The System Awakens, The National Returns!

Welcome back excitement. Welcome daily mysteries of the human condition wrapped in four minutes. Welcome back Bryan's rattle and snare. Welcome back that inner tension within each song. Welcome back Dessners interplaying guitars (guitar solos?, this one rules). Welcome back choruses propelled to heavens. Welcome back interesting and intriguing lyrics. Welcome back Matt. Welcome back, The National, It's been a long time...

'The System only dreams in total darkness' (what a mind-blowing title for a song) is the first single of forthcoming album 'Sleep Well Beast' (same as aforementioned) out September 8th, plus first world tour dates (no Spain yet, but that can be managed). WE CAN'T WAIT!!



Discoverer 107: new indie findings

Our Discoverer Series adopts a dreamy and evokative style for this rainy weekend, enjoy!

Lily and Madeleine. Let me introduce you to the Jurkiewicz sisters. Hailing from Indianapolis, USA, their natural and graceful talents started to buzz around the Internet in early 2012, when they uploaded some tunes as well as cover songs to YouTube, just for fun. Among the ones watching was producer Paul Mahern who, with the help of songwriter Kenny Childers. teamed up with the sisters to release debut EP 'The Weight of the Globe' in January 2013. Single 'In The Middle' again hit heavy YouTube and Reddit, grabbing the attention of Asthmatic Kitty Records. The label quickly signed them & issued the EP on 10'' in June while the duo re-entered the studio to record their self-titled debut, out that October. Prolific & hard-working, now Lily & Madeleine are back with sophomore album, 'Fumes', released a month ago. Surprisingly confident and mature despite their young ages, their songs, just have that rare, perfect combination of sweetness, fuelled by the mind-blowing blending of their voices, with a haunting hint of mystery and darkness. It's all quiet and harmonic on the surface, but the clouds are about to come... Affecting and immediate lovable music.

Dianas. Another duo, this time based in Perth, Australia. Singers-guitarists Nathalie Pavlovic & Caitlin Moloney, helped by Ashley Ramsey on drums, joined forces in late 2012, after several adventures in another combos. They quickly came out with debut EP '#01' that November, followed by single 'Cruelty/Origami', out in Hot Violet in August 2013. This year, they released another EP, '#02', in February, and just now, the digital single '1.000 Years', that seems to be anticipating a full album on the final stages. Expansive & free indie-pop, Dianas have a quite unique sound combining dreamy atmospheres, swelling guitars and whispered, ultra-soft vocals. Intriguing and addictive music to follow closely.

Parrot Dream. And we end with a Chilean-North American quartet based in New Yok. Formed a year ago, since August we can enjoy their first release to date, 'Set Sail Someday' an EP made of six tunes, out on Beast Discos, that you can freely grab at their website. Something you should do as fast as you read this words, because the foursome has all the charms and tunes to knock you out. Warm and lush dreampop, subtly wrapped in synths and layers were guitar lines and the lovely vocals of Christina Appel just melt naturally like the sea and the horizon. Here comes the most gentle autumn. Embrace the dreamy sundown.

Hear Basia Bulat's new album "Tall Tall Shadow"

Sometimes words fall short to describe what music can achieve... I'm completely taken away by Basia Bulat's new album, "Tall Tall Shadow", set to release on Monday 30th. As expected, the new record is amazing. Well, is much more than that, is a blast. But you don't have to believe me, just judge yourself by clicking on any of the following links, where you can stream the whole record entirely.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/listen-to-basia-bulats-new-album-tall-tall-shadow,103233/

http://www.rockdelux.com/audio-video/p/basia-bulat-tall-tall-shadow.html

Back Online with Great Videos!

Finally left the road, what an amount of amazing experiences! And while we enter the countdown to return back home, here's a quick post with a few videos you shouldn't miss. Enjoy!

We start with The National's new clip for "Graceless". The song is a blast and now it has a fantastically fitting visual companion. The contrast between the poignant lyrics and the pretty dumb party of five is terrific.

