I'm having one of those music inspired moments where music and thought sync up and there is all this creativity and passion running through your body...And I know some of you may be wondering what I'm on but I assure you nothing. I mean I agree that I may have exaggerated the emotions a bit but I was just making sure that point was clear. ;-)

But actually I was just talking to my talented dear friend Tara about forging your own path, with your own unique style, adding something to your own field(s) of interest something I admire about her...And something I think I may have been lacking in my posts lately.
My daily affirmation: Be original! Stray away from the heard! Weeee!!

And I got an early birthday present this weekend (I'm smiling) a turntable! But it gets better...The turntable plugs right into my computer and converts the marvelous music to mp3 (of course you can't reproduce the glorious sound of a record and man it is glorious) but it makes it that much easier to share my growing record collection with you. Weeee! I will post a song from the first records soon. :-) So thankful and happy!


mp3: Candy Stairs - Herman Jolly
Bunker Life 2007 - Get It


mp3: War - Ladyhawk
Fight For Anarchy 2007 - Get It

Ahhh yes the extraordinary oddball indie-rock band BOAT from Seattle, Washington has a new album, Let's Drag Our Feet out July 10th on Magic Marker Records. A 14 track album filled with music that is energetic and original. I will even go as far as to consider BOAT to be the poster band for indie-pop in my mind, fun-tastic music indeed. They have a handful of summer shows lined up, check their myspace for more info.

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day yesterday, I took my mom to see The Hoax, it was entertaining, pretty good and funny.

I also finally designed a new header that I'm actually happy with for Untitled 2.0...I know I've been talking about it for the last decade now...But moving to a new place on the net is not easy, and perfection takes time. ;-)

Enjoy!



mp3: (I'm A) Donkey For Your Love - BOAT

mp3: Let's Drag Our Feet! - BOAT

Let's Drag Our Feet 2007 - Get It

Ok so I need some constructive criticism on the new site it is not completely transferred over but there is enough up for you to get a general idea of what it is going to look like...Specifically I need a few questions answered...

1. What do you think about the black text on white background opposed to the white text on a black background?

2. Which side should the sidebar be on? The left or right?

And if you have anything else you would like to add by all means speak up or forever hold you peace. ;-)
The following mix of songs is just some recent releases I have been enjoying the past few days and I thought you all would enjoy them as well. So that is all I got for you, I am looking forward to hearing what you all think of the new look. And Mentok now you know I haven't been just fucking around this entire time, I really have been working on it. :-p


mp3: More Past - Trespassers William
Noble House EP 2007 - Get It
(Some of you may remember Trespassers William from a long time ago here )

mp3: In A Wreck - Morningbell
Through The Belly Of the Sea 2007 - Get It

mp3: The Canadian Shield - A Northern Chorus
The Millions Too Many 2007 - Get It
(Thanks to Colin for introducing me to this amazing band)

mp3: Breathe - The Cinematic Orchestra
Ma Fleur 2007 - Get It
(I have been listening to this album non-stop, I highly recommend checking it out)

Actually I wouldn't say I'm twisted but definitely sick....So please forgive my short absence while my body defends itself against whatever virus I picked up.

Being sick sucks x 10

In the mean time listen to this breathtakingly beautiful song off the new Cinematic Orchestra's new album, Ma Fleur

mp3: To Build a Home - Cinematic Orchestra

Ma Fleur 2007 - Get it

I posted about the Stars album Do You Trust Your Friends? awhile back, which you can find here. The album has officially been released on the Arts & Crafts label and I highly recommend picking up a copy because it is a fantastic collection of re-invented songs from their brilliant 2005 release, Set Yourself on Fire

And I couldn't think of a better song to post in celebration that I am no longer unemployed than this fabulous rendition of the Stars, Celebration Drums. (Weeeeeeee!)

