Soundboard

The National - Hard To Find They’ve done it again. The...

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:56:43 -0400

The National - Hard To Find

They’ve done it again. The folks in The National have put together an emotionally charged, well-written album. It is just gorgeous.

Hard To Find, the closing track, is soft and heavy. There is a certain vicarious matter-of-factness about it that hits me in the chest every time I listen to it. The song revolves around past love. “There’s a lot I’ve not forgotten,” Matt Berninger sings. He has difficulty articulating everything about the attraction, and he’s not expecting things to work out again. If he tried to rekindle it himself, he knows that she’ll disappear. Regardless, he’s “still watching for the signs.”

Trouble will find me,

-Andrew

Tom Waits - God’s Away On Business Before I’d even...

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:39:00 -0400

Tom Waits - God’s Away On Business

Before I’d even finished hearing this song for the first time I craved to hear it all over again. God’s away On Business plays at the end of Enron, which I think is such a brilliant theme song for financial scandal. What a unmistakably menacing voice.
I’m getting so into Tom Waits, where has he been all my life? He’s just one of a kind. I can’t wait to check out his full discography…

There’s always free cheddar in a mousetrap, baby
It’s a deal, it’s a deal

- Rosie

twenty one pilots - Holding On To You I’ve chronicled my...

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:01:00 -0400

twenty one pilots - Holding On To You

I’ve chronicled my strange relationship with music on this blog before. And I don’t mean in the general, “this is a music blog, let me show you what I’ve been listening to” way, but in a more… “why do I rarely achieve the same auditory bliss I used to?” way. It sometimes feels as though I just can’t feel that strongly about things, which is part of the reason the returning entry in the Hyperbole and a Half webcomic struck a chord with me (along with almost everyone but I’m special).

But lately it feels like things are looking up for my ears and the 3lb. organ hanging out between them. Daft Punk, Vampire Weekend, Twenty One Pilots, Justin Timberlake… it seems like this years music is going to be one for the memories. Maybe someday I’ll remark on it like a vintage bottle of wine “2013? Yeah, that was a good year.”

Anyway, I’m getting this one to you guys a little late in the night (or early in the morning if you live just about anywhere but California), which might just go along well with the this song. So this one’s for all you night owls out there, no matter how you’re feeling.

- Max

The Hush Sound - Lighthouse I was listening to this on the train...

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:40:22 -0400

The Hush Sound - Lighthouse

I was listening to this on the train the other day and by that, I mean really listening. And then I realized how gruesome this song is. Awesome. Basically it talks about a ghost in a lighthouse and two lovers. Eerie and creepy, I imagine a foggy beach scene with some dark lighthouse.

The Hush Sound was also one of the bands playing at my first ever concert. I remember really enjoying the album Like Vines afterwards. If I’m ever feeling nostalgic, I listen to this album.

The Hush Sound are from Illinois and they went on a hiatus from 2008 to 2012. A new album is expected to come out later this year.

I hope you enjoy this creepy choice on this lovely Saturday.

-Sherwin

Everything Everything - Cough Cough This song is a different...

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:44:00 -0400

Everything Everything - Cough Cough

This song is a different kind of catchy. I often find catchy synonymous with terrible lyrics but that is not the case here. The choppiness hooks you from the start and with each play you fall deeper into the Everything Everything trap. Arc, the album where this song resides, came out in January of this year and I found it to be a huge improvement from their first album released three years prior.

They’ve started developing a clearer stronger sound that leans towards the Django Django side of the music spectrum. I hope they’ll continue on this path because the response to songs like Cough Cough usually involves the word addictive. I think they sum it up best in song when they say:

It’s whispering into my eardrums and it tells me that I want more,

-Zach

Los Delinqüentes — El Aire de la Calle If someone had told me...

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:40:27 -0400

Los Delinqüentes — El Aire de la Calle

If someone had told me when I started on Soundboard that some day I would post anything related to Flamenco, I’d probably have laughed at them.

But since this Summer feeling won’t leave me and keeps making me think it’s freaking August already (when it’s more likely that, liking it or not, I’ll listen to Rumba music), let’s increase it by posting Los Delinqüentes’ song El Aire de la Calle; which speaks of life in the streets and smells of Summer afternoons out chilling with the loved ones.

I can’t deny it, it puts a smile on my face, and that’s reason enough to ‘betray’ my past self.

—Viu.

Death Cab For Cutie - “Crooked Teeth” Okay, okay,...

