The Lumineers - "Stubborn Love"

Look Sessions has released yet another great video of The Lumineers performing acoustically. This time, they jam their way through "Stubborn Love," a track we haven't had the pleasure of hearing yet. As every peek of their upcoming album has done, this excellent track has gotten us even more excited. Enjoy!

James Egbert

I am a big fan of electronic music. But I often get tired of the countless number of producers that don't do anything new with the art. I tend to gravitate to towards the artists that expand the scope of the genre, artists like Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, or Skrillex. That is why I took a liking to James Egbert. After first hearing his Blackhawk EP, I was shocked to find that the young producer had not garnered much attention yet. His four-song EP combines strong melodic components with heavy drops, and dubstep sounds that I have yet to hear anywhere else. The songs are available for free download below. Keep an eye on this guy. He's gonna be big. Enjoy!

Good Old War Behind The Scenes Video

Good Old War, the guys behind the recent single, "Can't Go Home," have given us an inside look into the studio as they prepare to release their album. The video below follows the group as they talk about the recording process for Come Back As Rain, and give us sneak peeks at a few of the new tracks. Enjoy!

Plants and Animals - The End Of That

Canadian rockers Plants and Animals are back with their third full length, The End Of That. With this effort, the group solidly continues along their modern, classic rock path, not straying too far away from their roots. The first track, "Before," showcases the group's soft side, while hard-hitters like "Why & Why" and "Control Me," show the fellows loosening up a bit. The lead single, "Lightshow," is clearly the standout track, bringing all the trio's sounds together. The rest of the album, especially "2010," a seemingly very forced song about the end of the year, stumbles. Propelled by the strong single, the album is worth a listen, but "Lightshow," and the great music video for it, provide the listener with the best four minutes of the disc. Unfortunately, this does not seem like a step forward for the group, yet it is unlikely to drive any fans away. The End Of That isn't actually the end of anything. It is simply a sidestep. 

Plants and Animals-"Why & Why"

James Mercer of The Shins - "Simple Song"

James Mercer of The Shins recently stopped by Portland's KINK FM to perform a few acoustic tracks from their upcoming album, Port Of Morrow. Check out the video of Mercer playing "Simple Song" below. Watch the rest of the session and an interview here.

Stream Andrew Bird's New Album

Andrew Bird will be releasing his upcoming album, Break It Yourself, on March 6th! Before you buy, however, the kind man has allowed NPR to stream his album in its entirety! Check it out and enjoy!

Stream Break It Yourself here!

Stream Delta Spirit's New Album

San Diego-based Delta Spirit, wil be releasing their self-titled third album on March 13th. After hearing only the first single, "California," we were already excited. The band gave us even more reason to pine for the release when they said "We found the sound that we've been looking for, that we've been growing into, and as soon as we hit on it, we ran with it. That’s why it's a self-titled record, so we could connect our identity with the album, because this album is what we think Delta Spirit is. People make records for their time, and we wanted to make one for our time."

Stream the album in its entirety here!

Bon Iver - "Towers" Music Video

Bon Iver has released another gorgeous, soothing video from his latest record, Bon Iver. The clip, for "Towers," follows an old man on his journey out to sea. The song will be released as a single on March 6th, along with a previously unreleased track, "Bruised Orange (Chain Of Sorrow)". Also, check out the group's tour dates below. Enjoy!

C2C

Between the years of 2003 and 2006, C2C, a group of French DJs reigned supreme by winning the DMC World Team DJ Championship four years in a row. Years later, the quartet has reappeared with their first attempt at producing original music, the Down The Road EP. The EP is one of the most exciting debuts of electronic music I have ever heard. The five tracks all showcase different aspects of their songwriting and feature soul samples, infectious beats, and good old record scratches. The title track, "Down The Road," has been on repeat in my headphones for a solid week now, and I personally challenge any reader of this to listen it without wanting to dance. It is impossible! They even scratch up a harmonica solo! Enjoy the track and take a look at their creative and visually spectacular music video for "F.U.Y.A." below.