From a favourite to another, Sharon Van Etten has debuted a new song called "Tarifa" while at Pickathon festival, doing a video session in the woods for the Seattle radio station KEXP. Goosebumps (as usual). 

And completing the trio here's an exciting return. Cults is ready to release their sophomore album "Static", and judging from their first tune "I Can Hardly Make You Mine", is going to be another MUST!

Math and Physics Club & Alpaca Sports new wonders!

If yesterday was folk, today I have to write about two wonderful indiepop comebacks.

First, a most welcomed return after three years of silence. Math and Physics Club are back with single "Long Drag/Across the Paper", just out on Matinée Recordings (yeah I know, Bubblegum Lemonade and now this?, the explanation is simple: the label is always on a roll). The release precedes the Seattle band's new album, "Our Hearts Beat Out Loud", out later in the year. The title track, "Long Drag" is simply stunning, pulse-beating, addictive and joyful (how many times I have written that hand-claps can make the difference?) and a killer chorus. In contrast, b-side "Across the Paper" is a mellower, more intimate affair immediately recalling Allo Darlin' with their ukulele. Charming. What a comeback!
And second, Alpaca Sports. AGAIN. "He Doesn't Even Like You" is their new single and, AGAIN, is a gorgeous, naturally irresistible, and catchy as hell pop tune (backed with a Tiny Fireflies remix of "I Was Running"). One more song and I will start to think the Swedish have sold their soul to the devil (indiepop devil, that is) and that's why they keep releasing gem after gem effortlessly (or at least, that's what it seems). Please, Alpaca Sports, release them together so we can finally have them compiled! Plus, and needless to say, have to watch them live...

Alela Diane & Basia Bulat are back!

July is almost over, but before August arrives, I have to highlight some of the most exciting new releases, announcements known in the last days... some favourites included! Just for a matter of music styles/genre, I divided this post in two. First, folk, with an indiepop update coming as quickly as I can...

Two of my favourite folk artists are returning to scene. Alela Diane's new album, "About Farewell" just came out the last week of June and, for what I just been able to hear, it looks like an intense, confessional ("Blood On the Tracks anyone?) and devastating piece of music. Can't wait to listen it fully. Here's the outstanding homonym track, "About Farewell".


And speaking about intensity and incredible voices, a major announcement (at least to me). My beloved Basia Bulat is back! She recently posted on her website that the new album's title will be "Tall Tall Shadow" will be released on October 1st, alongside with the elegant, solemn artwork of the LP. Judging for the title track you can hear below, its going to be another unmissable one. What an impressive finale the tune has! What a voice! Counting down the days!

"Just a Pup", The Very Most's little indiepop workshop

Just a Pup EP

This a review of a very special release, on a very special day (American time zone) for his main creator. Of course, I'm referring to Jeremy Jensen from The Very Most and his latest EP, "Just a Pup", that this blog had the honour to premiere. So, first goes first. Happy birthday dear Jeremy!

So, dear readers, this time I'm going to ask you to allow me to be a bit romantic, even naive, ok? In this fifth EP from the Boise band you're going to find everything what makes The Very Most's songs so adorable. In that sense, the band seems to be at top of their game. I know that in the digital era the following image is almost absurd, but to hell with that. Do you remember the tales your parents told you about Santa Claus? The ones that fascinated me were about the magic workshop where, with the help of the elves, he created the toys to deliver on Christmas Eve. I want to imagine Jeremy at the studio as an indiepop Santa Claus in his workshop, crafting the tunes surrounded by his cast of allies, hearing melodies in his head that he is capable to capture and translate into songs after picking the right instrument among thousands and setting tone, rhythm, voices, sounds evolving into perfect works as if they were there, waiting for him to be caught, suspended on air. The Very Most's little indiepop workshop. A haunting place where even the artwork and EP design stands out on its own (a blue wonder this time illustrated by ridiculously gifted Marta Tortajada), that now offers us another gift in the form of three new tunes, with an extra.

