Boy & Bear

After making quite a few waves in their native Australia, Boy & Bear are starting to make their way to the States through the airwaves. The folky group from Sydney are easily comparable to Mumford & Sons, but have a sound that sets them apart and draws additional comparisons to City & Colour, as well as former tourmates Angus & Julia Stone. Their debut full length, Moonfire, was released in August, and I have yet to find anything wrong with it. Led by the powerful and catchy single "Feeding Line," the album has been on repeat in my stereo for weeks, and is one of the strongest debut albums of the year. They recently won the ARIA Album of the Year award in Australia, and I am confident they will find fans all over the globe.

Boy & Bear-"Lordy May"

Boy & Bear-"Feeding Line"

New Song From The xx

As we reported a little while ago, British indie-synth band The xx have begun working on a new album, their followup to the acclaimed 2009 debut, xx. The first recording from that new disc has surfaced. The group has released a demo version of "Open Eyes" on their website. Take a listen!

The xx-"Open Eyes (Demo)"

Lykke Li - The Lost Sessions Vol. 1

Lykke Li, the Swedish singer-wongwriter behind the great 2011 album, Wounded Rhymes, has just released The Lost Sessions Vol. 1, a collection of three acoustic demos of songs from the album. The cuts are "Youth Knows No Pain," "Jerome," and fan and personal favorite, "I Follow Rivers". Listen below!

Jónsi - "Gathering Stories" Music Video

Jónsi, of Sigur Rós, has recently composed the soundtrack for the Cameron Crowe film, We Bought A Zoo. "Gathering Stories," one of the new tracks on the album, now has a beautifully animated music video to accompany it! Take a look! Buy the soundtrack here.

Ben's Favorite Albums of 2011

What follows are the ten albums that most deeply affected me this year. 2011 was a brilliant year for music, and narrowing this list to ten was a challenge. The records that made it are ones that moved me, that I listened to on repeat for what felt like months, that really forced me to feel. I'm no professional critic, I can hardly claim that these are the "best of the year." But for me personally, these albums represent everything I love about great music. Here are my favorites, in no particular order.

Dawes - Nothing is Wrong
"Million Dollar Bill"--Dawes

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing
"Stamp"--The Rural Alberta Advantage

Dan Mangan - Oh Fortune
"Oh Fortune"--Dan Mangan

Wilco - The Whole Love
"Born Alone"--Wilco

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
"Calamity Song"--The Decemberists

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
"Battery Kinzie"--Fleet Foxes

Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
"Ashes & Fire"--Ryan Adams

Bon Iver - Bon Iver
"Towers"--Bon Iver

The Black Keys - El Camino
"Gold on the Ceiling"--The Black Keys

Joe Henry - Reverie
"Odetta"--Joe Henry

Notable Exceptions:

Yellow Ostrich - The Mistress

"Mary"--Yellow Ostrich

The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart

"Down in the Valley"--The Head and the Heart

(Both of these albums were released in 2010, then re-released in 2011, to greater commercial success.)

The Security Dilemma: 12.19.11

Last night was the last show of the year, so I played tracks from some of my favorite albums of 2011. A good preview for my best of list, which will be dropping in the next couple days. Enjoy!

The Security Dilemma: 12/19/11

Dawes--"A Little Bit of Everything"

I just stumbled across this. Taylor Goldsmith and a couple of his cronies from Dawes performing an acoustic version of "A Little Bit of Everything," a cut off their fantastic 2011 album Nothing is Wrong. Absolutely beautiful rendition of a tremendous song, and well worth at least three viewings.

Our Favorites of 2011: Albums - Jonah's List

Considering that The Galley is made of two people, we have had some quite lengthy discussions about our favorite albums of the year. We have decided to share with you two lists: Each of our top ten albums of the year. This way, you can learn about our individual tastes and find out about even more great albums. Here are the albums that I (Jonah) enjoyed most in 2011:

10. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Bon Iver's debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, provided a beautiful, sparse snapshot of a lonely Wisconsin winter. With his followup record, Justin Vernon took some risks, and they all paid off. Ditching the acoustic guitars for synths, Vernon made a completely different album, with a fuller, less raw sound, while maintaining the paralyzing beauty of For Emma. If his first record was winter, Bon Iver is spring.
Bon Iver-"Holocene"




9. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

I wouldn't say I believe in miracles, but the completely random meeting of Joy Williams and John Paul White at a songwriter's conference is about as close as you can get. Their voices, extremely different, yet both flawless, combine to form something much greater than the sum of its parts. The duo, one of the best live acts of the year, has an unmatched chemistry. The songwriting here is great, but what jumps out is the sheer beauty of two incredible voices interacting, entwining. It's mesmerizing. 

