Indie Current

Indie Current Has Moved,... Slightly

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Although I have yet to make a new post over the last week, for all of you in need of your indie fix, don't worry, because I can tell you that my time away has been spent well. No I am not abandoning you to make a totally new blog, but rather to start my own little piece on the internet cloud, and by bringing Indie Current to the ".com" world. Now alot more accessible and more user friendly Indie Current has been moved to www.indiecurrent.com where I have already started to work on building my website. Along with doing so I have also taken the time to make a new post containing the top songs of 2010, and redesign my existing blog. Thus, to continue to get your current updates on indie music head over to www.indiecurrent.com and continue to support indie music, and Indie Current. Thanks to all who have viewed and supported my blog thus far there will be more to come and I hope you enjoy.

Top 20 Songs Of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:09:00 +0000

20. Arcade Fire – “We Used To Wait”

By far the most mature sounding track on this list, Arcade Fire was able to make a solid track that is very well developed and is proof that 2 years of hard work in a band of 7 can have good results.

19. Caribou – “Odessa”

Probably one of the most recognizable tracks of 2010 "Odessa" is a unique sound track containing many mixtures of sounds and beats that would bring one to a persistent head bobbing or constant foot tapping. Like many of the other tracks on this list it will also have you hooked within the first minute.

18. GOBBLE GOBBLE – “Lawn Knives”

Out of Edmonton and one of my most interesting finds this year has been Gobble Gobble which make, if their were such a genre, reverberating-electro-pop music. "Lawn Knives" had you not already clicked the play button might help to explain what I am talking about and give you a better idea of what they're all about.

17. Beach House – “Norway”

If any band radiates chillwave, Beach House would be it. Norway just like many of Beach House's other songs is very lo-fi but what separates "Norway" is the little extra "umph" that you wouldn't expect from a band like Beach House.

16. Klaxons – “Echoes”

Despite being a pretty disappointing CD with "Surf The Void", the Klaxons were able to atleast put together a decent track, that being "Echoes". I chose Echoes as a top song because it sticks to that kind of sound that I am used to hearing out of the Klaxons whilst still being slightly different from some of their older stuff, which in his case,… is a good thing.

15. Airship – “Algebra”

It becomes hard to make a new post after having only a week before made a post on the exact same song, so instead of being redundant I think I will let the song speak for itself and ask you to scroll down to my December 23 rd post and to read more on my opinion of the song, thanks.

14. Angus and Julia Stone – “Big Jet Plane”

A more acoustic sounding and raw sounding track than most of the other songs on the list, "Big Jet Plane" maintains a relatively medium tempo throughout the song but maintains the catchiness of a pop song.

13. Broken Bells – “The High Road”

Making one of the best combination duos of the year Brian Burton and James Mercer although on the face of it are newcomers to the indie scene, both have already spent many years perfecting their arts in their other respective bands, Gnarls Barkley, The Shins, and Danger Doom. As a result, "The High Road" is just an example of the kind of mellowed out beats the pair have and will continue to make.

12. Toro Y Moi – “ Minors”

Gaining a great amount of popularity in the recent year, Toro Y Moi, the genius of sound mixing was able to make a splash on his first full-length debut album, "Causers Of This" which contains a great combination of different electric sounds and synths. "Minors" my favourite track off of the album is as electric as all many of his other songs but is slowed down to make it slightly epic.

11. The Black Keys – “Tighten Up”

Blues-rock duo The Black Keys have without a doubt made one of the best albums of the year, "Tighten Up" the first single released before the albums official release was the deciding factor for me and as I am assuming many other people to buy the album. It is a breath of fresh blues air and is a modern take on the blues of 50's and 60's people like myself are used to thinking of.

10. The National – “Terrible Love”

Emotionally it is one of the most stimulating tracks of the year, "Terrible Love" although I cannot relate too is expressed ever so passionately through the words of Matt Berninger, who, as he always does, conveys raw emotion a gets the listener to feel for him. For that I say, "good job".

9. Broken Social Scene - “World Sick”

Similarly to Arcade Fire, BSS faces many of the same challenges of working in a band, the size of a small-town orchestra. Thankfully though when music is finally produced with such a combination of instruments it becomes quite the epitome of "music to my ears". "World Sick" off of their 4th album "Forgiveness Rock Record" is a steady rising of instrumentals that leads to an explosion of Canadian-Indie-Rock power, followed by a BSS favorite, a one-minute outro.