C2C-"Down The Road"

Download A Free Andrew Bird Sampler

Andrew Bird has released a free four song EP that you can download via NoiseTrade. The EP features "Eyeoneye," the lead single from Bird's upcoming release, Break It Yourself, available March 6th. It also includes "The Crown Salesman" and "So Much Wine," tracks from a recently released seven-inch, and "After Dinner Jam," a track that didn't quite make the album. Download the EP for free below, and enjoy!

Yellow Ostrich - "The Shakedown"

Yellow Ostrich will be releasing their long-awaited (at least by me!) sophomore album, Strange Land, on March 6th. From what we have heard so far, like "Marathon Runner," the new album is much more fleshed out than their debut release, The Mistress. The latest track to surface is "The Shakedown," a very guitar-focused track that shows off the group's ability to let loose and rock a bit. Take a listen and check out their upcoming tour dates below!

Yellow Ostrich-"The Shakedown"

Beirut - "Vagabond" Music Video

Beirut have just released a music video for "Vagabond," a track off their latest release, 2011's The Rip Tide. The old school clip looks like a classic 1940's war film but with an even better soundtrack! Enjoy!

Robin Pecknold - "Olivia, In A Separate Bed"

Robin Pecknold, the driving force behind Fleet Foxes, has released a new demo, "Olivia, In A Separate Bed". The tune is a hushed, acoustic ballad that narrates a painfully fresh breakup. Quite a sad song, but as per usual with Pecknold, quite beautiful as well.

Good Old War - "Can't Go Home"

Philadelphia folk trio Good Old War will release their upcoming album, Come Back As Rain, on March 6th. Until then, we have the pleasure of hearing a few great sunny singles! "Can't Go Home" is filled with beautiful simple harmonies, and "Calling Me Names" is made for a concert singalong. To support the album, the group is embarking on a very extensive Spring tour with The Belle Brigade and Family of the Year.

Good Old War-"Can't Go Home"

Good Old War-"Calling Me Names"

Dub Fx

Dub Fx is not your average street performer. The Australian beatboxer/singer does not perform with any instruments, instead making his entire songs with only his voice. By running his voice through an effects pedal and a looping station, he is able to make beautiful hip-hop/reggae tracks that are much fuller than one would imagine.

A few years ago, after I saw a YouTube video (below) of Dub Fx performing one of his tracks, "Made," on the street, I became captivated by this extremely driven, and now hugely popular busker. The other day, I stumbled upon another video (below) that gave a very informative introduction to the mysterious artist. His socially concerned tracks on his debut album, Everythinks A Ripple, blend heavy bass with reggae beats and introspective raps, all done with his voice of course. Check him out!

Dub Fx-"The Rain Is Gone"

Recent Recommended Releases - 2-21-2012

Damien Jurado - Maraqopa
Damien Jurado-"Working Titles"

James Vincent McMorrow - We Don't Eat EP

James Vincent McMorrow-"We Don't Eat"

Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror

Julia Stone - Let's Forget All The Things That We Say - EP

The Shins - "Simple Song" Music Video

James Mercer and crew have released a hilarious and inventive music video for their latest single, "Simple Song". The video, from the upcoming album Port Of Morrow, is directed by DANIELS and it available for free on iTunes! Enjoy the awesome video accompaniment!

Download the free video here!

Shower Hour: Spring Show #17

Hey all! Last night I had another great radio show, filled with a whole bunch of groups I had never played on the air before! Check it out!

Stream Shower Hour Spring Show #17

M. Ward - "Primitive Girl"

M. Ward is set to release his upcoming solo album, A Wasteland Companion, on April 10th. We get to hear another track from that disc, titled "Primitive Girl". After a few years of playing with groups like Monsters of Folk and She & Him, he is back to working on solo material, and it sounds like he definitely remembers how. Check out the video for the first single, "The First Time I Ran Away," below.

Hey Marseilles

Hey Marseilles, a seven-piece group from Seattle, WA, blends folk music with orchestral and French influences to produce something soothing and beautiful. With a sound that brings to mind wide open spaces and long journeys, the self-proclaimed "folkestral" group has struck gold with their debut 2010 album, To Travels & Trunks. The acoustic "Someone to Love" brings to mind Death Cab For Cutie, while the title track evokes more comparisons to Of Monsters & Men, or a French-tinged The Head and the Heart. Not a single track is weak, and the first and last tracks act as perfect bookends to the journey that is To Travels & Trunks. Check out a great Look Session of the group performing their new single, "Elegy" below. Also below are their tour dates for SXSW and Sasquatch! Check them out!

