• theLIST
theLIST (v2.8) - Chaka was my homeboy
Posted by Seth on Mar 9, 2010

 

Artists Included:
Foreign Born, Cool Kids x Hey Champ, Chiddy Bang, Moreno, Maus Haus, Mr. Topaloff, Virgin of the Birds, The Avalanches, Hawa, Kandid McFly, David Bowie

Hey now. There's almost too much hip-hop on this List. This may be a good or bad thing, but it is. The reason is pretty simple. I put a pool of a couple thousand 'new' songs in a playlist and go through rating as fast as I can throughout my work day. Anything that gets my attention off of EQAL (good luck with that) goes into the 'newcool 2.x' playlist on my iTunes. And, It just so happens that my iTunes likes to breakdance lately. Well, and listen to a lot of almost sad indie with big, heavy hearts.

Every week or so I whittle that list down and try to make the songs fit together in basic mix tape fashion. And then I write about it or it's just a list of new songs. I probably spent hours putting theLIST v2.8 together and about 5 minutes writing this up. I bet these posts could be a lot better if I just put some more time into it. I bet you could say that about a lot of things.

Listening to it again right now, there's some gems in here. The Hawa cover of D.A.N.C.E. is a must listen. The Avalanches can produce like it's 1986. The Chiddy Bang cover of Kids almost makes me want to listen to MGMT again. The Moreno song makes me feel good even though I don't understand a single word. And the Cook Kids x Hey Champ track is just up enough without being lame and anthemic. And the Kandid McFly track is nothing to fuck with, for the most part. Encore is for skiers. And Artie. Feel better.

Save travels to the SXSW and SXSWi people.

Set I
Foreign Born - Vacationing People
Cool Kids x Hey Champ - (We Are) Champions
Chiddy Bang - Kids (remix)
Moreno - Pica
Maus Haus - Rigid Breakfast
Mr. Topaloff - Royal Deluxe
Virgin of the Birds - Every Revelry
The Avalanches - Run DNA
Hawa - D.A.N.C.E.
Kandid McFly - Strage Fright

Encore: David Bowie - Station to Station (8.5.90)


[PS- Now that you've heard them, support these artists! BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys many more.]


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Artists Included:
Fanfarlo, Two Door Cinema Club, Dan Black, The Features, Aloha, Toro Y Moi, Sarah Jaffe, The Big Pink, Deer Tick, The Houston Brothers, Phish

Hey world. Overwhelmed and all, here's another edition of theLIST. I think there's a certain feeling of 'maintain and survive' throughout this one…just processing things and plain dealing. Nothing like posting at 4:30 in the afternoon for anti-stragegy. Anyone even listening? And where are you listening right now for that matter?

I saw Fanfarlo Saturday night at the El Rey. It's a mixed bag of emotions for me and Fanfarlo right now. Let me be incredibly selfish: The days of being one of a few thousand in the world who are in on such a great thing are numbered. And it's taking away from the closeness I feel to the band. I know, this always happens. (re: fuck off). But inevitably Fanfarlo is going to break and all kinds of uncool will flood the scene. But of course, that's exactly what I want for them & more. Just a couple of months ago they packed The Echo, I was lucky just to get in. And coming back a short time later to a crowd that was 2x as big, in a much bigger venue was a major step up. They sounded great fresh off the Letterman appearance earlier in the week, and it seemed like they were filming something for an NBC/Universal show of some kind. And in all honesty, it really was a good crowd, say what you want about LA crowds. But like I said, it's inevitable that this band will reach great heights and the growing buzz is starting to make me feel like one of many. And I don't like being one of many. I can't help but think Fanfarlo will reach people in ways their predecessors haven't yet. I heart them. And as my friend Jessica said, 'they can end a song better than anyone out there'….and she's right. She really is.

Two Door Cinema Club says people liken them to Death Cab For Cutie and Broken Social Scene. I loath Death Cab and almost moved on, BSS is cool, but still. I do not see it, thankfully. Ireland gets it. And starting April 20th, 2010 we will as well as Two Door hits US soil in support of Phoenix.