The Civil Wars-"I've Got This Friend"

8. Bright Eyes - The People's Key

Conor Oberst has made many great albums. But with The People's Key, he took the folk, Americana sound that has defined the band, and turned it up a few notches, making a heavier rock record than ever before. In 2009, he was quoted saying that he soon wanted to "retire" the Bright Eyes name and "clean it up, lock the door, say goodbye". I sure hope he doesn't, but if this was his swan song, it was a perfect way to go out.
Bright Eyes-"Jejune Stars"



7. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

M83 frontman Anthony Gonzalez has made an epic. This double album provides 22 tracks of the best synth-heavy electropop out there. After not opening his mouth much on his first five albums, Gonzalez finally sings on almost every track, and his voice sets the album apart from his previous efforts. He has always been great at creating moods with his music that take you in and don't let you out. With Hurry Up, the music keeps you for twice as long and immerses you in an 80's album that is far too full and lush to have actually been made in the 80's.
M83-"Midnight City"
6. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade

The Belle Brigade are as new as any album on this list, yet do not sound or perform like it. Brother and sister Ethan and Barbara Gruska form the heart of the group, trading vocal duties and riffs throughout the disc. One of the best debut albums in a while, The Belle Brigade combines country twang, infectious melodies, and soaring harmonies to create a folk-rock masterpiece. They are a band to watch in 2012. They are going places.
The Belle Brigade-"Losers"

5. The Black Keys - El Camino

Brothers, the 2010 album by the blues-rock duo, skyrocketed The Black Keys into the spotlight, labeling them one of the top rock bands of the year. With El Camino, they secure their spot for quite a while. Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach take the grooves of Brothers and turn it up a notch, making a louder, faster, more exciting album. The record is filled with grooves that will stay in your head and keep your body moving all day.
The Black Keys-"Gold On The Ceiling"


4. Dan Mangan - Oh Fortune

I began this year unaware of Dan Mangan, a Canadian folk crooner based in Vancouver. Luckily, with my introduction to his music, also came a brand new album, and his best one yet. Oh Fortune takes the prettiness of his previous effort, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, and roughs it up a little bit. With a beautifully gruff voice not unlike Glen Hansard, Mangan has hit his stride with this surprise masterpiece.
Dan Mangan-"Starts With Them, Ends With Us"


3. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

Andy Hull and crew have now released three very solid rock albums. What stands out about their latest, best, and most cohesive work, is its lack of weak links. Every track is an emotional, powerful piece, chronicling a man's process of questioning every aspect of his life. This album takes the band's sound to exactly where it has always been heading. This is Manchester Orchestra at its finest.

Manchester Orchestra-"Simple Math"


2. The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

The Decemberists have been known to be considered "challenging". Their previous albums have included folk epics upward of ten minutes that, while being great songs, have provided a reason for the band not to top the charts. With The King Is Dead, the group has slightly altered the formula. They keep the clever lyrics, beautiful instrumentation, and  catchy melodies, while providing a new level of accessibility that has only expanded their audience.
The Decemberists-"June Hymn"


1. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

To be honest, I was not as overjoyed with Fleet Foxes' first record as most people. It was beautiful, yes, but it simply did not strike me as an album that kept my attention, or even deserved a huge amount of it. That all changed with Helplessness Blues. Fleet Foxes have made a masterpiece here. It is an album that is brilliant now, and could have been just as astute forty years ago, the kind of album that makes you want to walk away from your computer, run into the woods, and never look back.
Fleet Foxes-"Helplessness Blues"


Honorable Mentions:

City and Colour - Little Hell
Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing
The Dodos - No Color
Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest
Grieves - Together/Apart
James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning

The Shins Announce New Album

The Shins have announced that their next album, the follow up to 2007's Wincing The Night Away, will be released in March. The record will be called Port Of Morrow. We're awfully excited!

Shower Hour: Final Fall Show

Last night I aired the last episode of Shower Hour for the fall season. Being the last show of the year, I featured songs from all of my favorite albums from 2011. Take a listen and enjoy!

Stream Shower Hour: Final Fall Show

Our Favorites of 2011: Live Shows

We at The Galley have had the pleasure of attending dozens of concerts this past year. While most of them have provided a great opportunity to see the music we love so much recreated, only a select few shows really stood out as incredible. Read our reviews of those life-changing experiences below. Here are our favorite shows of 2011:

Atmosphere with Grieves

The Civil Wars with James Vincent McMorrow

The Head and The Heart

Ra Ra Riot with Yellow Ostrich

Blue Scholars with Bambu

Manchester Orchestra

City and Colour

The National Play with Justin Vernon and Debut Two New Songs

Toronto radio station CBC had The National stop by their "Q" show yesterday to perform a few songs. They treated listeners to two brand new tunes, "Rylan," and "I Need My Girl". They also played "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" off their latest record High Violet with the gorgeous accompaniment of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. Listen to the new songs and watch the video below. Enjoy!