Hey Marseilles-"To Travels & Trunks"

Hey Marseilles-"Someone To Love"

Hey Marseilles-"Cigarettes"

Atmosphere - "Became" Music Video

Atmosphere has just released their latest music video, accompanying their song "Became," one of my personal favorites from their 2011 album, The Family Sign. The video features a whole array of styles and is a pretty interesting companion to a captivating song. Check it out!

Bon Iver 4AD/Jagjaguwar Session

Today, 4AD and Jagjaguwar present to us a beautiful session with Bon Iver. Justin Vernon, backed just by Sean Carey, runs through five tracks with just two grand pianos and two incredible voices. The stark, simple performance is absolutely gorgeous and really highlights Vernon's piano skills and his non-falsetto voice. Enjoy!

1. Hinnom, TX
2. Wash.
3. I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt cover)
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest

Alabama Shakes Announce Spring Tour

Alabama Shakes have announced a lengthy Spring tour, leading up to their festival appearances at Sasquatch, Hangout, and Bonnaroo. Their upcoming album, Boys & Girls, will be released midway through the nation-wide trek on April 10th. Below, enter your email address to get a free download of the group's bonus track, "Heavy Chevy". Enjoy! Check out the tour dates below!

Jack White - "Love Interruption" Music Video

Jack White has brought us the visual accompaniment to his latest great single, "Love Interruption". The video features vocalist Ruby Amanfu. His upcoming solo album, Blunderbuss, will be released on April 24th. Take a look!

The Lumineers - "Slow It Down"

My latest obsession, The Lumineers, just recorded a Look Session, playing "Slow It Down," a track that will be on their upcoming album. The video is loads of fun, full of porch stomping and tambourine shaking. Enjoy!

Brother Ali - The Bite Marked Heart EP

Minneapolis Rhymesayers rapper Brother Ali has just dropped a new 7-song EP, titled The Bite Marked Heart! The EP, just in time for Valentine's Day, is available for free download! If you're a fan of his labelmates Atmosphere or Grieves, you'll enjoy this!

Dr. Dog - "Lonesome" Live

Dr. Dog stopped by the studios of Philadelphia music site InTheMix to perform a wonderful live rendition of "Lonesome," the first track on their brand new album, Be The Void. Also, check out their current tour dates below!

The Decemberists - "One Engine"

The upcoming soundtrack for The Hunger Games features quite a variety of artists, from Kid Cudi to Taylor Swift. While the soundtrack isn't released until March 20th, one track from The Decemberists has surfaced! Check out their song, "One Engine" below!

The Decemberists-"One Engine"

The Lumineers

After first hearing The Lumineers, I noticed that they had seemed to go back in time. The voice of Wesley Schultz sounds as if it comes from another era, a simpler time. The three-piece from Colorado has been making waves with their frolicking, fun, folk rock jams, full of frantic fingerpicking and male-female vocal harmonies. They recently got some attention when their song "Ho Hey" was featured in the TV show Hart of Dixie. They will be releasing their self-titled debut album on April 3rd, and I cannot wait. Luckily, to hold us off until then, they recorded a Daytrotter session a few months ago and they sound amazing live. They have also finished shooting their music video for "Ho Hey" and it will be released soon! They are also going on tour very soon to support the album, and I have a very good feeling that they will be quite fun to see live. Take a listen and enjoy!

The Lumineers-"Ho Hey"

The Lumineers-"The Dead Sea"

Hey Marseilles - "Cigarettes" Tour Video

Hey Marseilles, a Seattle-based "folkestral" group, has released a beautiful and creative video for their tune "Cigarettes". The parts of the track, off their latest album, To Travels and Trunks, were filmed in various locations all along their tour. They are yet another great band to be on the lineup for this year's Sasquatch Music Festival. Be sure to add them to your must-see list!