Dan Black is getting love for this track with Kid Cudi, as he should. I've been bullish on all things Cudi since AM died. I don't mind saying it, at least something came out of it because immediately the spotlight turned to Kid Cudi. Anyway, listen to this song and tell me if Dan Black doesn't fit their vibe well (and I'll tell you that you're wrong). And then go buy Un and support this (other) kid.

I'd be lying if I didn't remember Caleb yapping non-stop about The Features back in the day. I fell hard and we licensed them in LG15 (I'm 99% sure it was 'Wooden Heart') . Thanks to Devil Has The Best Tuna, I remember now how good they are. Aloha is new to me. They remind me of Tokyo Police Club (btw, hurry up guys)…something about the keys so heavy in the mix, almost like a rhythm guitar. Couple strong melody, not over the top, and sincere vocals and we're on our way.

The Toro Y Moi is a good transition track, trippy stuff. Sarah Jaffe needs to get herself out on the road with Fanfarlo or The Arcade Fire. Just saying because she'd rip it up (that's a good thing). She has heart and she'd probably be put off for me saying this, but she's kind of cute. This song is from her upcoming Suburban Nature (drops in May from Kirtland Records. Kind regards to the publishing folk out there pushing this around, it seems well-worth it.

I might have listened to Velvet from The Big Pink 15 times before writing this. I'm not sure there's a better compliment. They are new. They are good. And people listen over, and over again. If you're going to Coachella, go see this band. They are on the road with A Place To Bury Strangers through April. I have a feeling Velvet is in a big commercial or was featured on a show I don't watch because this song is EVERYWHERE right now. Here's to being late to the party.

Deer Tick has a new record out in May (hopefully) called The Black Dirt Sessions. Until then, marinate on this because as much as they run from it, Deer Tick is edgy and accessible. This tension permeates every song if you look at it right. And their website is straight out of Geocities times. Very nice.

The Houston Brothers make me feel okay about feeling ok. Brand new stuff, every music supervisor in town is running while the rates are low…I'm thinking Confederate Dunce is going to make the rounds. Good luck dudes.

Yes, the encore is the real thing. Unreleased Strange Design demo from the Billy Breathes sessions at Bearsville (before that other Barn was built/RIP Albert Grossman). Don't say I never shared anything special with you.

Set I
Fanfarlo - Drowning Men (Tudor Court Version)
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Dan Black - Symphonies (feat. Kid Cudi)
The Features - The Idea Of Growing Old
Aloha - Moonless March
Toro Y Moi - Thanks Vision
Sarah Jaffe - Clementine
The Big Pink - Velvet
Deer Tick - Easy
The Houston Brothers - Confederate Dunce

Encore
Phish - Strange Design (demo)

[Reminder: Support these artists, BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys the album.]


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Artists Featured:
The Welcome Wagon, Bisco Smith, Freeway, The Vermicious K'nids, Par Avion, Star Guitar, Baby Monster, Lali Puna, Brent Nettles, Southerly, MC Chris, Rogue Wave

tell me what you know about dreamin, dreamin...

'It's been a long long time. How you doin? How I'm doin. I guess I'm doin' fine.' I am new to The Welcome Wagon, and all of these songs as you hear them really, but gospel isn't my thing unless Edward Sharpe counts. But this isn't really gospel. Bisco Smith is real deal hip-hop, he's next. The beat always comes first and there's enough good production on here to shake the electronic landscape. seriously.  I like Freeway's style, way to go Cash Money (baddest motherf**kers around)/Rhymesayers. This is brand-new, you must check out the rest of this mixtape. I'm digging on how these two fit together. Long live Freeway. The Vermicious K'nids are something new from Nashville, first record arrived at the end of last year, BIG ups to IRC for the discovery. More experimental than most of what comes from Music City and a good transition song for midway through the set. Next up, something so fresh and so clean, clean that RCRDLBL is working. Behold Reykjavik's (sup, Tait) FM Belfast. What is this, velvet? It's beautiful!.

