud Stream the first single "Free At Dawn" on YouTube   The cover of the album, shot by Dutch artist Scarlett Hooft Graafland , serves as as sort of visual source code for its themes. How are our desires limited and how, in turn, are we limited by them? Featuring a man and a woman embracing on either side of a ladder, the two are complete...

If you didn't know that you needed some 60s era psych blues to close out your Monday, Wolf People 's "All Returns" will convince you that this was the case.  "All Returns" is the first single from the band's upcoming new album, Fain .  All info below comes courtesy of Jagjaguwar. Wolf People's Fain Coming in April - Stream "All Returns" Wolf People : (L-R) Tom Watt , Jack Sharp , Joe Hollick , Dan Davies Jagjaguwar will release the second full-length studio album by England's Wolf People, Fain , on April 30th (29th in the UK). Recorded in a beautiful and isolated house in the Yorkshire Dales, Fain is the sound of a band at the peak of their creative powers. It’s an honest and natural album that allows its stories, its melodies, its themes and structures to breathe. The album draws on more traditional English and Scottish folk melodies than anything they’ve done before, but not straying from the drop-out fuzz-rock route ...

A new single from The Besnard Lakes called "People of the Sticks" surfaced today with news of an upcoming new album being released.  The album will be called Until In Excess, Imperceptible UFO and the single has me very excited to check it out.  Their dreamy soundscapes remain intact, their melodies a perfect synthesis of pop-laced hook and indie rock inventiveness.  Give it a listen below. All info is courtesy of Jagjaguwar. At Jagjaguwar, we're really not supposed to play favorites. Every band we work with is special, and each of their records occupies an important space within the independent music canon. However, when a relative or a stranger asks me who my absolute favorite band is, I barely miss a beat before I blurt out, "The Besnard Lakes." There is no other band on the planet that I'd sprint along 6th street during SXSW, lugging a bulky, 20lb fog machine for. As far as I can tell, no band has performed more beautifully on late night telev...

I haven't heard enough Unknown Mortal Orchestra to really formulate an opinion about them, but "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)," the A-side to their upcoming 2-song single release, grabbed me when I first listened to it.  It's admittedly an "indie is the new pop" kind of track that's laced with college daze.  It's the type of song someone would be "enchanted with" as opposed to "really dig" or "fucking love."  Still, though, its gentle use of anti-clarity and the R.E.M. -lite melodic touches is engaging. All info comes courtesy of Life or Death PR & Management. UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA SIGNS TO JAGJAGUWAR   SHARES NEW SINGLE "SWIM AND SLEEP (LIKE A SHARK)" VIA FADER   ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES WITH GRIZZLY BEAR + TOUR-ONLY 7" As Unknown Mortal Orchestra, New Zealand by-way-of Portland songwriter and guitarist Ruban Nielson marries psychedelia with sharp soul touchstones. Timeless pop hooks ar...

Dinosaur Jr. 's upcoming new album, I Bet On Sky , can now be pre-ordered in an interesting array of "bundles."  You can check below for bundle description and links for pre-order, watch the stupid Portlandia interview and then find out if Dino will be touring in your neck of the woods.  All info comes courtesy of Jagjaguwar. Dinosaur Jr.'s I Bet On Sky is Now Up for Pre-Order Watch New J Mascis Interview with Fred Armisen One of Portland's top feminist bookstore professionals, Candace of Women & Women First, spoke with J Mascis about the upcoming record, I Bet On Sky . Watch their illuminating interview above. I Bet On Sky is now available for pre-order!   Click here to see all the available pre-order options, including a deluxe bundle. Deluxe I Bet On Sky Bundles include: 1. LP version of I Bet On Sky in gorgeous gatefold litho-wrapped jacket 2. CD version of I Bet On Sky in six-panel wallet 3. Limited-edition 7" featuring...

Not that I'm one to normally promote anything Rolling Stone related, but "Watch The Corners," the first single from Dinosaur Jr. 's upcoming new album, I Bet On Sky , can be found at rollingstone.com .  There's an interview, too.  Info comes courtesy of Jagjaguwar. Stream Dinosaur Jr.'s "Watch The Corners" from I Bet On Sky Read New J Mascis Interview At Rolling Stone  photo by Brantley Gutierre "Watch The Corners," the first single from Dinosaur Jr.'s upcoming album I Bet On Sky , premiered this morning at RollingStone.com along with an interview with J Mascis . The new single starts out with chugging riffs that ease into Mascis' vocals, and properly closes with a shredding solo. Wedged in the middle of the tune is an atypical breakdown with a brief flash of acoustic guitar. "I always liked that since I was a kid, from like, Black Sabbath ," Mascis says. " Suddenly they go into acoustic, back into...

