swallow.music

ketchup... catchup... catsup (fuck that)

2006-05-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

So it's been forever- I'm a bastard. But, looking back at the past few weeks- I've truly noticed some great music that's been around. This is not 'up to the minute' shit because I really haven't grasped some of the indiefuckblogosphere's tastes as of late.

So, today's entry is brought to you by the letter S.

Here are some things that start with S!

seamen

snakes on a plane

swallowmusic!

But perhaps most importantly:

Sambassadeur from Sweden!

Shearwater!

Both bands are fantastic. Sambassadeur is another great product from the wonderful Swedish Pop Music Magic Machine 3000.

And Shearwater comes to us as a side project of Okkervil River- and while the falsetto might seem a bit harsh, it's never overdone and quite tasteful. There's also much deviation from track to track on their newest album, Palo Santo.

Sambassadeur is basically Stars, but foreign. Guy/Girl Singing, some electronic influence. Perhaps there's more strings with Sammy-Bass than with Stars.

Eh, listen to my (badass) hand-picked tracks and come up with your own opinion.

Sambassadeur - Kate
Sambassadeur - Between the Lines

Shearwater - Seventy-Four Seventy-Five
Shearwater - Nobody

Let's Talk About Sex Sunset Rubdown, Baby

2006-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

While everyone else in the blogging world is shitting themselves over Beirut, (don't get me wrong, the kid's talented as all-get-out... and I love the music) it seems a band that's not quite as new and not quite as young has yet to be brought to the forefront of this little indie bubble we call The Blogsphere (well... I... call it that).

Ladies and Gentlemeats, Sunset Rubdown is the bizarre result of Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug eating too much cotton candy and wondering what WP would sound like if it were to get into a sloppy fist fight and made love to (at the same time) a State Fair.

you can find me in the Krug, bottle fulla bubb

You might be thinking, "State Fair? wtf? LOL!" but there's something behind that... maybe. Krug is the frontman/keyboardist behind both bands- and while Wolf Parade exhibits a much more electronic sound, Sunset Rubdown sounds like a well behaved drunk carnival organist. And like most carnies, he knows his shit.

The Canadians' cd came out May 2, which is before today. So, don't be a hooker, give it a... looker. Listen. That's what I meant to say. Listen.

Sunset Rubdown - Stadiums and Shrines II
Sunset Rubdown - Us Ones In Between

Summer is Almost Upon Us...

2006-04-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, thats right folks. The hot summer days are here thanks to global warming (No more polar bears makes Jesus cry... out of pure joy) and you know what that means... THATS RIGHT ANOTHER MIX PLAYLIST WOO!

The polar bear's expression shows his fear of his imminent death... and his hunger for human babies. White haired son of a bitch.

Yes. We here at swallowmusic are your musical digestive system. We devour new music in our mouth-like ears (They have teeth), slowly let it decompose in the acidic fluids of our sonic stomachs (Editors Note: Amazing alliteration.) and see if it sits well with us. If it does, we send it through our aural colons and shit it out on a gold platter for you, the reader. Its all science, people.

So, I have a huge load of shit for you people. Its got corn and peanuts and all the musical goodness that makes your brain go "mmm" (Just like Campbell's soup) and your body go "WEEE" (Thats the sound I assume it makes when I dance. I could be wrong though. I just tend to assume my body likes to bring attention to its plurality when it dances)

God In Heaven's Divine Summer Mix (Children not included)

Link.

1. "Mahgeetah" by My Morning Jacket
2. "Last Train To Clarksville" by The Monkees
3. "Here Comes Attack" by GoGoGoAirheart
4. "Lord Only Knows" by Beck
5. "Take Me To The River" by Talking Heads
6. "Looks Just Like the Sun" by Broken Social Scene
7. "Dinner At Eight In The Suburbs" by All-Time Quarterback
8. "You're The Reason I'm Leaving" by Franz Ferdinand
9. "Old School" by Danger Doom
10. "Warsaw" by Joy Division
11. "Dancing Shoes" by Arctic Monkeys
12. "Cowboy Dan" by Modest Mouse
13. "The Bones Of An Idol" by The New Pornographers
14. "Follow Me Around" by Radiohead
15. "Toxic Girl" by Kings Of Convenience
16. "Are You Down With It" by Handsome Boy Modeling School Feat. Mike Patton
17. "Hong Kong" by Gorillaz
18. "Vampire Forest Fire" by The Arcade Fire

Picture Post

2006-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Great Lake Swimmers - I Will Never See the Sun