Because it is just a matter of seconds you recognise the always sweet and lush indiepop from Jeremy Jensen and Co. The trademark swirling melodies that in opener "Just a Pup" got a refreshing turning twist thanks to Seapony's Danny Rowland's guitar line halfway of the tune and Gia Trotter's vocals. I wrote it once and I'm going to do it again: it's a classic on its own. Another gem to add to an already stunning collection of indiepop gems.

But being charming and sweet in the sounds doesn't mean you can't get serious. And I'm happy as well as excited to see The Very Most is not afraid of getting political. "Idaho, America in 2049" and "We Don't Have Any Cuts to Waste" shows a different side of the band lyrically without losing its quintessential sound. As a matter of fact, "Idaho" deserves a mention on its own, as TVM blends two songs in one with blatant confidence. It all sounds mellow and relaxed, then it all stops to turn frantic and hallucinogenic before ending in its previous incarnation. Brian Wilson anyone? In the other hand, "We Don't Have..." is the more upbeat and shiny of the lot. Keyboards soaring, and that sense an epic pop stampede on the verge of exploding anytime... until you hear the lyrics, that is.

And we arrive to the end. I know, I said three songs when the EP has four, but the cover of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" doesn't really work as a TVM tune. Nothing to blame the band for. On the contrary, it's understandable: if you are lucky to have Liz Hunt's from the irresistible The School singing, the result it's obvious: she's going to "steal" the show. 

I know it seems weird to mention Santa Claus when we just started summer and with the tremendous heatwave we are suffering in half of the States right now. But music lovers believe me, The Very Most is just offering us another indiepop gift. Go get it!

SCORE: 7,25/10

"Don't Swallow the Cap", 2nd round from The National

Another taste of "Trouble Will Find", the forthcoming new album from The National out this May. We started the week with the première of first single? "Demons", and now "Don't Swallow the Cap". The rhythm is familiar, but oh these chorus, the echoing voices....

I really like this quote: "There's two kinds of people in this world; people who love The National, and people who don't like good music" ;)

The National is back with their "Demons"!

Need to say more? I'm a very happy blogger today. The National is back and in full form! "Trouble Will Find Me" is going to be mind-blowing!

"Village Green", as gorgeous as indiepop can be

Village Green 

Let me introduce you to the Village Ten Collective, a trio of wonderful bands: blog favourites The Very Most, recently discovered intimate pop geniuses Adam and Darcie, and new amazing finding Canoe. Released just a couple of weeks ago, the album is composed by six songs, with each band covering one tune from the other two. The result is a little indiepop delight. Each cover sounds unforced, completely natural, the result being extremely cohesive, coherent, honest, and what's more important, haunting.  

First song is Adam and Darcie's "Take Them All Away" covered by our beloved The Very Most. If you read this blog (thanks) you should know what Jeremy Jensen is capable of doing if he dreams a melody. Now think what he can do with a gentle paced, charming melody made by craftmanships Adam and Darcie's. Wonders that is. A cheerful, expansive, joyful tune that could fit perfectly on any TVM release.

Then is Adam and Darcie who covers Canoe's "Drip, Drip, Drop", turning the mellow and intimate folk-pop affair the tune seems to be on an unexpected epic voyage. Warm guitar lines and Darcie's voice rising above. If you don't get moved you're deaf, sorry.

And the first round of covers closes with Canoe's covering The Very Most's "Dodged Ev'ry Bullet Pt. 1" (what a cool title). Subtle and delicate, the song is transformed into a pastoral number that slowly grabs you.

Our imaginary side B opens with TVM again, now adapting Canoe's "The Caspian Sea". Right now might be my favourite of the lot, with these vocal twists, the simple but flamboyant chorus, and the irresistible upbeat rhythm once the guitars arise. Tune its followed by Canoe's take on "Never Been a Pilot" from Adam and Darcie, which is definitely a grower, with a mind-blowing guitar shimmering in the middle of it.