The National-"Rylan (Live)"

The National-"I Need My Girl (Live)"

Our Favorites of 2011: Music Videos

As the year comes to a close, we will begin to reflect on the past 365 days and showing you some of our favorite releases from 2011. Music videos can do a lot for a song. They can simply put a face and images to the music or they can transform the song into part of a bigger storyline. Here are some of our favorite music videos from 2011:

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - "Otherside Remix (feat. Fences)"


Manchester Orchestra - "Simple Math"


Grieves - "On The Rocks"


The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"


Dan Mangan - "Rows Of Houses"

Blitzen Trapper "Might Find It Cheap" Music Video

Portland group Blitzen Trapper have released another music video off their latest album, American Goldwing. The video, to the track "Might Find It Cheap," includes a great deal of live footage and a peek into what life is like for them on the road. Enjoy!

Stream Jónsi's "We Bought A Zoo" Sountrack

The soundtrack to the upcoming Cameron Crowe film, "We Bought A Zoo," composed by Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi, is now available to stream online in its entirety!

Stream the Soundtrack here!

Recent Recommended Releases - 12-8-2011

The Black Keys - El Camino
Buy on iTunes
The Black Keys-"Gold On The Ceiling"

The Roots - Undun
Buy on iTunes
The Roots-"Make My"

Shower Hour - Fall Show #12

I had another great episode of Shower Hour last night! I played some new Black Keys songs, as well as an awesome new Bowerbirds tune and more! Take a listen!

Stream Shower Hour - Fall Show #12

Security Dilemma: 12.5.11

Jonah and our good friend Andrew joined me last night, to terrific results. A lot of great music shared. Enjoy.

The Security Dilemma: 12/5/11

New Jónsi Song Streaming

A few weeks ago, we heard "Gathering Stories," the first track off the upcoming Jónsi-composed soundtrack for the Cameron Crowe film "We Bought A Zoo". Now, there is another new track, titled "Ævin Endar,"streaming on Jónsi's website. His beautiful, atmospheric pop sound like it will fit perfectly with the film. Enjoy!

Stream "Ævin Endar"

The Black Keys on SNL

Last night, The Black Keys performed on Saturday Night Live. They played "Lonely Boy" and "Gold On The Ceiling". Check out the videos below!

Reviewed - City and Colour

House of Blues, Boston, MA

Last night, I was lucky enough to be in attendance when City and Colour took the stage in Boston. Dallas Green and his powerful band tore through an hour and a half of their finest, that never included a dull moment. His beautiful falsetto rang throughout the sold-out venue and sounded even more powerful than on record. Hits off his first two albums, Sometimes and Bring Me Your Love, produced the loudest cheers from the fans who had been listening from the beginning, but his new material, from Little Hell, was not far behind. A personal highlight was during three acoustic songs Green played in the middle of the set. Before playing a heart-wrenching rendition of "Body In A Box," he urged the audience to forget about taking pictures, recording, or being able to remember the show later. More important then remembering is experiencing. And boy am I glad I experienced that. 

City and Colour-"Little Hell"

City and Colour-"Body In A Box"

Bowerbirds Announce New Album

North Carolina-based group Bowerbirds have announced that they will be releasing their next album, titled The Clearing, on March 6th! Having been made a fan by their last album, Upper Air, I am extremely excited to hear what is next for them. Check out the great first song off the upcoming album below.

Bowerbirds-"Tuck The Darkness In"

Girl Talk Dance Video - "Girl Walk"

Creative collective Wild Combination has captured the danceability of Girl Talk's music, and made it into a video! The 12-part music video features dancers grooving their way around New York City to the soundtrack of Girl Talk's latest album, All Day. And let me tell you, it is infectious. I couldn't stop watching once I started! The first part was released today, and each of the following chapters will be released twice a week until January 6th. Watch the first part below and keep up with the upcoming releases here!

The Dodos on Fallon

Last night, The Dodos made an appearance on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" to perform their tune "Don't Try And Hide It," off their newest release, No Color. The group has also released "So Cold," a track that didn't quite make the album but is still definitely worth a listen.

