ambulance ltd

Ambulance LTD hails from Brooklyn, New York. Formed in 2000, the band draws influence from the Beatles to the Smiths and everything inbetween. This band is very diverse and can often be associated with shoegazing and britpop. The band's music is truly a treat.

I don't know how I missed the band's self-titled which was released in 2004, but I came across it earlier this year and quickly became one of my favorite records of the year. I have posted two tracks from the album, as well as links to their respected videos.

+ Featured songs; "Stay Where You Are" - download here, "Heavy Lifting" - download here

+ Featured videos; "Stay Where You Are" - watch here, "Heavy Lifting" - watch here

elvis costello

Elvis Costello, oh Elvis Costello. I don't think I even have to introduce this musician. He's done so much in his lifetime, that you couldn't possibly miss hearing of him. He's been a tremendous musician for the past two or three decades. Recording and putting out monstrous albums such as This Year's Model (my personal favorite, I have the two disc set; highly recommended), Armed Forces, Spike, and Brutal Youth, Elvis Costello will forever be remembered by me.

Anyways, Elvis Costello, along with an orchestra, will be performing through selected cities starting in March. I'm definitely not going to miss this when they come around to San Francisco and I advise you to do the same if it comes near your area. You may check out tour dates on his website here. He will be playing with some of the finest symphonies in the US and have the show cut into two halves (first half playing work from II Sogno, second half playing his pop hits).

If you are unfamiliar with Elvis Costello or want to preview some of his songs, I have uploaded three of his biggest hits.

+ Featured songs; "Pump It Up" - download here, "Allison" - download here, "No Action" - download here

(p.s., no more megaupload since I do have bandwidth, so enjoy the direct downloads!)

the most serene republic

The Most Serene Republic is a Canada-based band. They had put out Underwater Cinematographer out early this year, and in my opinion, is one of the sleeper hits of 2005. Although the album did not get revered much by critics, I find it to be one of my favorite albums that had come along and I cherish this little gem.

They are currently signed to Arts & Crafts and is the first band that isn't related to Broken Social Scene on the label. I have uploaded one of my favorite tracks from Underwater Cinematorgrapher. It's a bit Kings Of Convenience-esque.

+ Featured song; The Most Serene Republic - "Proposition 61" - download here

live video: red sparowes

I was able to film Red Sparowes this summer at an in-store in Amoeba (San Francisco). I had seen Red Sparowes open a couple times and knew what to expect, but this showcase was so intimate. They are currently one of my favorite instrumental bands, live and on record. They just sound phenomenal.

If you're into epic instrumental music, with amazing build-ups/breakdowns, definitely go out and purchase "At The Soundless Dawn". It's one of my favorite releases of 2005.

For fans of Explosions In The Sky, Pelican, and Sonic Youth.

+ Featured download; Red Sparowes - "Alone And Unaware" (in-store video) - download here

(p.s., I named the file/title wrong - Red Sparrowes. perhaps I'll change it later tonight)

live video: tegan and sara 2

As promised, and I am really sorry for the delay, here's another snippet from the Tegan And Sara in-store we had filmed awhile back. This one is about ten minutes long and features both "There's Still Time" and "Walking With A Ghost". They talk about Gap jeans and about the crowd's attractiveness.

Enjoy. And please give thanks in the comments to Kate. She was generous enough to give me bandwidth to host the video.

+ Featured download; Tegan And Sara - "There's Still Time" and "Walking With A Ghost" (in-store video) - download here

elliott smith

I came across reading a YANP post upon more leaked Elliott Smith songs and reminded myself of the great song, "Stickman" I heard a week or two ago. It's probably one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs post-Figure 8. Anyhow, I really want my readers to listen to Elliott Smith if you haven't already, since he is one of my favorite writers/composer of all-time. Very, very influential.

+ Featured songs; "Stickman (alternate version)", "Instrumental", "Everything's Okay" - head over here and "Stickman" - download here

Oh, and I've found a stable host (thanks to Kate) for the videos and hopefully be able to upload them tonight. I'm actually editing the video as I post.

the strokes & regina spektor

I'm pretty sure you guys haven't forgotten The Strokes. Having that huge hit, "Last Night" a couple years ago, along with some other memorable tunes ("Repitila", "Hard To Explain", "12:51") they made quite a name for themselves in the music industry.

Being a huge fan of the band and their records, I was looking forward to their upcoming release, "First Impressions Of Earth". Despite the fact that their single "Juicebox" that hit airwaves was a disappointment, I was still optimistic. I recently got to listen to the album in it's whole entirity and was blown away. This band has mantained credibility and produced an album I think will surprise old fans as well as new.

With all this Strokes talk, I decided to post up a live version of one of my favorite tracks. It actually has Regina Spektor guest on it, which is interesting. This song isn't featured on any of their albums, and I think the only way to obtain it is through iTunes (the non-live version).

+ Featured song;
The Strokes And Regina Spektor - "Modern Girls And Old-Fashion Men" - download here

liars

In lieu of my lack of updates, here's a new Liars track I came across on 20 Jazz Funk Greats. I'd like to just link the mp3 from this blog, but I can't seem to find the post URL. I hope they don't mind me linking it directly. Anyhow, Liars sound like they're exploring a new sound. Really dark and clouded versus their previous 'dancy' stuff. Listen for yourself.