Have a better weekend.

swallow.music april mix

2006-04-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

I made a fantastic mix to lull you to sleep during these uneventful April days.

http://download.yousendit.com/5371BCCA053F6729

It's only available for the next five days or email me for the zip file AT
steven@sustainrecords.com

learn The April March

Tracklist:
1. A.C. Newman - Homemade Bombs In The Afternoon
2. The Little Ones - Cha Cha Cha
3. Tilly and the Wall - Rainbows In The Dark
4. Tilly and the Wall - Bad Education
5. Final Fantasy - This Is The Dream Of Win And Regine
6. Voxtrot - The Start Of Something
7. Birdmonster - Resurrection Song
8. Division Day - Tap-Tap, Click-Click
9. Band of Horses - The Great Salt Lake
10. Division Day - Colorguard
11. Editors - Feel Good Inc.
12. Feist - Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix)
13. James Figurine - 55566688833
14. The Arcade Fire - In the Backseat (alternate version)
15. Butterfly Explosion - Sophia
16. Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche
17. Mogwai - Tracy (Kid Loco Mix)
18. The National - Wasp Nest

Boldface titles denote extra ass-kickery/some of my personal favorites.

I hope you enjoy the newer, unreleased tracks as well as the b-sides, covers and old favorites.

I'll do more writing about music when I get off work.

12 Times 35

2006-04-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

I decided to post the 420 mix, even though it is a little late. They're right, weed does make you lazy.

Download the 420 Mix Here

Put 'em in your mouth... freshens breath.

2006-04-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Still no time for a full entry...

but meet The Starlight Mints (for perhaps not the first time?)

The Starlight Mints in austin

the Starlight Mints in wonka's closet

(also, the anagram for Starlight Mints is 'Transmits Light'... also 'Rattling Smiths' this is why I'm single)

These tracks be from their new album, Drowaton. due out on the twenty-fifth. Go buy it, whores!

The Starlight Mints - What's Inside of Me?
The Starlight Mints - Pearl's (Submarine #2)

Happy Easter/Passover&shit

2006-04-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

It contains the word 'Easter'... deal with it.

The Album Leaf - Eastern Glow

Not celebrating? Snakes on a Plane, man... Snakes on a Plane.

Bell X1 - Snakes & Snakes

Happy Easter, Motherfucker!

Ooooh, The Fiery Furnaces...

2006-04-13T10:25:00.001-07:00

It's generally accepted that family groups are either cute/good or annoying as shit/wtf?. The Fiery Furnaces have proven that they can be both. Their astounding releases in the past (EP, Blueberry Boat) have shown a lighter, funner, whole-grain goodness we've expected from the brother/sister duo. But... But... Rehearsing My Choir? Come now, Fiery Furnaces. Just because it's a semi-original idea doesn't mean it'll be a smash. Producing a record with your grandmother sounds cute, I know (and have tried... I don't like to talk about it. Twas almost as bad as Motherboy XXX) but it does not bode well for the listening public.

At least Motherboy had refreshments

The double Fs have a new release set for the 18th of April. Bitter Tea, according to one critic, is a 'breath of fresh air in the world of pop and experimental music.'

Maybe some people like bitter tea...

The Fiery Furnaces - In My Little Thatched Hut

Listen to the track- if you're a fan of experimental music, you'll most likely appreciate it- but it's a far cry from "people will care about this in four months" status. I don't think I'm the only one that thought their pleasant little pop-sound was good for humanity. I knoooow, I knoooow- as an artist you have to diverge, blah blah fucking blah- but it seems more cocky artists (cough, le Fiery Furnaces) worry more about self-gratification than making music people can like without straining.

The Fiery Furnaces - Quay Cur

I had to add this in case you forgot what the FFs sounded like when they weren't masturbating to the tune of over-artistic self expressionism.

You'll like the album if you like:
- not-so-subtle artistic expression
- a different sound that divulges from the normal pop genre
- me bitching about stupid shit
- gay cowboys

Tracy + The Plastics = a ratio of three personalities to one body

2006-04-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Getting formalities outta the way...

I'm the only girl and non-Texan involved with this gig (at the moment). I go to the University of Florida, where I study Advertising and English. The music credentials are none, and unlike my fellow-contributors, I have no aspirations to be a jockey of discs. However, having been afflicted with a severe case of Good Taste and the willingness to write about it, I've readily taken on the role of being pretentious and keeping the perversion to a minimum.