Bon Iver Deluxe Videos

Today, Bon Iver has released the deluxe version of his wonderful self-titled album, out earlier this year. The deluxe edition features video accompaniments to each song! You can view each video on Bon Iver's YouTube channel. Watch the video for "Perth" below.

Buy the deluxe version of Bon Iver on iTunes

Dr. Dog - "That Old Black Hole"

To my immense excitement, Dr. Dog has just released a music video for "That Old Black Hole," a track off their forthcoming album out February 7, 2012. This just barely whets my appetite; can't wait for more very soon.

Stream New Black Keys Songs

The Black Keys are releasing their long-awaited (at least by us) upcoming album, El Camino, on December 6th. In the meantime, they are now letting fans stream five songs from the record on their website! You can listen to all five songs below. All you need to do is provide your email address! Check it out and enjoy!

Shower Hour - Fall Show #11

Last night I had another fun hour on WMFO! I featured some Delta Spirit and many more! Take a listen!

Stream Shower Hour - Fall Show #11

The Security Dilemma-11.28.11

Assorted goodies. One of my favorite playlists in a good while, enjoy.

The Security Dilemma: 11/28/11

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - "Can't Hold Us" Live

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, one of our favorite rapper/producer duos, took time off their current tour to record a little video of "Can't Hold Us," one of their recent singles. This gives you a good idea of what their live shows are like: a party!

Andy Hull: "Fresh Start Booze"

Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull has been on tour for the last few months, but has managed to squeeze in some time for a nice acoustic performance. Here, Andy performs his tune "Fresh Start Booze" in the back of the tour bus. The song, only consisting of his voice and his guitar, is Andy Hull at his finest. Take a look!

Delta Spirit: I Think I've Found It EP

San Diego-based Delta Spirit are now allowing fans to download their debut EP, I Think I've Found It, for free! If you enjoy it, you can also download their 2010 EP, Waits Room below. Both EPs are great concise sets that summarize the band's unique blend of rock and soul. Enjoy!

Yellow Ostrich Daytrotter Session

Yellow Ostrich have gone and recorded a wonderful session with Daytrotter! They play some awesome classics like "WHALE" and "Mary," but the highlight of the set is "Marathon Runner," a song that we have seen them perform live multiple times. Having become fans of the song live, we have been eager to find a studio quality version of the track, and it has finally arrived. Take a listen and enjoy!

Yellow Ostrich-"Marathon Runner"

Shower Hour - Fall Show #10

I had another great show last night, filled with some favorites, new and old. Take a listen!

Stream Shower Hour - Fall Show #10

New Fleet Foxes Music Video

Fleet Foxes have released their second music video off their fantastic sophomore album, Helplessness Blues. Directed by Sean Pecknold, brother of frontman Robin Pecknold, the animated video accompanies "The Shrine/An Argument," one of many classics on the album. Take a look!

The Security Dilemma-11.21.11

Not much of a theme last night, just a lot of fantastic music from a wide range of artists. Enjoy!

The Security Dilemma: 11/21/11

Alabama Shakes

I know next to nothing about this group from Athens, Alabama. But from the few songs I've heard, their combination of classic soul and country rock is interesting, stirring, and forceful. Pick up this self-titled EP on their bandcamp. And check this out. I have high hopes.

Deadmau5 Covers Radiohead

When Radiohead released their last work, The King Of Limbs, many fans, including myself were slightly disappointed. The groove-heavy disc was sparse, and very much a departure from their previous records. My favorite track was "Codex," a quiet, soothing piano song that stood out among the rest of the more dancey tracks. Surprisingly, electronic producer Deadmau5 has put his spin on the song, removing the vocals, and keeping the original beauty, while creating something new. Take a listen!

Deadmau5-"Codex"

Yellow Ostrich - "Mary" Music Video

Alex Schaaf and his crew that make up Yellow Ostrich have released their second music video off their debut album, The Mistress. This video is to the highlight track "Mary". Take a look!

New Jónsi Song From Upcoming Soundtrack

Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi has expanded his boundaries recently by scoring the upcoming Cameron Crowe film, We Bought A Zoo. The soundtrack includes many reworked songs from his stunningly beautiful debut album, Go, along with a few new tunes. One of the new ones, "Gathering Stories" has premiered online at NPR. Jónsi's music is extremely ethereal and seems like it will be perfect for a film score. The soundtrack will be released December 13th. Prepare for the film by listening to the track watching the trailer below. 

Jónsi-"Gathering Stories"

Los Campesinos! - "Hello Sadness" Music Video

Welsh group Los Campesinos! may have just released one of the strangest music videos of the year. The song, "Hello Sadness," is the title track off their album, out today in the UK, and to be released tomorrow in the U.S. As usual for them, the tune is poppy and lots of fun, but actually about misery and sadness. Take a look!