+ Featured song; "Drum And The Uncomfortable Can" - download here

(p.s., the Tegan And Sara video is on it's way, as well as a Red Sparrowes video I shot during the summer. Plus, I may have found someone to host them, so no more hassle with megaupload)

loveninjas

You're probably asking yourself, what's with all these "love" bands I've been featuring (The Lovekevins, The Lovemakers)? Well, it's all coincidental; believe me, I don't plan it. All these "love" named bands just seem to grab my attention.

And that's the case for Loveninjas. This band is amazing. I love Labrador Records for putting their EP out. Oozing out pop goodness is the only thing this band knows.

+ Featured songs; "Keep Your Love" - download here, "Meet Me Here" - download here

I highly recommend listening to any and or both of those tunes. Please.

kt tunstall

Let me start off by saying that KT is a QT. Yes, I said it. That aside, her debut album Eye To The Telescope struck me by surprise. This Scottish singer can sure write strong pop/folk tunes. Partnered with the great producer, Steve Osborne (who has worked with U2, New Order, Doves), KT Tunstall has created a good album I recommend checking out.

And since KT does not have any mp3s online, nor can I upload them, you can stream a thirty second clip of each of the tracks here.

elefant

If you haven't already noticed, the name of this blog derives from a particular Elefant song. I don't know what made me choose it or if I have some sort of attachment to the title, but at the time it just sounded sassy.

Anyhow, the band is currently mixing their upcoming album, entitled The Black Magic Show, and are looking to release it in April. I am awaiting this sophmore disc, as I was in love with Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid.

+ Featured song; "The Clown" (new track) - download here

portugal. the man, the interview.

Not too many bands easily appeal to me nowadays. I think it's the fact that there are one too many bands that have been there, done that, not only in music, but in image. It's hard to find unique personas and individuals making creative and distinct music.

Portugal. The Man was the such find that intrigued me. I was fortunate to interview John Baldwin Gourley, the lead vocalist of the band. (Read interview here..)

TLD: When did your band, Portugal. The Man form, and how did that go about?

John Baldwin Gourley: Really, this band started to form right before I left Alaska to join Anatomy Of A Ghost. It has been around since then on the side but only full time since around January 2004.

TLD: You guys are based in Alaska. This, to me, is pretty crazy. How would you describe life there, and how much effect/impact it has made on the band.

John Baldwin Gourley: Lately the band has been very, very Portland based. It's really difficult to keep a constant movement out of home. Too far off you know?

Alaska has had a huge impact on my writing personally. I mean, If I wasn't in this band I would still be there right now. That place has birthed some of best and worst from what I can gather. There is a lot that goes down there that seems very uncommon out here.

TLD: So I hear you guys have decided to release your debut record on Fearless Records. How did that conclusion come about? Was it only logical since Anatomy Of A Ghost was previously on that label, or..

John Baldwin Gourley: The history was a big part of it. In all honesty there were other labels we were looking into but at this point I feel our decision was the best we could have made. They have been very supportive. I mean, its an odd record for them and they have been adapting to that like crazy. only good words from us. It's A lot easier to be with a label where you already know you have friends. Anxious to see how it goes. Plus, it's a lot.

TLD: Tell me about the debut album, "Waiter: You Vultures!". What's the meaning behind the album title, and what can we expect musically from it?

John Baldwin Gourley: Among other things, the title is a sort of "in memory of" for Hunter S. Thompson. I don't like to get into meanings too much at this point. But yeah, thats a simple one.

TLD: I see that you guys are playing a few shows here and there. How is the turn out and response? Do you guys intend to do a tour soon? Do you guys have any supporting acts in mind?

John Baldwin Gourley: We have a lot of fun, I guess. Seems to be that way for us. As for tours, we are heading out this January with an all west coast thing then full US afterwards. Supporting acts? we'll see where things go. We'll just be happy to be traveling once again. We didn't leave Alaska to sit on our asses all day.

TLD: What are some things that personally influence you? I know you are huge on illustration and many forms of art. Any favorite modern artist that you're fond of?

John Baldwin Gourley: I wish I could name some. I am not an art kid by any means. None of us are. We like to do it a lot but as far as other artists go, we are out of the loop. We have friends over at www.decoy.tv, www.dualhornunicorn.com, Austin Sellers... These people are very good.

We find it very fun to do. A lot of my stuff looks disgusting to me but whatever. Painting is much much fun for my hands. Need things to occupy them hands anyway. We're not good at walking through galleries and picking out flaws and deciding what is the best.

TLD: Lastly, are there any bands out there that we should keep an eye out for?

John Baldwin Gourley: Turbo Perfecto and The Burning Room. Alaskan friends, past bands and shit, good guys.


Be sure to pick up Waiter: You Vultures! in stores January 24, 2006. It is being released by Fearless Records, and is a highly anticipated release for me. You can preview some of the tracks on the album through their myspace.

the double

I'm a huge fan of Matador releases. Some of my favorite bands of all-time are on that label, so I'm crazy about them. Lately, I haven't been up to date with most of their roster, so it was surprising to find The Double. They can sure write melodies and I find it enthralling.

+ Listen to "Idiocy"; download here