This special edish of Must Listen is brought to you by our friends at Left As Rain – one of the baddest music blogs outta Brooklyn. If you don’t know what Left As Rain is, then you should be ashamed of yourself. Seriously, how dare you? Honestly though, these dudes (Alex and Chris) know how to make a bitchin’ playlist and they were more than happy to share some gems with us. Enjoy.
Alex’s Picks
Chris Garneau – No, that’s not an angel you’re listening to, it’s Brooklyn based musician Chris Garneau. Chris uses a combination of Baroque Pop and circus music (I know right?) to create a an absolutely unique and inspiring sound. Sounds like: Patrick Watson
Listen to Chris Garneau: No More Pirates
Bombay Bicycle Club – These guys threw around a couple decent sounding EPs over the last few years, up until the release of their LP I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about them. Sure enough this album proves them as artists to watch out for. Sounds Like: The Macabees
Listen to Bombay Bicycle Club: Always Like This
Jay Electronica – Mr. Electronica takes samples from movie scores and turns them into hip hop tracks. The dude is a master of the sample and incredibly creative. Best of all, the album is free. I’m a huge fan of supporting this form of business model, so if you enjoy his stuff support him by going to see him live when he’s in your area. Sounds like: older Nas
Listen to Jay Electronica: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)
Tor / Sufjan Stevens – Keeping up with the free album tip, I present you with Tor. We all know Sufjan Stevens but no one expected his melodies to transfer over to hip hop so incredibly. Tor takes well known Hip Hop acapellas and places them over Sufjan Stevens Loops to create something magical, similar to deep fried oreos. Get the album here.
Listen to Tor / Sufjan Stevens: Star of Wonder/None Shall Pass (feat. Aesop Rock)
Frontier Ruckus – Two words: musical saw. There really isn’t much not to like about, Michigan based band, Frontier Ruckus. Finally a group of artists to fill the void in my heart from lack of banjos. Frontier Ruckus you complete me, in a Tom Cruise Jerry Maguire sort of way. Additionally, I have a huge crush on, harmony singer, Anna Burch. Sounds like: Calexico on steroids
Listen to Frontier Ruckus: Dark Autumn Hour
Chris’s Picks
Buildings Breeding – These guys and girl have been around for quite a while (3 LPs and an EP) but continue to remain under the radar. Their sound ranges from summer sweet to ultra dark, but they still manage to transition between the two beautifully. Definitely one of my new favorites.
Listen to Buildings Breeding: Rushing Red
Jeremy Jay – This Album (Slow Dance) just goes for days man. This may sound a bit cliche, but ole’ JJ is the new Smiths… At least if you are searching for a similar sound with a fresh spin.
Listen to Jeremy Jay: Where Could We Go Tonight
Foreign Born – Foreign Born is relatively new to me, but they grow on me like ivy. 1st listen they sleep, 2nd listen they creep, and third listen they leap. They have such a full sound; what great instrumentalist they are. I would watch out for any band that comes out of Secretly Canadian Actually.
Listen to Foreign Born: Blood Oranges
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Trust me, believe the hype, cause this album (Why Are There Mountains?) flipped my world upside down. CEG ride the fence that separates sanity and chaos like a bucking bronco. They are that pet tiger that you think you have under control until it rips your fucking face off. Great lyrics, great composition, shredding guitar riffs, build ups, break downs, uhhh uhhh uhhh ohhh!!!… just made a boo boo in my pants.
Listen to Cymbals Eat Guitars: Wind Phoenix
Real Estate – Fake Blues [7-inch]
Really? New Jersey? Really? This band has a spectacular low-fi vibe without being punky and dated and obnoxious. Gritty and soothing at the same time. Watch out for these doods cause they are on the up and up.
Listen to Real Estate: Fake Blues