Leading off the second set is a badass Star Guitar remix. This is my weekly nod to aussie-homies, Trashbags Kids (you. must. listen.). Kids have rediculous taste. Star Guitar just released Humdrum, buy it here and support the cause. Baby Monster is an electro-duo from far away but will be doing awesome things at SXSW next month. If you are going to Austin, GO! Lali Puna has been around the block but they have a new album coming out in a couple of months. Reacquaint and get ready for a tour that will follow synchs in probably 2 commercials, 12 tv shows, and 3 films. you heard them here (again) first. Brent Nettles writes songs that get to the point, tell a story, and end. Notes aren't wasted. Tears and pain are shed. And you're on to the next before you know it. Set closer is my favorite rapper in the business, the funniest, most creative, nerd I don't know, MC Chris. MC Chris has a new album that drops next week, Knowing's Half the Hassle and goddammit, buy it.

Last nod to my friend Rogue Wave for dealing with a retard storm before anyone has heard much of the new music. I'm doing what I can because the only things I can't stand right now more than senseless backlash are unoriginality and misinformation. Ok, back to work. I have no life.

Set I

Thom & Johnny - Intro
The Welcome Wagon - But For You Who Fear My Name
Bisco Smith - Broadcast Live (TV On The Radio Remix)
Freeway - Freezer's Back
The Vermicious K'nids - Snakebite Pt. 2
FM Belfast - Par Avion
Set II
Star Guitar - SALM - 5AM v3b (Star Guitar Remix)
Baby Monster - She Comes Alive
Lali Puna - Faking The Books
Brett Nettles - Leave The Ground Dry
MC Chris - Boys Don't Cry
Encore
Rogue Wave - Everyday (cvr)
(right-click to download for a ltd. time)

[Reminder: Support these artists, BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys the album.]


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theLIST (v2.5) - here goes everything
Posted by Seth on Feb 5, 2010


Artists Included:
Prizzy Prizzy Please, Rogue Wave, Citay, Broken Bells, Oh No Ono, Corinne Bailey Rae, Let's Wrestle, The Heligoats, Ninca Leece, Niko Villamor, Air, Caribou, Priors, Breakbot, MillionYoung

There's a lot to listen to here & today is a big one at work so I'll be brief. Welcome aboard, gets your ears and hard drives on theLIST (v2.5).

I know next to nothing about Prizzy Prizzy Please other than a) they have a cool name and b) they have their own sound. You ask, what else is needed and I reply, "I don't know." The new Rogue Wave is a full on dance record and it's pissing a ton of 'fans' off. When a super-hyped indie band changes directions like this and alienates the cynical hardcore devoted who never ever want things to evolve, I start paying attention. Vocals may feel like a postal service track triple dubbed and put in a blender but this shit works as far as I'm concerned so bite me.

Citay's brand new record Dream Get Together (Dead Oceans) is a phenomenal effort. Community music done good if you ask me. Get in early with this one you won't be disappointed. Broken Bells are on here with The High Road, a brand new single that just dropped last week. Columbia is just starting to get the word out about their debut release on March 9th, hence the leak we're checking out now. Simple production, tight arrangements, nothing to fear. Good luck guys.

Oh No Ono is a Friendly Fire act that I didn't really get into until my buddy saw them in New York recently and wouldn't shut up about it. I listened, he's right. I trolled YouTube for a minute, I would check them out live, there's a connection on stage that is far from common. And "Eggs" is one of the better albums I've heard start to finish in a couple months. I predict good things. Invest wisely.

My heart still feels weak for Corinne Bailey Rae and I don't want to trivialize what she's going through by talking about it. Just listen and try not to cry.

Let's Wrestle is being hip-pocketed by a few music supervisors and agencies, expect some kind of artist development here. I'm down for the cause, this is good stuff that paints a picture, tells a story. And that's important to me. For some reason this track from The Heligoats reminds of Ms. Potter's Lullaby, so it stays. Nothing new here, found this out there randomly. Against Me! is epic, be a part of something real. And that's Set I.