Wed, 15 May 2013 23:32:14 -0400

Death Cab For Cutie - “Crooked Teeth”

Okay, okay, one more summer jam and that’s it, I promise (don’t hold me to that). As I’m sure you guys remember, Plans is one of my top three favorite albums of all time, and “Crooked Teeth” always reminds me of running around town with friends in the middle of June doing whatever sounds fun. That as opposed to “Summer Skin”, which is much more reflective, and pretty melancholy and depressing to be frank, definitely a song you’d listen to towards the end of August as break is coming to a close. But for now, here’s another li’l diddy for your respective mixtapes and playlists. College students, enjoy the start of your break, high school students, kick all kinds of butt on your finals and AP exams, and everyone else, just have a great summer!

- Callie

Vampire Weekend - Hannah Hunt It leaked and I didn’t...

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:53:00 -0400

Vampire Weekend - Hannah Hunt

It leaked and I didn’t download it. It streamed and I didn’t listen to it. I used up every ounce of willpower I had to avoid it until its proper release. I’m so glad I did but the wait was starting to kill me. On Step, Ezra Koenig croons “Wisdom’s an honor, but you’d trade it for youth.” It’s startlingly poignant and honest for a band of 20-somethings that will be 30-somethings by their next assumed album cycle. They are no shorter for wisdom this time around. The album explores themes like the passage of time, mortality, and things, like love, not quite playing out as expected. Over three albums, we’ve seen Vampire Weekend mature. Everything about this release has been calculated, from the early “LP3” promos with the Revolutionary War backdrops to the Tumblr-ready album cover to the lyric videos to the burning Saabs, all laden with their typical sans-serif coolness.

The arrangement of Hannah Hunt is simply beautiful. With a minute left, a beleaguered Ezra induces chills with his own frustration. Having their “own sense of time” is no longer presented as a good thing, and the figure of Hannah Hunt, the only one that can read his mind, may no longer be a part of his future. He’s not quite sure.

-Andrew

CHVRCHES - Recover Just fillin’ in tonight! I can’t...

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:30:29 -0400

CHVRCHES - Recover

Just fillin’ in tonight! I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is I like about this song and frankly, that’s totally okay. It’s just really catchy! I’m also a total sucker for synthesizer though, but that’s another story. It’s a little ethereal but still dance-y in some weird way.

CHVRCHES (a name of which I always struggle to type out for some reason) comes from Glasglow. They formed in 2011 and released their Recover EP in 2013. Although relatively new, I’m definitely looking forward to what they have to offer in the upcoming years!

-Sherwin

Foundboard: April 2013

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:29:00 -0400

As a way to thank you for making Submissions Week such a success we’re rolling out a new monthly feature: “Foundboard”. We’re constantly getting Artist Submissions and don’t have enough days in the month to post them. We chose some of our favorites from this past month. If you’d like to check out some current up-and-coming artists then click on the Read More below. You’ll find a song by the artist and a little about who they are as well as some links to keep discovering. Happy listening!

Love Always,
The Soundboard Panel

—————

Jeremiah Craig • Singer/Songwriter
Tumblr • Website • Twitter

Today I’ve released a new song called “Busy My Spade” on iTunes and I thought your readers and followers may be interested in this tune because its a little different - Its about a second shift graveyard worker who digs up people who have been buried alive. Creepy right?

—————

Lipstick Lumberjack • Folk/Pop Band
Bandcamp

I’m a member of Orange County-based folk-pop band Lipstick Lumberjack. I thought y’all might be interested in giving our debut EP a spin/free download from our bandcamp. I think you’ll enjoy “Snakes in the Water” and “Reshape My Brain” most of all!

Also, we’re part-way through a “Year of Lumberjackery”. Every month we’re releasing a fun single/collaboration, before releasing our new full length towards the end of the year. If you follow us on bandcamp/soundcloud, you’ll get to hear all the groovy tunes for free!

—————

Noah Vinson • Hip Hop
Bandcamp • Twitter

Ever actually meet the Girl of your dreams? Sometimes she could be right under your very nose. A Childhood friend, An acquaintance , A Co-Worker. Noah Vinson paints a vivid picture of an evening out with a beautiful young lady.

—————

The Romantic Era • Pop
Soundcloud

The latest album is called “Even If Your Voice Shakes”, it inspires people to do what they love to do even if their voice shakes. Whether it’s having a good time, taking a leap of faith on someone/something, or being ambitious with their work. We lead a movement with our fans, giving them a voice, committing to shaking this world up by challenging the rules and pursuing our dreams.