Getting down to the business of introducing good tunes, first up will be Tracy + the Plastics. The artistic vision of lesbian Wynne Greenwood, Tracy + the Plastics are a three-headed, one-gal band. That is to say, Tracy is the frontwoman (she's a feminist, so I'll be PC), with her two alter-egos on drums and keyboards. This provides for interesting shows featuring the other two members projected onto a screen, who banter with Tracy throughout the set. Fuck knows how she came up with the concept; I'm straight, and therefore incapable of comprehending creativity.

I don't know what's going on... but, hey, it's arty!

Tracy + The Plastics - Big Stereo

You'll love her/them if you like:
- Mirah
- Pretty girls with lots of angst and schizophrenia
- Is lesbian sex hotter if it's between the same person?

As an added introductory bonus - and because I don't know enough about them to write a full review - here's a song from two obscure English chaps making fun of androgynous indie kids. Yes Boss does not have a Web site, but like all those hipsters they bash so fondly, they do have a Myspace.

Yes Boss - Indie Kids

This Kevin is Divine!!!!11oneone

2006-04-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

...Or Devine. Whatever.

Today I'm going to introduce you to the pure aural sex that is Mr. Kevin Devine. He is a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, and has released 3 albums that have unfortunately fallen beneath the public's eye. He writes songs that are politically charged, angry, and poignant. His voices lies somewhere between Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst. His first two albums were mainly acoustic, allowing the focus to lie on the lyrics and Devine's voice.

For his most recent album, "Split the Country, Split The Street," finds Devine adventuring into full band endeavors with The Goddamn Band. (His name, not mine. But it should be. I like profanity.)

Plus, I have a boner for angry white boys with something important to say (The last part thankfully excludes Limp Bizkit from my precious erection.) so Kevin's music is the equivalent of sonically rubbing one out and getting musical sperm all over my ears and glasses. [Editor's Note: We at Swallow Music do not condone the use of metaphors relating music and oral sex... But at the same time, we're called Swallow Music... we have a soft spot for oral. I suppose it would technically be a hard sp-I'm going to stop.]

You may be asking yourself a few questions. First and foremost, I don't know why I'm so awesome. Thats just how life deals them out. You get the intelligence to read my posts, and I get awesomeness and an enormous penis. [Editor's Note: He really does. It put out an intern's eye out. Speaking of which, we have a new opening available!] Secondly, why did musical jizz get on my glasses? If you must ask, my dear reader, you have never seen pornography. Every porno ever seems to love ejaculating all over glasses. Maybe protein is a good way to strengthen the prescription? Who knows.

Kevin Devine demonstrates proper oral technique, sans protective eyewear

And finally, you may be asking yourself exactly where it is I can find some of Kevin Devine's music. Never fear, dear reader, for I am here to help.

You can find 4 songs from his most recent album on his myspace, found at http://www.myspace.com/kevindevine. There is also a great video of him playing one of my favorite songs of his, Ballgame, if you scroll down to the comments.

And here is the album version of said song.
Kevin Devine-Ballgame

You will enjoy Kevin Devine if you also enjoy:
-Elliott Smith or Bright Eyes
-Politically charged music
-Blow jobs

Apparat

2006-04-11T19:53:00.001-07:00

I guess the popular thing to do around here is to introduce yourself in your first post. As you are about to find out mine will be far less interesting than my near super-human companions. I'm an ISQS major with a minor in Philosophy at Texas Tech University, but i'm currently back home in D/FW until this coming summer semester. I play Ultimate Frisbee for the Tech College team and hope to land a spot as a DJ for the school radio station. Music is pretty much all that is good and holy in my life. I can pretty much listen to anything except mainstream country (i never did recover from "Don't break my heart, My achie breakie heart")

On to the music. Most likely you've never heard of the band "Apparat", that is unless you are an Electronica junky such as I am. Since 1999 Sascha Ring has been pumping some amazing pelvis rocking, elbow poping, baby kicking beats out of his Berlin recording studio. Ring combines electronic, acoustic, and wind instrumentation to create a completely new and beautiful sound that is compulsively listenable.

Apparat - Komponent

Sascha Ring playing WoW on his Mac...and you thought it was a live show

Apparat has a 9 song EP out called "Silizium" (German for "Silocone") and will be releaseing a joint project with Ellen Allien called "Orchestra of Bubbles", in May.

Apparat is finishing up its U.S. tour this very evening in Chicago, Illinois.

You will enjoy this band if you like:
-Boards of Canada
-Silicone Implants
-Lo Pan

The Raconteurs Can Rac On My Teurs Anyday!