Set II is influenced goodness and bangers. I cut up a couple things, there's a new Air remix that is too cool for school. Caribou is a long time friend, such a good sound. Priors feels straight out of 1983, not like I remember. You get the idea.

Please love. & share this link.

Set I (The Stir)
Intro - We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules
Prizzy Prizzy Please - Large Hadron Collider
Rogue Wave - Good Morning
Citay - Careful With That Hat
Broken Bells - The High Road
Oh No Ono - Internet Warrior
Corinne Bailey Rae - Are You Here
Let's Wrestle - We Are The Men You'll Grow To Love Soon
The Heligoats - Fish Sticks
Against Me! - We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules (live)

Set II (The Shake)
Ninca Leece - Funny Symphony
Niko Villamor - Million $ Pogo (remix)
Air So Light Is Her Footfall (Breakbot Remix)
Caribou - Odessa
Priors - What You Need (Hey Champ Remix)
Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours feat. Irfane
MillionYoung - Mien


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theLIST (v2.4) - because we're cool
Posted by Seth on Jan 29, 2010

Artists Included:
White Panda, Theophilus London, Neon Indian, Danger, Yeasayer, Beach House, Surfer Blood, Jed and Lucia, Local Natives, Freelance Whales, Lil' Wayne

The first set is up, the back half will bring you down and Lil' Wayne makes it the best mix you've heard all week (just listening to this shit will make you cool). That's what comes to mind in the retarded shorthand I write here as fast as possible after spending so much time putting this together. (I need to get back to work for a 3:15 meeting). So here it is, theLIST (v2.4)!!

Solid White Panda cut up to lead into a brand new one from Theophilus, just dropped, so cool. Theophilus is a star, dude is all groove. Rediculous sense of what's hot. Neon Indian sleeper from their 2009 disc, Psychic Chasms that refuses to die called Deadbeat Summer. I'm new to Danger, thanks to Trashbags Kids.

2080 got me into Yeasayer but it's been a while since I heard something else that I really got into. Wait's over, with Ambling Alp and without question there's good buzz brewing for 2010. I'm sure there will be 29 remixes of it, but good luck topping this production. If there was more cohesion in the indie world, this song would be some kind of a hit.

The brand new Beach House is growing on me, it's new love. what's up to Rock Insider. Best new music I've heard this year. Definitely an album worth picking up in its entirety.

I've spoken about Surfer Blood and all things considered, these guys have a shot to be a breakout band this year. No bullshit. But don't compare them to the usual suspects, please!

Jed & Lucia are local kids from Chatsworth, CA. who sound like they are from somewhere much further east. They just released a brand new EP, here's the title track to check out. I think it's the focus track of the record. And it looks like they are getting the blog treatment which is great to see for sure. I guess I had to go to Kentucky to find a band right here in my own backyard.

I don't know much about Local Natives, they are new to me. I have a feeling they will do things at SXSW this year. Already booked, they have 4 appearances and they're coming off what looks like a LONG European Tour which means they will be tired and hungry. My thought is this will translate well and as painful as it is, will make the trek and storm worth bearing.

Freelance Whales emerged for me late last year thanks to We All Want Someone and the attention they got from touring with Fanfarlo (who is still a top 3 band for me right now). There is something real here and I don't want to fuck it up by over talking  it.

You may have noticed my update about Lil' Wayne yesterday. Here's what's going on. Someone sent me 39 albums of everything, mixtures, albums, the works. I think it was just over 110 hours of music, ALL Weezy. And I'm here to tell you from a nerdy white guy's pov, we are witnessing true genius here. I am sitting on a post that compares the rise of Lil' Wayne to Phish because the similarities are worth talking about partly because no one ever will, and because I really believe there is a lot to learn here. Have you seen the documentary? QD3 had probs getting it out but it's real. I think you'll like it.

that's all. Rock out Friday, or sit at home and think about rocking out. at least you have something to listen to. these songs will play in order, so just chill. goodbye.