Cheers!


mp3: Celebration Drums - Camouflage Nights with Kevin Drew

Do You Trust Your Friends 2007 - Get It

The band City-State quickly became one of my favorite new bands when I heard their
"Wolves" + 4 EP last year, in fact it was #7 on my 2006 EP Picks.

The bands new album, Monument was released this past week on Liberty Fuse Records and once again this 4 member band from Washington D.C. has dropped in and swept me away with intense marching drums and atmospheric guitars. And Jim Anderson's soaring vocals blend effortlessly with the dark melodic rock. Monument does a wonderful job of displaying City-State's own unique style amongst their post-punk rock comrade's.

mp3: Mary - City State

mp3: The Dakota - City State
[mp3 will only be available for a limited time]

Monument 2007 - Get It

Well...I am pretty much done with this day. And I think I am 0 and 3 in my music picks, I have been getting some grief and I give myself enough of that already, hopefully all ruffling of feathers will cease and we can all sit down and listen to some damn good music. Cheers!

Perfect song to end this day. Wooo hooo.

Ensemble teams up with Cat Power on their 2006 self-titled release (Fat Cat Records), a match made in heaven indeed. A beautiful ambient folk melody dances with Power's sultry soul and I just don't want it to end.

Good night!


mp3: Disown, Delete - Ensemble, Cat Power (vocals)

Ensemble 2006 - Get It

My car over-heated yesterday!!! My poor 2004 VW Golf...I think at some point I seriously angered the car gods...Anyways I had her towed to the closest VW dealer because it is still under warranty and it turns out the water pump was busted...I thought it was for sure the thermostat but I guess this is why I am not a mechanic. It was all covered under warranty (Weeeee). But they tried their hardest to get some money out of me because suddenly my hood release isn't working correctly (even though I had just opened it when she started over-heating and it seemed perfectly fine to me) so they either broke it or they were trying to screw me, I'm thinking it's both so I told them to just fix what needed to be fixed and that was that.

But given the circumstances I needed some dreamy indie-pop to take me to a land filled with beautiful flowers and dancing elephants...The Clientele is a four piece band from the UK who make some of the dreamiest psych-pop with a 60's flare I have heard since Belle & Sebastian. Their new album God Save The Clientele (Merge Records) was just released this past Tuesday and it is pop-tastic indeed. Cheers!

mp3 expired: Somebody Changed - The Clientele

mp3 expired: Carnival on 7th Street - The Clientele

God Save The Clientele 2007 - Get It

Mp3's are expired but you can stream the entire album at their website here

Quite a few new releases this week...I don't even know where to start...

Singer/Songwriter Shannon Wright releases her sixth solo album on Quarterstick Records entitled, Let In The Light. Her music is a delicate mix of emotionally charged ballads and simple bare bone beats, proving that she is one of indie-rock's finest.

mp3: Idle Hands - Shannon Wright

mp3: St.Pete - Shannon Wright

Let In The Light 2007 - Get It



The Sea and Cake are an indie bubble rock band from Chicago, Illinois, band line up: Sam Prekop (guitar and vocals), Archer Prewitt (guitar), John McEntire (drums) and Erik Claridge (bass). They just released their first full length album after a four year hiatus on Thrill Jockey Records entitled, Everybody. A ten track album filled with effortless dream-pop that is just lovely in every way, leaves me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

mp3: Middlenight - The Sea and Cake

mp3: Exact To Me - The Sea and Cake

Everybody 2007 - Get It

That's all I'm giving up for now...More tomorrow, hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday. And to all my fellow Californians try to stay cool.