And closing the mini-album we have Adam and Darcie version of TVM's "You're in Love with the Sun". The original is already magnificent, but the lovely couple from Provo makes the tune their own. Intensity, that feeling of closeness with the listener, that rare feeling of being invited to a very private party. It's the ideal finale for an album that seems a celebration of three bands that share friendship and a genuine love for the music they play. Everything fits, even the beautiful artwork by Marta Tortajada is perfect. As gorgeous indiepop can be.

SCORE: 7,5/10  

Listen below and grab it while you can!

"Waiting for Something to Happen", Veronica Falls do it again!

Waiting for Something to Happen

Veronica Falls has returned. For me it's one of the most anticipated albums of the year, but I decided to take my time to review it because I wanted to be as objective as possible. I have read some reviews criticizing the band has just repeated its successful formula... and you can't say these opinions aren't justified. But hey! "Waiting for Something to Happen" has 3-4 perfect tunes, another bunch of hyper catchy songs, full of hooks and in-your-face guitar lines... so how many bands have such a collection of spectacular songs with just two albums? At the end, what's more to ask?   

Besides, how am I supposed to resist and remain impartial if the first chords of "Tell Me" immediately makes me think of R.E.M. first albums? 10 seconds and I'm already smiling. Gentle and mellower than usual, this almost whispered opener is as inviting as promising. Damn it, I'm smiling again. Oh, that jangling guitar.

Second tune "Teenage" is the band sounding as their most recognizable, meaning: irresistible guitar-driven upbeat indiepop. One could say they are copying themselves, but please go to hell. And next comes the first knock-out. 2:24 minutes to create a pop masterpiece. That's all what Veronica Falls needs. As simple as that, "Broken Toy" is just disarming.

After a trio of wonders, "Shooting Star" comes as the first surprise (put that under quotation marks). Is the band flirting with grunge? I would say just incorporating some of its soundings to their music palette and making it look completely of their own, fitting with its more obscure side. Not outstanding, but curious.

It gets better immediately. "Waiting for Something to Happen", the song, is to me the second masterpiece of the album. Joyful and chiming, the chorus is pure bliss. And is coupled by the third gem of the album, "If You Still Want Me". What a bridge, what a chorus, defiant, passionate, these guitars resonating in your head. Heard both tunes live, and believe me, its impossible not to dance. Want more? Completing what's arguably the finest moment of the record comes "My Heart Beats", chosen as first single, so heard well in advance. Quintessential Veronica Falls' sound again, vital and uplifting. 

Unfortunately, at least for me, "Waiting for Something to Happen" fails to maintain its impressive amount of hits in its second half. "Everybody's Changing" is Veronica Falls reaching a middle ground. Indeed everything sounds too familiar here. Luckily is followed by "Buried Alive", another outstanding tune, among the sweetest/twee the band has penned and absolutely irresistible. But is the exception on a rather flat album last section.

The final bunch of songs shows us a band striving to diversify its sound, with average results. "Falling Out" is quite flat on that sense, and "So Tired" fails to define itself despite being much more interesting, again making me think of Peter Buck and its chiming guitars but not achieving its promise. Can't say the same about "Daniel", the slowest number of the record, and too short and half-baked to build its own momentum or produce a lasting impression. And final song, "Last Conversation", pales in comparison with debut album final number, the mind-blowing "Come On Over". To be fair, is an enjoyable song as everything Veronica Falls pens, but it borrows too much from its "elder sister", looking like a poorer version of it.

Despite 3-4 forgettable tunes, that makes the album rating a little bit lower than their glorious debut, "Waiting for Something to Happen" offers, again, so many amazing indiepop moments, so I'm very pleased to end this review just saying that Veronica Falls did it again!

SCORE: 7,5/10

Music to Look Forward to in 2013

New year ahead, new musical wishes! Like we did on 2011 here's our small summary of the releases/events we're looking forward to. A brief shortlist of the "music gifts" asked for 2013. 