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theLIST (v2.3) - rainy days & thursdays
Posted by Seth on Jan 21, 2010

Artists Included:
Crookers, Anthem, Gorillaz, jj, Threes and Nines, Vetiver, Loch Lomond, Laura Veirs, Phantogram, Against Me!

I made a list of songs. Then another one. And another actually. I put them altogether, listened carefully for the future, cut most, and came away with theLIST (v2.3).

January is usually a dead period for big album releases as everything from xmas is off the shelf and people are gearing up for the pre-summer blitz. There will be a couple of winter sleepers, but for now it's like the indie wild wild west with just tons of random tracks and mixes floating around begging for traction.

Crookers are burning up all kinds of shit. If I actually put together my list of acts that should be at Coachella this year but aren't, they would be right there. Anthem, yeah the insanely talented duke-bred kid we spoke about earlier is back with a solid remix. Brand new Gorillaz that is growing on me since it arrived early yesterday to inboxes all over. Give it a chance.

I need to encore the brand-new jj track featuring lil' weezy. Instant best of the year material by a landslide. I can't stop listening to it. It's crack. jj is insane. At around the 2:08 mark your face will melt. thank you very much.

Threes and Nines deliver an unreleased subtle gem, "Fireworks" off their as of now untitled first record. Sony/ATV picked up their pub, smart move because these kids can write, flat out. I'm digging on what upright bassist Tasha Powers brings to the table. Her affect is grounding, even though they are brand new I do believe T&N are just a couple of songs away and will manage to avoid a ton of the indie-folk backlash due to a fundamental sincerity that is simple and just, works. I like them.

Vetiver is an old school LG15/DashGo act that just keep plugging along, songs are getting tighter and more memorable. Loch Lomond is a wildcard I just got turned onto this morning. Thanks Belle! Ample melody included.

The Laura Veirs record just dropped, poor girl and co. are on the road for about the next 200 days. I'll post more as they get closer to town, solid tunes here.

I'm digging on Phantogram, there's a sync out there just waiting to catapult them to new heights. Barsuk found a solid act to hang its hat on.

And finally, some acoustic Against Me! because Tom Gabel is a star.

Hello people of mms. :)
Crookers feat. Rye Rye - Hip Hop Changed (busy p remix)
Anthem - I Gotta Feeling (remix)
Gorillaz - Stylo (radio edit)
jj - My Way
Threes and Nines - Fireworks
Vetiver - Everyday
Loch Lomond - Wax & Wire
Laura Veirs - July Flame
Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds
Against Me! - Reinventing Axl Rose (acoustic)
(right-click to download)


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theLIST (v2.2) - required reading
Posted by Seth on Jan 15, 2010

Artists Included:
KiD CuDi, Rafter, These United States, Javelin, Looking Glass, the xx, Peephole, jj, Maino, Justin Vernon, Jay Reatard

You're gonna like these songs. You're going to listen to them, perhaps download a couple, get into someone new. You'll follow the links back to their websites and buy concert tickets and t-shirts. You will fall in love. You will comment here, on the Facebook page, and listen to all eleven-songs of this in order, while you're getting ready to go out tonight and then again in the morning when you wake up…or something. Yes, please.

I wanted to make this list with songs that may not be brand-new, things that have been around for a minute and never seem to be too far out of reach…I ended up with maybe one or two of them, exactly the opposite. In going through a bucket of unlistened to music this week, I guess I found new things to latch on to, including the brand spanking new jj track which arrived this afternoon which I think is excellent. I think if Kid Cudi arrived in the days when underground hip-hop ruled the world (see: Wu Tang), he would have been a legend. It's just so hard to break through right now, especially in hip-hop that I worry his moment in the sun will fade before he gets enough traction. Who knows.