The Security Dilemma-11.14.11

Last night was all covers, varied renditions of some of my favorite songs from the likes of Pete Yorn (Warren Zevon), Calexico & Jim James (Bob Dylan), and Ben Folds (Elton John). Lots of fun, check it out.

The Security Dilemma: 11/14/11

Reviewed - Manchester Orchestra

House Of Blues, Boston, MA

Last night, at the House of Blues, Andy Hull and crew lit up the stage like no other. Playing a solid set filled with highlights from their last two albums, they had the fans singing along nearly the entire time. Hull's comments indicated how truly honored and still surprised the band is to play to such a crowd. As he sings in "Deer," "Dear everybody that has paid to see my band, it's still confusing, I'll never understand". Running through a softer, yet equally beautiful rendition of "Simple Math" and the crowd sing-along "Pensacola," there was never a dull moment. Their newest album, Simple Math, is one of my favorites of the year and live it was even better. The powerful moments were made all the more epic and the softer parts became even more gentle thanks to Hull's honest, heartfelt voice. If you have the chance to see them live, take the opportunity and get ready for one of the wildest, liveliest shows you will ever see.

Reviewed - Blue Scholars with Bambu

Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA

Last night, we had the pleasure of attending an extraordinary hip-hop show at The Paradise. Northwest legends Blue Scholars had invited Los Angeles social activist/rapper Bambu to open up for them on their current Cinémetropolis tour. Bambu, whom neither of us were familiar with, won over the audience with his progressive, revolutionary ideals, and his unique, clever way of expressing them. Show highlight "The Queen Is Dead," provided a heartfelt dedication to Womens' History Month.

Geologic and Sabzi of the Blue Scholars strode onto the stage with confidence, tearing through tunes from all throughout their catalog. Geo proudly represented the Northwest up front while Sabzi kept the synth-heavy melodic beats flowing. Their excitement and energy never faltered and the show came to a dazzling climax with a powerful encore. Finishing up with the classic "North by Northwest" and "No Rest For The Weary," they left the audience satisfied, yet always wanting more.

The Black Keys - "Run Right Back"

The B-Side of The Black Keys upcoming single, "Run Right Back," has been unearthed! This single, to be released with "Lonely Boy" on November 25th, is available to stream here! Enjoy!

Dawes With Mumford & Sons

At the recent 20th anniversary of World Café in Philadelphia, Dawes and Mumford & Sons took the stage together to perform a wonderful rendition of "When My Time Comes". Check it out!

The Antlers Cover The xx

Brooklyn group The Antlers will soon be releasing an 8-track EP of outtakes from their latest album, Burst Apart. Included on the EP is a cover of "VCR" by The xx, who in fact have started work on a new album! Check it out!

The Antlers-"VCR"

Shower Hour - Fall Show #8

Last night I aired another great episode of Shower Hour! I played a wide variety of stuff from The Decemberists to Fats Domino! Check it out!

Stream Shower Hour - Fall Show #8

Milo Greene - NPR Deskless Concert

Galley favorites Milo Greene have recorded the first episode of NPR's Deskless Concert Series! This lovely video finds the group (minus the drummer) performing on a rooftop. They play "1957," "Silent Way," and "Autumn Tree". Enjoy!

The Security Dilemma-11.7.11

Went all over the board with some of my favorite stuff last night: new Delta Spirit, Coltrane, Titus Andronicus, The Clash, Calexico, and much much more. Check it out!

The Security Dilemma: 11/7/11

The xx Begin Working on New Album

Soothing British band The xx have announced that they are working on the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2009 album, xx. They have also started a new blog where they will be posting studio photos and updates. If you liked their debut album as much as I did, then you should be very excited to see what they produce next. In the meantime, check out their debut album or watch some of their great minimalist music videos!

New Big Gigantic Song - "Rise and Shine"

One of my favorite electronic groups, Big Gigantic, incorporates live saxophone lines into their unique brand of slightly-dubby dance music. Unlike many electronic musicians, their live shows involve live saxophone and drums, and an energy that is hard for any band to match. They have just announced that their upcoming album, Nocturnal, will be released on January 11, 2012. The first single off the album is called "Rise and Shine". Check it out!

Big Gigantic-"Rise and Shine"

Town Hall

Town Hall, a young trio from New York, have a name that makes a quick Google search a near impossibility. But their sound does stand out. Their Tour EP is a concise 5 song collection of extremely earnest folk music that is as fun as it is charming. For a limited time, the EP is free on their bandcamp page! Stream it or download it below. It is well worth it. Enjoy!