1. To begin with, our particular Three Kings, three especially beloved bands of this blog that will have new releases in 2013. Tomorrow arrives "Pretty Decent Swimmers" new EP from the mighty indiepop force Northern Portrait. The Very Most announced few days ago on facebook that a new EP will follow this spring/summer (Jeremy Jensen has told me it will be even better than the great "Ununiversalizable Us", what a statement!). And finally, The Hi-Life Companion assures me 2013 will see their comeback after the wonderful "Say Yes!"
2. Two young bands that have me completely haunted and should offer their debut albums this year. Fear of Men and Let's Buy Happiness. Can't wait to hear the voices of Jessica Weiss and Sarah Hall in their new songs. Expectations couldn't be higher. 
3. More heavenly voices: Rose Elinor Dougall promised me she will have another record ready this year. Please make a Spanish tour too! And it's time for my dear Basia Bulat to come back too. 
4. Amor de Días and The Pastels on the same year? Yes! Pretty sure I'll see both bands live...  
5. Planning to attend March's Madrid Popfest. Dreaming to be part of Indietracks on July.
6. Third Primavera Sound Festival, of course. The chance of seeing Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Eels and Blur live for the first time there? What about The Shins? Well, the PS13's line-up deserves a post on its own... (coming very soon)
7. Three "big names" to end this list. First one, Phoenix have confirmed their return!
8. Second. Camera Obscura also has announced they are recording a new album. Too long without you Tracyanne...Can't wait for it...
9. And one to be confirmed, but evidence suggests (at least in my head) that 2013 should be the year of The National's follow-up to "High Violet". Need to say I'm dying for it?
10. And finally, the most personal and toughest wish: really hoping for a 2013 where this passion of mine (music, writing about music) becomes (or starts to) a profession...

Sure, there are many more out there, and many more that will be discovered. That's the amazing thing with music. What a year this can be!

Quick round of new & unmissable music!

A quick post on some of the most exciting comebacks/ music news happening right now. Hope you enjoy!

Swedish craftsmanships Turn Off Your Television are back with "Blanket of Shame", first single in anticipation of their forthcoming album, "Humble Waves", out in October 8th, and again available for download freely. They seem to openly embrace indiepop territory in the song, which fits the band extremely well. They have been gifted with a talent for melody and warmth, amplified to masterly levels here. What a terrific advance of the album, can't wait for it!

Without moving from the gorgeous Sweden we meet again Kristian Matsson, famously known as The Tallest Man on Earth. "There's No Leaving Now" is his new record, out since June, on which you can find folk gems like this "Revelation Blues", here on a quite special performance (courtesy of City of Music).


Another ace tune from my beloved Paolo and Claire, aka Young Romance. "Lines" tries a bit to take off, resembling too much to a Tennis song (which is not bad per se, but not very original). But the spark, that fire the couple have injected to all their songs to date, arrives, and when it does, its unstoppable. Their music enlightens any room, shimmers. Oops, they did it again!
Lines by Young Romance

And finally, the great Amelia Fletcher has returned. The new Tender Trap album, "Ten Songs About Girls", out on Fortuna Pop! " is full of amazing tunes (as expected). Just hear the upbeat, lush and effervescent opener "King's Cross Station" and tell me you don't like it (if so, sorry, but you are probably deaf then).
Tender Trap-Train from King's Cross station

Many more (a Baffin Island EP, Beth Orton, Seapony, Parlours) coming very soon!

Playlist: the Best of Beth Orton

In exactly a month, October 1st, Beth Orton will release her new album, "Sugaring Season", after six years of hiatus. She is one of my all-time favourite artists, so here's a little homage (a personal selection, many b-sides) to her beautiful music, and a nice warm-up to start the countdown till the record arrive. If you didn't know her yet, please take a listen!