These United States were the first or second band I ever licensed for use in lonelygirl15, good group of people. They are slowly but surely getting there. Nod to the xx for an amazing BBC Radio 1 Session that's making the rounds. And of course a closing thanks to Jay Reatard for influencing so much in such a short time. Ok, time to go fall in love. Have a great weekend wherever you are.
Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness (w/MGMT and Ratatat)
Rafter - Juicy
These United States - I Want You to Keep Everything
Javelin - Lindsay Brohan
Looking Glass - Ah La Ha
the xx - Crystalised (BBC Radio 1 Session)
Peephole - Guilty Boat
jj - My Way
Maino - Tiger Woods
Justin Vernon - Hazleton
Jay Reatard - It Ain't Gonna Save Me


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Discover these artists:
Lush Life, Harlem Shakes, Real Estate, Sunset, Joey Kneiser (from Glossary), Heavy Hometown

Hello my sweet orangutan
Doris Day is on TV again
...

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Linus & Lucy
Lushlife - Two Words
Harlem Shakes - Strictly Game
Real Estate - Beach Comber
Sunset - Gold Dissolves To Gray
Joey Kneiser - Funeral Flowers
Heavy Hometown - Medicine
Casey Spooner - Faye Dunaway
Revenge of the Nerds - Nerds Rally Song


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Artists Included:
Scissors For Lefty, Fanfarlo, Why Write?, Red Cortez, The Soft Pack, A Classic Education, Sabrosa Purr, Parlour Steps, Bear In Heaven, Avi Buffalo, The French Semester, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, The Strokes

'I got a car,
And I got some gas.
Let's get the fuck out of here,
Get out of here fast.'-Vedder


It's raining in Los Angeles, it's cold in San Francisco. I wish I had a good show to see tonight but I don't. Duke is off until the 15th, something about finals and who knows what will happen between now and then. But we've got Umbrella, cause we've got a band. And these songs will make you cool. Clearly I haven't gotten out much this week.

Pink Floyd - Interstellar Overdrive (edit)
Scissors For Lefty - Consumption Junction
Fanfarlo - Luna
Why Write? - Burning Holes
Red Cortez - All The Difference
The Soft Pack - C'mon
A Classic Education - What My Life Could Have Been
Sabrosa Purr - One Weak Moment
Parlour Steps - Bleeding Hearts
Bear In Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers
Avi Buffalo - What's In It For?
The French Semester - What's In The Bag
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - Dim the Lights
The Strokes - I'll Try Anything Once (YOLO Demo)



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Artists Included:
Wiretree, cftpa, Washed Out, The Dodo Fightback, Cloud Cult, Dirt Bike Annie, Oh No Forest Fires, The Love Language, Prizzy Prizzy Please, Rope Chain Spiller Kidz

You might listen to these songs and want to jump off a cliff. that would be unfortunate. or, these will work for your late friday afternoon. there's an arc here so don't think I've gone all debbie-downer on you. did you know you can download these mp3's? just right-click. most mp3's are taken down after a couple of weeks so you have to act fast. Ok, I don't have a whole lot to say. Lots of fresh faces in here. Oh, If you're seeing Phish at The Garden tonight, have a good one. I call "Jim" opener here. If you're getting wasted and sitting by yourself, have fun doing that too. next week I'm going to post some shows from my archive, if you have any requests, let me know here.

If you like at least one of these songs and theList is generally doing something for you, click the 'suggest to friends' button on the musicmatterseth page on facebook and help spread the word. If one more person tells me they wish they heard about this site sooner I might lose my mind. Or keep it a secret, I really don't care.

Wiretree - Big Coat
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Natural Light
Washed Out - New Theory
The Dodo Fightback - Petrochemical Lullaby
Cloud Cult - Take Your Medicine
Dirt Bike Annie - Whatever Makes You Happy
Oh No Forest Fires - Swing and a Misdemeanor
The Love Language - Stars
Prizzy Prizzy Please - Ride the Love Bullet
Rope Chain Spiller Kidz - Super Chain HeRope



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