I have a few random tracks I've been digging taken from some recent releases and some not so recent...A little indie-pop to brighten your Sunday along with some dreamy indie-rock to sweep you to far away lands.

mp3: Say What You Will - The Lea Shores
Guillotine 2007 - Get It

mp3: Your Fridge And I, The Insomniac - The Camaromance
Different Paths 2006 - Get It

mp3: Thursday - Asobi Seksu
Friendly Fire Recordings Sampler 2007 - Get It

mp3: Faster Peach - The Harvey Girls
Declinate 2007 - Get It


On another note, I've seen a few great films in the past couple of weeks that deserve a mention and a couple out on DVD as well:

"The TV Set"
Written and Directed by Jake Kasdan
Quite a funny flick (Mentok, I highly recommend)

"The Namesake"
Screenplay by Sooni Taraporevala, Directed by Mira Nair
My mom wanted to see this film so we went for her birthday, I've been raving about it ever since.

"Waitress"
Written and Directed by Adrienne Shelly
This was a good film, I enjoyed it but there were a couple of things that just didn't work for me. If you see it, chime in and we can discuss.

On DVD

"Little Children"
Written and Directed by Todd Field

"Volver"
Written and Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

Sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady are behind the funky Avant-garde trip-hop goodness you hear. Pitchfork hated it but I think it deserves a listen. Even if it is just to hear the seductive dream pop of Promise. Just the way I like to kick off my weekend indeed. Similar artists: Joanna Newsom, Portishead and Bjork

mp3: Promise - CocoRosie

mp3: Rainbowarriors - CocoRosie

The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn (Touch and Go, 2007) - Get It

Melanie Campbell, Spencer Krug, Carey Mercer, Michael Rak and McCloud Zicmuse are the main members of Frog Eyes. And if the singer's voice sounds familiar that's because of Mr. Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown). Frog Eyes is just one of his many projects and Absolutely Kosher just released their new album Tears of the Valedictorian.

And I think we all agree that Mr. Krug can do no wrong, this album is no exception...Just listen to that voice wail on ...Eagle Energy.

mp3: Idle Songs - Frog Eyes

mp3: ...Eagle Energy - Frog Eyes

Tears of the Valedictorian 2007 - GET IT

Did I ever mention how much I love Beirut? I think I have...
;-)

Elephant Gun - Beirut

So I think it may take me a little longer for Untitled 2.0 than I originally thought...I am lost with WordPress and I was reading some plug-in installation instructions and I don't know...I am getting scared again. It just seems so complicated, I need some sort of WP guru to sit here and hold my hand. They should have a service for that.

Anyways the trip to NY was alright, I mean don't get me wrong I went kicking and screaming...But once I got there and realized I hadn't seen my family members for 5 years I was really quite happy I went. Friday we arrived and my mom and I stayed with an old college friend of hers, which was fun because she is crazy and I didn't care because I was tired as hell so I went to bed all early. We woke up and went to temple, which was a freaking party! No it really wasn't but my cousin did wonderfully with her Haftarah reading and then later on that evening we got all dressed up and partied...While the UCLA Bruins played the Florida Gators and lost. But it was all good because I sipped on Apple Martinis all night and was feeling pretty fine when the end of the night came around.
The next day I was a little ummm how should I say? Bitchy? Yes that sounds about right... I was a little groggy from the previous nights festivities but we went to have brunch with everyone and then I was bored as all hell for what seemed like a week but was actually only 2 days or so. It was a good time had by all and I even got to pop into the city to have dinner with friends at this fantastic Indian Restaurant, I can't for the life of me remember the name of it however but I am working on it.
Then finally Tuesday came and our flight was at 4:00pm EST time but didn't end up departing until like 5:45-6:00pm EST time so you can only imagine how long that flight seemed. And did you know now when there is ever any turbulence they make the flight attendants sit down...Yeah we weren't given a beverage until 2 hours into the flight...It was lovely. And I do believe that pretty much sums up my little family fun trip to the East Coast. Weeeeeeeeee!