2006-04-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should introduce myself. I am a psychology major at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. I am also a DJ at KTXT here at tech, co-hosting a show called "Vintage Radio," specializing in anything from the 20's to the 80's. In a word, I rock. In addition to this, I'm a music junkie. I'm constantly looking for new music to satisfy my urges... Did someone say urge? HE'S GOT THE URGE TO HERBAL! Oh yeah, I also have a terrible case of ADHD. Have fun trying to understand me, jerks!

Anyway, unless you've been literally deceased for the past few years (Hi Grandma!), you have most likely heard of Jack White and his motley crew...er... make that motley duo, The White Stripes. Jack and Meg have been putting out minimalistic blues rock since 1997. Their fame grew with the release of their third album, "White Blood Cells," grabbing the public's attention with the catchy "Fell In Love With A Girl." Their popularity exploded with the release of their fourth album, "Elephant."

Jack White, pre-child molestor moustache. Or as I like to call it, The Golden Age.

But you probably know all this.

For quite a while, critics have been wondering if The White Stripes (Or Dub-Stripes as those in the know call them) [Editor's Note: What are you talking about] will expand their ranks to a full-fledged band. Well, now with the emergence of Jack White's new band, you get a glimpse of what a full band Dub-Stripes would sound like... sans the mediocre drumming.

The Raconteurs are this band. Led by Jack White and fellow Detroit...ite(?) Brendon Benson, the band sounds like the crossroads between Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Taking the dirty, grinding blues rock from Led Zeppelin (or Da Zep to those in the know) [Editor's Note: Stop that, asshole] and combining it with the pop sensibilites and harmonies of The Beatles, The Raconteurs create a simultaneously retro, yet modern sound.

The Raconteurs-Store Bought Bones

This song has my favorite bridge in recent memory.

Taking a page out of my co-contributor's book-
You will enjoy this band if you like:
-Bluesy pop songs
-The White Stripes
-Leprosy
-Hi Grandma!

Soft/Sweet, The Owls are nicer than muffins.

2006-04-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

The Owls - City Girl
The Owls - Air

The Owls' label refers to them as:

“Two librarian chicks, the sexiest bass player you’ve ever seen, and a drummer who’s the spitting image of Gary Oldman.”

In other words, a little something for everybody...

I stumbled upon The Owls while searching through the huge library that is the SXSW Featured Artists bittorrent file. Female fronted rock/pop/pornography has always been at the forefront of my personal likes. And this? This is catchy, soft and poppy… like an airborne muffin.

poppy... it's funny

The ~~Muffins~~ Owls are Brian Tighe, Allison LaBonne, Maria May and Stephen Ittner.

aww, look how pretty/sad they all are

The Owls have a 8-track EP out now entitled Our Hopes and Dreams that was released by Magic Marker Records (home to Voxtrot and All-Girl Summer Fun Band).

girls like this music

They'll be performing at the Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN on April 22.

You'll like 'em if you like-
-Belle&Sebastian/Stars/Small Factory
-Girls who know how to sing/write cute songs
-Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns

Birth of The Swallow

2006-04-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

There are tons of great music blogs out there. They're a great source of new music. They bring people together, etc. etc. But there’s an
inherent problem with music blogs…

Dammit, they’re all the same.

I’ll try my best to provide new and fresh artists and information to you, the
sexy, sexy reader, so you might stick around a little while and learn ya
somethin’ good.

A little background before we begin. Right now, I’m in charge of new artists and media at Sustain Records, an independent Texas Country record label. Do I love that genre of music? Hell no- but it’s the first step in a could-maybe-be-eventually-lucrative job market. My job is to listen to the demos, singles… 8-tracks of aspiring artists and review their talents/terrible flaws and decide if they’re good enough to be signed.

I get paid to judge music.

Am I good at it? I guess we’ll all see.

Since this thing is still an infant, we’ll start off slow. Thought I hated country music?

Piss off, look who it is!

ms. neko case

The estrogen-filled co-lead of The New Pornographers, Neko is gaining is shit ton of attention in the world of music. She's adored by blogs, zines (hate that word, btw) and musicians everywhere- last week her new album Fox Confessor Brings The Flood reached number 2 on the music sales chart at amazon.com. Go Neko... Geico?

geico case

You'll like her if you like-
- Ryan Adams, Rhett Miller/The Old 97's, Dolly Parton
- soulful female vocals and haunting, layered melodies
- table tennis

Neko Case - Star Witness
Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On