skaters – schemers
this new york tri of lads have opened for the strokes and when you listen below, you’ll hear why. they are feet thumping, fun, and rockin. this is adorable garage pop that is a whopping free buckaroos on their website. grab the download and jump your way into a better hump day. www.skatersnyc.com
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xiu xiu – always – beauty towne
the california avant-garde duo return with a new record next month and another track from always has surfaced. it’s wonderfully glitchy and has melodious moments that complement the song’s more unusual tones well. jamie stewart and his rotating sidekicks have been around for a decade now, but it doesn’t sound like xiu xiu is slowly down one bit. www.xiuxiu.org
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blur – under the westway
i very rarely post live performance clips as the song of the day, but this is blur and this is blur being really good. they played a brit awards benefit show last night and surprised the audience, lucky bastards, with this brand spanking new song. it’s a ballad that should make any blur fan weak in the knees. www.blur.co.uk
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elvis costell0 – this year’s model – pump it up
it’s 1978. the london lad and his famous glasses release his second album, produced by another rock icon, nick lowe. the album features two of costello’s most recognizable songs, “radio, radio” and this classic tune that is hands down one of the best rock and roll songs ever. mr. costello has released over 30 albums to date and continues to be a badass.
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rhye – open
this l.a. duo are shrouded in mystery, but the video for their first single bares it all, literally. it’s chock-full of naked couples smooching and grinding. the video is a gorgeous portrayal of all the glories of love-making and serves the equally gorgeous tune well. if valetine’s day didn’t leave you wanting, this surely will. enjoy!
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light asylum – shallow tears
i have been mildly to severely obsessed with this new york duo for the past year. they’ve announced the release of their self-titled debut album this may on mexican summer. this is the album’s first single. as always, shannon funchess’ vocals are perfectly matched over bruno’s synths and drums and the result is another gorgeous and soaring track. www.lightasylum.com
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cymbals – sideways, sometimes – no bad decision
these uk boys are releasing a new album in april. they’ve been compared to talking heads, yo la tengo, and new order, which is seemingly all over the place, but when you listen, you’ll hear at some point or another, all of the above. personally, talking heads is the most accurate comparison. this track is upbeat and playful and picks up where their debut left off. www.facebook.com/cymbals
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ramona falls – prophet – spore
when brent knopf left menomena we all died a little, but ramona falls has proven a worthy adversary. their sophomore album is due for release this may and this is our first taste. “spore” is a melodic, yet dark, and all around gorgeous track that nods to all the things we loved menomena. www.ramonafalls.com
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daughn gibson – all hell – in the beginning
mr. gibson here used to be the drummer in a pretty hardcore rock band called pearls and brass. he’s left the hardcore and gone moody and understated. his label, white denim says “imagine nicolas jaar producing a cocaine-country record with a handsome crooner on vocals.” couldn’t describe it better myself. his debut album is out in april. www.whitedenim.com
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whomadewho – brighter – below the cherry moon
i featured another track from the danish trio’s upcoming album at the end of last year. the album’s closing track has surfaced and it’s a solid song with a lot of swagger that builds steadily. make hip your midweek stride to this kids and be sure to mark the album’s release date, march 12th, on your calendars. www.whomadewho.dk
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soko – i thought i was an alien – just want to make it new with you
the adorable french cutey is releasing her debut album next week, five years after her first ep. this is her album’s first single and it’s charming as can be. both dainty and dense, it’s a sweet golden nugget that is sure tickle your fancy. fr-fr.facebook.com/soko
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moonface - with siinai: heartbreaking bravery - teary eyes and bloody lips
no one is more upset by the disbandment of wolf parade than i. luckily the members have been busy at work on their alternative projects. spencer krug is back with a new album as his moonface persona in april and this time he’s teamed up with finland’s siinai. the collaboration sounds like a success because this track from the album is smokin. if it doesn’t leave you teary-eyed and bloody-lipped, it’ll surely leave you with smiling. www.moonface.ca
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francoise hardy – la maison où j’ai grandi
it’s 1966. the gorgeous frenchy releases her version of italy’s “il ragazzo della via gluck” on her album with the same title. hardy is an icon and quite frankly, there are very few women in the world more beautiful. i could look at that face for hours on end. french women are unbeatable aren’t they? especially with a voice as sweet as hers.
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cults – you know what i mean
i don’t know one person who doesn’t like the lovable new york duo. i also don’t know one person who doesn’t like this song, a clear standout on their debut released last year. the song is officially a single now and it’s got an equally lovable video. it’s a tongue and cheek romance story with stunts and fire. it’s shot beautifully and will be some of the best three minutes you’ll have today. enjoy!
Posted in video of the week
Tagged cults
porcelain raft – strange weekend – drifting in and out
mauro remiddi’s album released a couple of weeks ago. the first track on the album has been on constant repeat here in the humfink household, so i’m making it official and there’s no better day for this song than a hazy sunday. in fact, the whole album is meant for slow and lazy sundays, when you can daydream and drift off, so slip on your slippys and find a pillow. www.porcelainraft.com
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