Dinosaur Jr. will be releasing a new album in September called, I Bet On Sky .  J Mascis is one busy, busy man.  Thinking about all he did last year touring with Dino and the various projects he pursued, which included his highly enjoyable solo album Several Shades Of Why , the subsequent tour to support the release and then his recent Heavy Blanket project, it's staggering how productive he's been.  Still delivering on quality, though, which is really what matters. No singles available yet.  All info, links and dates are courtesy of Jagjaguwar. Dinosaur Jr. Returns With I Bet On Sky September 18th North American Tour Dates This Fall photo by Brantley Gutierrez "There is nothing quite like a Dinosaur Jr. album. The best ones are always recognizable from the first notes. And even though J tries to trip us up by smearing “Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know” with keyboards, it’s clear from the moment he starts his vocals that this is the one and only Dinosaur...

Psych rock band, Black Mountain , are releasing a soundtrack album for an apocalyptic surf movie, Year Zero .  Apparently, the end of the world means surfing with liberty, driving Mustangs and fuck food and shelter.  Black Mountain have released a new single from the soundtrack, "Mary Lou," which really riffs on expansive desert-singed atmosphere.  It would be more enveloping, but its rhythm is heavily concentrated and vocally stern, so there's a presence maintained even if the song wanders a tad. The Year Zero soundtrack features five original tracks and five not-so new tracks and is slated for release on April 3rd.  Check out the song and read all the info, which was generously sent over by the good people at Jagjaguwar. Black Mountain's 2010 release, Wilderness Heart , was reviewed at No Ripcord.    Black Mountain - "Mary Lou" by Jagjaguwar Black Mountain Soundtracks New Surf Film Year Zero Download New Song "Mary Lou" Bl...

Wolf People 's Tidings compilation, which incorporates their earliest recordings between 2005 and 2007, is being reissued on CD by Jagjaguwar on January 23rd.  Here's a trippy video of their song "Cotton Strands," which I really enjoyed.  As far as bands that capitalize on nostalgia, Wolf People at least taps into The Mothers Of Invention , Jethro Tull and Captain Beefheart , leaving the garage revival one less rock band hip to the simplicity of vintage amps and blues chords.  Granted Wolf People's music owes all of itself to a particular time and place, an array of sounds that almost shouldn't be restructured for a modern era just because of how well they invoke the ghosts of Peace&Love antiquity, but the tunes are engrossing and easy to enjoy.  The 60s have obviously left an indelible impression on the development of modern rock n' roll and Wolf People seem to work as a reminder.  "Cotton Strands" by Wolf People from Secretly Jag on...

The Besnard Lakes You Lived in the City EP Jagjaguwar Released: 9.22.11 No Ripcord review Sincerely, Letters From A Tapehead

Parts & Labor have announced they'll be on an "indefinite hiatus" following a slew of concert dates they've planned.  Not sure if this is a true break-up or not, but the news was enough to conjure Twitter tears from Greg Kot : Kot evidently acts in defiance of P & L's new song, "No Nostalgia."  You can check out the song below, along with the band's announcement and tour dates. Their last album, Constant Future , was reviewed at Kicking Against The Pricks . R.I.P, Parts & Labor.  Or, simply enjoy your working sabbatical. Parts & Labor Announce 10th Anniversary and Retrospective Shows Followed by Indefinite Hiatus   An announcement from Parts & Labor in their own words: Dear friends, This January , Parts & Labor turns 10 years old. We're planning a string of celebratory shows, in which we play selected material from all of our full length albums, leading up to a big 10th anniversary blow o...

Over at the Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans/Secretly Canadian offices, there's been buzz about the recent acquisition of A Place To Bury Strangers and their upcoming CMJ Showcase.  Though the band is set to release a five-song EP early in 2012, no new songs are yet available.  That being the case, I found this live clip of the band playing "Ocean" for KEXP, which was recorded during CMJ 2008. All info comes courtesy of Dead Oceans. A Place To Bury Strangers Signs to Dead Oceans EP to be released in Early 2012 New York noise czars A Place To Bury Strangers are making moves. Never ones to stand still for very long (literally and figuratively), the band is announcing a new label and new music. Dead Oceans is proud to welcome APTBS to their roster. Label co-founder Phil Waldorf says, "I've been enamored with A Place to Bury Strangers since I first heard their debut album. Their live shows have rattled me time and time again. It is not often you get to work ...