—————

The Muggs • Blues Rock
Bandcamp • Soundcloud

The Muggs are Detroit’s best known unsigned, independent blues rock trio for over the past 10 years. ”Get It On” is a track off our upcoming, LIVE double album release on April 26th 2013 entitled FULL TILT: LIVE at Cadieux Cafe. The Muggs are truly a live band. After 3 studio LP’s, our fans wanted us to capture what we sound like at a live concert! We are getting more well known after being on such internet stations as Pandora, Spotify, & Grooveshark. We had a short lived stint on the American Idol spin-off flop on FOX, “The Next Great American Band” in 2007. We are touring Europe for our 4th time in May & June 2013. For what we do, I challenged any other rock trio to write like we do! And if that weren’t enough, we have the best ‘human interest’ story in modern times. Our bassist had a stroke back in 2001. He used to play bass guitar. He wanted to play so badly after his stroke, he taught himself the ‘bass’ on a Fender Rhodes Piano because his right hand and arm were and are still paralyzed. You’d never know he’s playing his bass lines on a piano.

—————

Atari Jones • Hip Hop/House
Soundcloud

Hey hows it going! I am an artist from Cleveland, Ohio who goes by the name of atari jones. This is my song, my sound is very unique like a mix of rap, trance, chillwave, electronic, house, bass-music…hope you all like it.

—————

The Y Axes • “Space Pop”
Bandcamp

A chemist, a physicist, two software engineers, and an English major team up to create pop music for a post-apocalyptic society. Equal parts technical and simplistic, heartbreaking and optimistic, the The Y Axes are a pop band from the future, where the future is now.

Billy Bragg - St. Swithin’s DaySubmissions Week 2013 The...

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:00:50 -0400

Billy Bragg - St. Swithin’s Day
Submissions Week 2013

The genius of Billy Bragg is his ability to capture people —their fears, their loves, their sorrows— and the best material in his catalogue (I think) are the songs about heartbreak and the cold distances that spring up in the spaces where there used to be affection and intimacy. St. Swithin’s Day is one of finest in this category quietly heartrending, full of symbolism and well-complemented by the spare man-and-his-guitar style that’s become Billy’s trademark. Here he describes being taken unawares by the passage of time and sketches out the gradual erosion of a love affair and the hollowness that follows. It’s one of those basic themes that every human being can relate to, and one of the things that makes Billy Bragg’s songs connect with his listeners. Lovely tune, as well. Hope you enjoy it!

- Katherine

Andrew Bird - Bein’ GreenSubmissions Week 2013 Recently,...

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:54:00 -0400

Andrew Bird - Bein’ Green
Submissions Week 2013

Recently, Disney seems to be attempting to revitalize the colorful, zany racket that is the Muppets. In 2001 the wonderfully cheesy movie written by Jason Segal and scored by Bret McKenzie hit the screens, while Muppets: The Green Album hit the shelves. The Green Album is an album of classic Muppets songs covered by modern Artists. OK Go performs the iconic theme song, The Fray growl it out with “Mahna Mahna”, and Andrew Bird contributes one of my favorite recordings ever.

One reason I love it so much is for the message. As it begins, Kermit the Frog bemoans how boring the color of his skin is. However, as the song progresses he finds more and more majestic things that are green until, by the end, he has accepted who he is and is even proud to be green. Andrew Bird takes this message and caresses it with his arrangement, delicately layering sentimental strings, lazy brushed drums, and subtle, nostalgic background tones. Because it’s Andrew Bird, there’s also a wicked whistle solo in the middle, as well as a rad violin solo.

This song is great for lazy afternoons, or if you’re feeling down. I know it’s geared towards naive children, but something about the powerful theme of self-acceptance with Bird’s delivery has never failed to improve my mood. Whenever I feel down or upset this is one of my go-to tracks to bring me back to center.

I hope this song makes your day a little better,

-Chen

English Sporting Defeat – English Sporting DefeatSubmissions...

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:35 -0400

English Sporting Defeat – English Sporting Defeat
Submissions Week 2013

I’ve played the circuit in South East England for some years now – filthy venues, flat beer and packs of unfriendly bands who all sound the same. You’ve got to get out there though, right?

We loaded into a venue a few weeks ago and were greeted by these guys, a four-piece indie extravaganza with all the luster, energy and pop sensibilities of an Arcade Fire/Maccabees gang bang.

I had googled them the night before and gotten into this track. I think it’s the subtleties that make it – the delicate string arrangement, the precision harmonies and that cymbal bashing that glues it all together. To meet them face-to-face and discover they were sharp, friendly and as excited to be making music as we are was awesome – we found some friends!

It’s bands like these that make the scene in the South East. With their own club night in Denmark Street and wild ideas about how music works, I look forward to seeing them every time.

- Moses

Cage The Elephant — Right Before My EyesSubmissions Week...

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:40:00 -0400

Cage The Elephant — Right Before My Eyes
Submissions Week 2013

So, this song and I have a lot of history, it helped me get through some tough shit in my life. Sadly, after it inspired a bad trip about a year ago I haven’t really been able to listen to it without breaking down and sobbing but I guess that adds to its appeal. This album has many similar tracks but this one captured my attention, it was love at first sight. Thank You, Happy Birthday was certainly my favorite album of 2011, it is one of those albums that is immediately a favorite.

