Toofer Toosday - The Cyanide Valentine & The One AM Radio

My mother always told me you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Well maybe she didn't REALLY tell me that, but it sounds like something a mother should say, right? In any case, this applies for my first introduction to the Cyanide Valentine. When I saw that name floating in my inbox I was skeptical, to say the least. What I found when pushed the play button basically threw me for a loop. Not only was it not the type of music I expected, it was music that was 'friggin good'! So here's the scoop. The Cyanide Valentine are a four piece indie/electronic/lo-fi/space-rock/dance/funk/folk outfit from Boston. There is no reason people all over the world shouldn't be listening to these guys. They have there newest album The Three Sides Of The Cyanide Valentine for free download! Go get it! They play music that seems to effortlessly flow from transitor-radio-folk to industrial to electro-funk. This would normally be a challenge for most bands to pull off, but CV have nurtured this sound into the full grown beast that it is. There is no excuse not to listen.

mp3: The Cyanide Valentine - MegaFauna --> website --> buy
mp3: The Cyanide Valentine - Neanderthals

Dangerbird Records is turning out to be one of my favorite labels this year. Seawolf, Eulogies, and Dappled Cities are just a few of the stand outs. This year Dangerbird released an album form a new favorite of mine, The One AM Radio. The One AM Radio aka Hrishikesh Hirway plays music just as the band name states. Soft spoken sounds beautifully arranged emote feelings of heartache, tragedy, but sometimes hope. Hirway's not being a trailblazer in style, but his mind and passion flow through this music demanding second and third listens. If you happen to be up at 1 am(evilhomer that meens you!), I'll go out on a whim and say this is the perfect music for that moment.

mp3: The One AM Radio - Lest I Forget --> website --> buy
mp3: The One AM Radio - In The Time We've Got

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If these two bands aren't enough, perhaps you have a craving only live music can satisfy. In that case, head on down to the Rock and Roll Hotel to see the amazing, the fantastic, The Most Serene Republic! Get there early to catch Bellflur and Watch Man Walk open for them.

mp3: The Most Serene Republic - Why So Looking Back --> website --> buy

Annuals - Frelen Mas : Be He Me B-Sides

If you haven't had the chance to pick up the Annuals debut LP Be He Me, then that's your assignment over this holiday weekend. It should definitely be apart of your collection. Actually while you're at it, go ahead and grab the Frelen Mas EP with it. Sometimes a collection of b-sides doesn't stand par to the original album, but that's not the case with Frelen Mas. I did notice that these songs were the slightest bit toned down compared to the LP though. FM does have the same distinctive multi-layered atmospheric sound that bellows out of Be He Me. The production is straight out of Paul Simon's and Peter Gabriel's notebooks. Lead singer/song writer Adam Baker plays music with such emotion, intelligence, and ferocity, it's hard to believe he's only twenty years old. These guys will be good for a very long time. So go ahead and indulge yourself with booming rhythms, beautiful harmonies, and production that will make you cry(that may be a bit over the top but who cares).

mp3: Annuals - Frelen Mas --> website --> buy
mp3: Annuals - River Run

bonus mp3: Manchester Orchestra - Brother(Annuals Cover)

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If you're looking for a great show tonight, head on over to the Rock and Roll Hotel in DC to check out Maritime playing with The One Am Radio.

mp3: Maritime - Aren't We All Found Out --> website --> buy
mp3: Maritime - No One Will Remember you Tonight
mp3: The One Am Radio - Lest I Forget --> website --> buy