Some new music for you...

mp3: Damnit Anna - The Morning Benders

mp3: Chasing a Ghost - The Morning Benders
Boarded Doors EP 2007 - GET IT

mp3: A Wave is Rolling - The Innocence Mission

mp3: Brotherhood of Man - The Innocence Mission
We Walked in Song 2007 - GET IT

I wasn't going to update because I am so sick of looking at this screen but I had to give a little update on Untitled 2.0 I have finally made some progress and after trying every possible option available and even options that weren't possible...It all boiled down to going with WordPress...Which is grand, it just means twice as much work for me! Weeeeee!

Anyways you all may not be so excited because you probably feel like I am never going to finish this re-vamp, and that's fine, I could understand that...But hey, this shit isn't just cut and paste, this is like edit, copy, paste and print! So bring it! ;-)

Midnight Movies a kick ass band from LA, their new album Lion the Girl has been getting quite the buzz. They are taking their psychedelic indie-rock on the road for the next couple months; they just finished some dates with Blonde Redhead, there next set of dates will be with Autolux and The Raveonettes.

Tune in on May 8th at 11:00am Midnight Movies will perform live on Morning Becomes Eclectic - KCRW 89.9FM

Also on May 8th Midnight Movies will do a live in-store at Amoeba Music in Hollywood, CA - 7:00pm

mp3: Bell Tower - Midnight Movies

mp3: Coral Den - Midnight Movies

Lion the Girl 2007 - GET IT

This blog has been giving me many heartaches the last few days, but whatever...It's not about the blog URL or how many stats I have it's about the music.

Young Galaxy just released their debut album today, this band that hails from Canada can make some fantastic indie pop-rock indeed. I love everything they do, I really don't think they can do wrong.


mp3: Outside the City - Young Galaxy

mp3: Searchlight - Young Galaxy

Young Galaxy 2007 - GET IT

I ran into some road blocks the last few days...It's been good fun. While trying to point my blog*spot URL to my custom domain I got an unfriendly error message that might as well have said, "Go to Jail. Move directly to Jail. Do not pass "Go" Do not collect $200". Actually the real message says something like, "There is another blog hosted at this address" or something around those lines, the thing is there is nothing else at that address and I told Blogger that but Blogger didn't care so Mr. Pip came to the rescue and is trying to troubleshoot the issue with Dreamhost so hopefully this weekend I will no longer have the yucky http://lttlamb.blogspot.com address but instead have www.untitledrecords.com

Then last night I left my laptop for awhile and returned to find a PC Error Message, this message was even more unfriendly than the previous message and was far more serious...Basically my laptop was over-heating and needed to shut down immediately otherwise it would self destruct...Of course I almost self destructed thinking about all that I would lose...But after a little sleep and a little research I read other people have had the same error message and they opened up their laptop and cleaned it out and it worked like new again...YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!Mr.Pip helped me do that too and after a few fights with some nasty dust bunnies my laptop can finally breathe again. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

So that is what I have been dealing with the last couple of days...A little mini-mix to share what I've been listening to...

mp3: Shankill Butchers - The Decemberists
The Crane Wife 2006 - GET IT

mp3: Whirling Dervish - Student Film
Sleeping Giant 2007 - GET IT

mp3: Emmawood - Buildings Breeding
Building Breeding 2006 - GET IT

And Death Cab for Cutie's, Something About Airplanes is now on vinyl!

mp3: Bend to Squares - Death Cab for Cutie
Something About Airplanes LP 2007 - GET IT

You know what scares me? Psychic Readers...It's not the phenomena that scares me, it's that people actually believe they have the ability to predict the future and read people's minds...And then people actually believe it! That's scary.

Cloud Cult released The Meaning of 8 on April 10th and I must applaud this Eco friendly band from Minneapolis. 18 tracks of spectacular experimental indie-rock popping goodness...There is not a bad song on this album and it has shot right up into my 2007 top ten fav albums list! For the next 2 months they hit the road, check their show page to see when they play near you.

mp3: Pretty Voice - Cloud Cult

mp3: Thanks - Cloud Cult

The Meaning of 8 - 2007 - GET IT