After recording more than 80 songs Cage the Elephant shelved them all and composed this album out of various side projects which shows when you listen to the album as a complete piece. Aberdeen, Always Something, Around My Head, and Shake Me Down are all songs from this album definitely worth looking into.

-aterbloc

Bastille - “What Would You Do? (City High...

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:34:43 -0400

Bastille - “What Would You Do? (City High Cover)”
Submissions Week 2013

“What Would You Do?,” you ponder. Is that the 2001 hip-hop smash being covered by a British breakthrough act in 2012? Yes. Yes it is. You think it won’t work but… then… it does…

Before they exploded into the Top 40 this year, Bastille made a couple of wicked mixtapes called “Other People’s Heartache Part 1 + 2” which you can find floating around cyberspace for free. They are a Baz Luhrmann-esque mish-mash of R&B, hip-hop, country and rap songs, rejiggled for Bastille’s Dan Smith to layer his unique vocals on to. It really really works and I feel very hipster and underground when listening to it. Other covers include TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams.

- sophieloveseverything

Beach House - The HoursSubmissions Week 2013 After their...

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:45:19 -0400

Beach House - The Hours
Submissions Week 2013

After their impeccable 2010 release Teen Dream, where could Beach House possibly go? How could they possibly get any better? However, last year’s Bloom puts those concerns to rest and beyond. At this point in the game, it has become clear that the duo operates by perfecting their sound instead of drastically changing it from one release to the next. In this way, Bloom is their most fully fleshed-out and sonically whole record. Moreover, it has become one of my go-to albums for anything and everything from walking to class to late night paper writing.

From the very first listen, ‘The Hours’ has always stood out to me, and the warmer weather has made it all the more pertinent and necessary. As usual, Scally’s guitar riffs are in perfect sync with Legrand’s vocals and keyboard. The song is quite an unexpected burst of energy with more prominent percussion adding another level to their already layered sound. A track this beautifully rich could have only come from the duo building and developing their dreamy repertoire over the course of four albums. A common complaint about Beach House and their music is that its sometimes slow tendencies induce sleep and drowsiness. But in ‘The Hours,’ that is hardly the case. The sun is out and it’s shining through the blinds. Just open your (‘frightened’) eyes.

-thepatformist

“Tennessee” by Drew Holcomb and the...

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:29:00 -0400

“Tennessee” by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
Submissions Week 2013

I had the chance to see this Memphis-base band perform this song live when they opened for NEEDTOBREATHE on my college campus, and they absolutely took my breath away. To start, any band that is able to sound just as good, if not better, when they play live earns points in my book. The solid folk-rock sound is reminiscent of The Avett Brothers- who they also opened for- and captures the spirit of the South without being overly hokey. The vocal harmonies created by front-man Drew Holcomb and his wife are stellar and all of the musicians come together to create a rich, warm sound.

-Madison

We asked, you answered! Our second annual Submissions Week...

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:00 -0400

We asked, you answered!

Our second annual Submissions Week kicks off tonight. We’ve had fun going through the posts that you wrote, and this week you’ll get to see if we picked yours! Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to submit. We love sharing music, and it’s a wonderful thing when you folks get to share back.

Love,

The Soundboard Panel

Hey! Listen! I don't think you realize that today is the last day for our 2nd annual Submission Week submissions!

Sun, 05 May 2013 19:05:30 -0400

I’m not naming names or anything, but maybe you’re the kind of person that has thought once or twice “these Soundboard people don’t know how to make a good song post”. Well this week is your chance to show us if you can do better. It doesn’t even have to be a competition or anything… just a way to share some great music with us and the Soundboard stans.

Because we totally have stans. There are even awkward shipping wars. (You’ll never guess my OTP!)

Anyway, just submit a song in typical Soundboard style (artist and song title, a couple paragraphs on the song and it’s relevance to you AKA “the wall of text”, and a nifty signature… maybe even a joke or two) and we’ll see which one’s we like and share with everyone.

Later,
The Soundboard Panel

!!! - Fine Fine Fine The band !!! (pronounced “Chk...

Sun, 05 May 2013 19:00:40 -0400

!!! - Fine Fine Fine

The band !!! (pronounced “Chk Chk Chk”, naturally) is one that has kind of flown under my radar. I first read about them a few years back when I was in high school and the main draw was their unique choice of name. Thing is, I didn’t listen to any of their music. My bad. Fast forward to this week –the first time I’ve seen anything about them since that day after school reading an issue of (the now defunct) Blender magazine— and my noticing their newest album Thr!!!er on the front page of Spotify. The rest, as they say, is H!!!story.

- Max