Justin Vernon Jams with The Roots

The other night, Justin Vernon stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to hang out with house-band The Roots. They collaborated to create an extremely relaxing and beautiful extended version of Bon Iver's "Perth". Check it out!

Dr. Dog on Conan

These guys are simply too cool, and I can't get enough. The boys' album Be The Void, which dropped Tuesday, is excellent. Pick it up now.

The Head and the Heart - "Down In The Valley" Music Video

One of our favorite groups, The Head and the Heart, have released a music video for their upbeat track, "Down In The Valley". The video focuses on the group's live performance and their traveling days. It features rehearsal footage and great candid shots of the band. Check out the heart-warming video below!

Alabama Shakes on Conan

Last night, Alabama Shakes appeared on Conan, performing their current single, "Hold On". The performance seemed to please Mr. O'Brien quite a bit and hopefully you will enjoy it as well! The group's debut album, Boys & Girls will be released April 10th and is now available for preorder on iTunes. Enjoy!

Edward Sharpe Announces New Album

Edward Sharpe & The Magentic Zeros have announced that they will be releasing their long-awaited sophomore album on May 29th. The follow-up to their acclaimed 2009 debut, Up From Below, was recorded all around the country. We're excited to see what they come up with and will keep you updated on the album news. The release will be preceded by a short March tour. Check out the dates below!

Shower Hour - Spring Sasquatch Show

Last night on Shower Hour, I packed the 60 minutes full of solely artists performing at the Sasquatch Music Festival! With a lineup that great, it made for quite a fun hour. Enjoy!

Stream Shower Hour Sasquatch Show

The Black Keys - "Gold On The Ceiling" Music Video

A few minutes ago, The Black Keys premiered their new music video for "Gold On The Ceiling" on MTV. The live video, shot at their album release show in New York, captures the immense energy the Keys have live. Catch them on tour this spring at the dates below. Enjoy!

The Shins - "September"

The Shins have just released the B-side to their recent single, "Simple Song". The new cut, "September," sounds like a classic slower Shins tune and bodes very well for the upcoming album. I'm loving what I hear and can't wait for more! Check out the video for "September" below.

Bon Iver on SNL

Last night, Bon Iver graced the stage of SNL with a lovely performance of "Holocene" and "Beth/Rest". Check out the videos below!

The Civil Wars - "Barton Hollow" City Session

The British City Sessions just released a video they shot of The Civil Wars performing their hit "Barton Hollow". This session gives the viewer a great perspective into how truly perfect the duo sounds live. Their harmonies intertwine effortlessly. We even reviewed a show of theirs a few months ago with Milo Greene. Check out the review here. Enjoy!

Sasquatch Music Fesitval Lineup Announced

The lineup for Sasquatch Music Festival, taking place Memorial Day weekend in George, Washington, has just been announced! Featuring Jack White, Beck, Bon Iver, Pretty Lights, Tenacious D, The Shins, Beirut, Girl Talk, The Roots, The Head & The Heart, The Civil Wars, Blind Pilot, Yellow Ostrich, and many many more, the fesitval is sure to be a hit! See the full lineup here.

Tickets go on sale February 11th with a presale beginning February 8th.

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Of Monsters & Men "Little Talks" Music Video

Of Monsters & Men have finally released their first music video, a partially-animated, dark yet beautiful visual accompaniment to their hit single, "Little Talks". Enjoy the very surreal and beautiful video!

Of Monsters And Men Announce Tour

Of Monsters & Men, the Icelandic group behind the irresistible single, "Little Talks," have just announced a North American tour this spring! Their debut album will also be released in the U.S. on April 3rd! We could not be more excited to see what they have in store. Tour dates are after the jump. Ticketing info can be found here.

New Bowerbirds Song: "In The Yard"

Bowerbirds, whose album The Clearing will be released March 6th, have given us another peek onto the disc. "In The Yard," the second track on the album shows more distortion than the North Carolina group is used to, and it makes it all the better. Listen to "Tuck The Darkness In," the first single from the album here. Also, check out their recently announced tour dates below!

Bowerbirds-"In The Yard"