The Prettiots
The Prettiots, a New York female trio, consisting of ukulele, bass and drums, charm us with a most adorable song.
Enjoy “Boys (I Dated in High School)”.
Alex Winston
Alex Winston has such a compelling voice.
Initially classically trained in Detroit, she now resides in New York.
Her first album King Con came out two years ago.
Expect to hear much more about her with the wonderful new song “Careless”.
(and yes, she does remind us of Kate Bush, which only enhances her appeal.)
“Careless”
The Crystal Method
The electronic duo of Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, known as The Crystal Method, have just released their 5th studio album and their first in almost 5 years.
I recall a dinner with the band in New York City last decade along with their record representative at the time Matt Pollack.
During the course of the meal one of the two (I don’t recall which) began choking on his food. Matt claims it was me but I attribute the rapid application of the Heimlich Maneuver to Matt. Regardless, the entrenched obstruction popped out onto the floor and even more memorable, we then all sat down and resumed our conversation as if nothing had ever happened!
That evening The Crystal Method did not become a solo act and today for some reason they have eponymously titled their new record.
“Emulator” is the first track.
“Emulator”
The Strokes
It’s been awhile as I have been on the road touring Australia but there is so much new good music to share so let’s begin.
And what better way than with new Strokes music.
Comedown Machine, their 5th album, is scheduled for the end of March.
This band is the sound of New York City as heard on the first single “All the Time”.
Also included here is “One Way Trigger”, a slightly different sound for them and a song that was a free download for a time on their website.
All the Time
One Way Trigger
Holy Ghost!
Electronic duo Holy Ghost! from NYC have been producing, remixing and creating music since 2007.
This year they finally released their debut album, eponymously titled.
On their website they freely give us a Cosmic Kids remix of “Hold My Breath “from the album.
Here is unreleased track, a very cool Holy Ghost! cover of Ministry’s “I Wanted to Tell Her” featuring Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem on vocals. (Free from Green Label Sound.)
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CMJ and Weekend
The annual CMJ Music Marathon is currently taking place in New York.
Going strong since 1980, hundreds of indie bands of differing genres showcase their talents throughout the city.
Both CMJ and RCRDLBL have excellent free download samplers of some of the bands performing, including more than a few who have been featured here in the past.
You will also find a San Francisco band, Weekend, that I am particularly fond of.
“Hazel” is from their recently released Red EP.
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Is This It
It’s been ten years since The Strokes album, Is This It, debuted.
This seminal record catapulted New York City once again to the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll, something we hadn’t experienced since the early days of punk.
Stereogum has compiled a free tribute album celebrating Is This It, featuring such bands as Peter Bjorn and John, Real Estate, Owen Pallett, and the Morning Benders.
Like most tribute albums, the covers are hit or miss, versions of favorite songs worthy of deep praise or intense resentment.
I particularly like Frankie Rose’s rendition of “Soma”.
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