1. Stolen Car
2. The Same Day
3. Concrete Sky
4. Shadow of a Doubt
5. Wild World
6. Central Reservation (original version)
7. Conceived
8. Dolphins (with Terry Callier)
9. A Place Aside
10. Galaxy of Emptiness (Live)
11. Safety
12. Sweetest Decline
13. Pedestal
14. Sugar Boy
15. This One's Gonna Bruise
16. Ooh Child
17. Ali's Waltz
18. How Far 
19. Thinking About Tomorrow
20. Pieces of Sky
21. It's Not the Spotlight

"Time Relentless EP", pop feast with The Hermit Crabs

Time Relentless EP
Each time there's an email from Matinée Recordings reaching my inbox I smile. I assume, and it's almost infallible, their music proposal is going to be great. But this time the announcement was the long awaited comeback from beloved Glaswegian band The Hermit Crabs, so I yelled (I was at work at the office, luckily quite alone, as my colleagues are still on holidays). A yelling of happiness an excitement, that is.

It had been a long time indeed, although Melanie Whittle offered a dose of her talents thanks to Baffin Island, joining forces with members of another favourite band on this site, The Very Most. But three years had passed since the glorious "Correspondence Course EP" without new songs from The Hermits, so there were questions about how the band will sound after these hiatus.

But they quickly showed there was no reason to panic. This band has always showed their cards from the very beginning, without chances for "second thoughts". With them, beauty comes straightforwardly to the ears of the listener. And their new work is no different. "On the Spectrum" is a stunning opener, a strong statement saying the world "we are back", with a mesmerizing GUITAR work (written on capital letters because they deserve it, it's that big) and a killer chorus. Mel might be talking about the blues, but the feeling the song produces are the very opposite. A jangle-pop feast. 

"Time Relentless" slows the tempo with the band's trademark orchestrations and the addition of subtle keyboards. The visual lyrics are taken from a poem, suiting the contemplative mood of the piece. All seems to flow towards the wonderful chorus were Mel's adorable voice shines, acquiring an epic nuance while guitars arise in the mix, providing the tune a fantastic climax.

"Stop This Now" is a much more joyous affair in terms of melody, upbeat and contagious. Drums splashes and guitars flourishes, sparking the tune. After the instrumental section, vocal harmonies appear and you are expecting a longer-than-life finale. But it ends abruptly, leaving you wonder for me. A perfect pop pill of two minutes!

And finally "So Blue" concludes the EP with a mid-tempo that recalls their previous releases and their similarities with Camera Obscura (will you return soon too, Tracyanne?). Fortunately, the instrumentation steps up, helping the song to grow and closing the release on a high note.

If you didn't know The Hermit Crabs (very soon we'll have a band's retrospective on the blog), this EP is a great introduction into their music. And for us, fans, is a wonderful return to form. Jangle-pop, twee-pop and indiepop lovers, we are in luck. Welcome back Hermits!

SCORE: 8/10

Back with the best music!

All good things come to an end. My holidays are over, and despite going back to work, the neverending heatwave in Spain, our corrupted politicians and the despicable Republicans on the American campaign, and the unacceptable Pussy Riot imprisonment in Russia (what a dictatorial regime) are enough to depress everyone, but at least not today. We still have many songs on the agenda to enjoy.

My beloved Beth Orton is showing us bits of her new album, "Sugaring Season", out in October 2nd. Hear her below, playing three tunes "Dawn Chorus", "Candles", and "Poison Tree" plus personal favourite "Sweetest Decline" on acoustic, stripped down versions. Magic.

I'm pretty sure you want more, so here's "Magpie", gorgeous first song of the album (you can download it too). Can't wait for the record!
Beth Orton - Magpie

I already told you to keep an eye on the Swedish band Alpaca Sports. Here are two superb recent tunes to prove it, "She'll Come Back for Indian Summer" and the irresistible "I Was Running", new single to be released at the end of August. Fantastic indie-pop, among the best of the year so far!
Alpaca Sports - She'll come back for Indian summer by Alpaca Sports
I was running by Alpaca Sports

And another blog discovery to end the post. Post-punk/shoegaze band Fountains latest single is "Easily Led" and is spectacular. Do this guys now they have penned an instant classic? Please have a listen! Review coming shortly!

"Something More Beautiful", Beth Orton is back!

What a surprise today!

Sorry if don't even try to hide my enthusiasm, but one of my favourite artists is finally back! Beth Orton, after a too (depressingly) long hiatus of 6 years returns with new album "Sugaring Season" in October 2nd, being her debut release with ANTI- Records. It has taken me by surprise, as she is supporting Bon Iver in Barcelona in a couple of weeks (unfortunately the gig is too expensive/don't really like Justin Vernon to pay that much), so please come to Barcelona some time soon.

Here's the new song "Something more Beautiful”, a delicate, fragile and hauntingly wonderful piece, beautifully arranged. All to show, to prove the world SHE'S back.

I missed you dear Beth. Welcome back!  

Record Store Day with The Walkmen, The Very Most & Beach House!

It's Record Store Day today, so you should be hunting for your desired vinyls, cds or music collectibles. Among today's releases, I haven't found any song that has impressed me yet (few exceptions), but that doesn't mean there aren't new tunes you should be checking, and isn't the Day an occasion to celebrate great tunes? So here you have, three personal favourites, adding cracking new songs to their already incredible catalogue!

The Walkmen is back! "Heaven", their new album will be released the 4 of June, so is just a matter of a couple of months... but the wait is going to be tough, because judging by the first tunes we have been able to hear, the stunning, amazing "Heaven"  and "Heartbreaker", it promises nothing but greatness. Have your say below! And please The Walkmen, include Barcelona in the tour!
The Walkmen - Heaven by Bella Union

The Very Most and the Irish national football team? When Bloodbuzzed's dearest friend Jeremy Jensen told me about it, I was really shocked. Well, seems the band got involved into an Indiecater project celebrating the team made it to UEFA EURO 2012, contributing with the song "Sing Up for the Boys in Green", also the title of the album. Quintaessential TVM' sound, full of hooks, gorgeous backing vocals, a killer chorus (I hear The Housemartins!) and a joyous vibe, the tune, with all due respect for Irish players, is so precious that should be reserved to homage the most gifted team on Earth: Barça, of course. 
And the third proposal is Beach House, who is offering another glimpse of their (believe me) superb forthcoming album, "Bloom", on a special release for the Record Store Day, with a blue, very limited 7" for vinyl collectors, including the non-album track "Equal Mind". "Lazuli" is, again, haunting. What a band!

"Never Thought I'd See the Day", The School is here!

I told you yesterday... and here it is!, "Never Thought I'd See the Day", the new single from The School. 2:30 minutes of pure indie-pop perfection. Can you find something lovelier than this? Aww, how we missed this band... Remember the single is out this 26 of March, and includes four more songs, two being covers of Jonathan Richman and The Honeydrips. On repeat mode! Great to go back to This School!



"Never Thought I'd See the Day"
And "When He Kisses Me", the Jonathan Richman version (handclapping yes!)

Veronica Falls, The Mynabirds & Beach House are back!

Three new songs from adored bands of this blog, plus the confirmation we'll hear new music from The School very very soon, as they will release "Never Thought I'd See The Day" first single of the forthcoming album, "Reading Too Much Into Things Like Everything" on March 26th. Great Friday!

First, Veronica Falls has just premiered "My Heart Beats", backed with another newbie, "Killing Time". Quintessential Veronica Falls sound and style! And with a psychedelic video too!

Veronica Falls - My Heart Beats

Another favourite of this blog, The Mynabirds, is also announcing their sophomore and eagerly awaited comeback, "Generals" for this June. But as Laura Burnhenn knows, three months of wait is too cruel, so she's offering us the free download of its first single. You should do it!


And finally, have you heard "Myth", the first song of "Bloom", the return of Beach House. Then what are you waiting for?