8. Blackbird Blackbird – “Summer Heart”

Although it does not take the number one spot for top song of the year, "Summer Heart" was a no-brainer ad my first pick to go on this top 20 list and for good reason. Right away the track takes you off onto a ride of electronic heaven and continues without interference of, something called "lyrics".

7. Frightened Rabbit – “Nothing Like You”

If I were to have to make a list of the top band with the vocalists with the greatest accent ever Frightened Rabbit would be my first choice. The Scottish folk group’s lead Scott Hutchison is able to put his great passion into every song and “Nothing Like You” is only one example. The fast passed song is full of acoustics and a peppy beat producing a top song.

6. Ra Ra Riot – “Boy”

I was not very familiar with Ra Ra Riot before 2010 but I can tell you that, that will never happen again if they continue to come out with tracks like "Boy", which is a very quick, yet, well produced song containing lead of a bass, violin, and of course guitar.

5. Foals – “Spanish Sahara”

Yes, I may be the biggest fan of the Foals as of 2010, but you cannot argue with the amazing combination of catchy, raw and outright beautiful tracks that they have been able to put together for their Total Life Forever album. Being the first track I heard before the official release of their full album, "Spanish Sahara" has all of the above characteristics and truly sets the stage for the rest of their great album.

4. Foster The People – “Pumped Up Kicks”

Quite un-serious and very poppy "Pumped Up Kicks" had me hooked from the first listen mostly due to the catchiness of the light drum beat and the softness of the whistle. Although I have yet to fully understand the full meaning of the song all I care to know is that it is probably the simplest songs to remember, and I like it!

3. Tokyo Police Club – “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)”

Also another one of my favourite bands of the year, and being Canadian I can't help but exude some national pride for my fellow brothers from the north, who, like Foals were able to make a very consistent album that has many great tracks, "Wait Up" being no exception.

2. The Roots – “The Fire (feat. John Legend)”

To be honest when I first heard that The Roots were going to take a spot on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, needless to say I was worried that it would take them away from making another album and if one were to be made that it would be quite a disaster. Thankfully to my surprise that seemed not to be the case and when I heard the "The Fire" I knew I would love the album. A reasonably deep sounding track has a great combination of hip-hop/rap from Black Thought, and of course the backup of drummer ?uestlove.

1. Two Door Cinema Club – “Undercover Martyn”

Having released many singles in 2009 before coming out with their full-length album Two Door Cinema Club didn’t technically release all there songs in 2010, none the less I thought it would be only proper to include at least one song off their amazing CD. “Undercover Martyn” is an alt-rock track that has a dance edge making the song upbeat without being too pop-ish and never tiresome.

'My' Top 2010 Albums

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:57:00 +0000

I, like many people over the past month have seen dozens of reviews and comments to what the top songs and albums of 2010 were, and with many arguments going on I decided to get in on the action and comprise a list of my own with the songs and albums that 'I' view to be the best over 2010.

Top 10 Albums Of 2010:

Notables:

Toro Y Moi - "Causers Of This"
The Naked And The Famous - "Passive Me, Aggressive You"
Local Natives - "Gorilla Manor"
Land Of Talk - "Cloak & Cipher"
Broken Bells - "Broken Bells"
Zeus - "Say Us"
Gorillaz - "Plastic Beach"
Delorean - "Subiza"

20. Mumford & Sons - "Sigh No More"

19. Marina & The Diamonds - "Family Jewels"

18. Kid Cudi - "Man On The Moon, Vol. II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager"

17. Jónsi - "Go"

16. Wolf Parade - Expo 86

15. Shad - "TSOL"

14. Ra Ra Riot - "The Orchard"

13. Beach House - "Teen Dream"

12. Black Keys - "Brothers"

11. Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

10. Vampire Weekend - "Contra"

9. Frightened Rabbit - "The Winter Of Mixed Drinks"

8. The Roots - "How I Got Over"

7. Drake - "Thank Me Later"

6. Arcade Fire - "Suburbs"

5. Broken Social Scene - "Forgiveness Rock Record"

4. The National - "High Violet"

3. Tokyo Police Club - "Champ"

2. Two Door Cinema Club - "Tourist History"

1. Foals - "Total Life Forever"

Airship - "Algebra"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:45:00 +0000

Currently unsigned and looking for a record deal, Manchester's, Airship have seemed to make quite a name for themselves and gain a few tour spots around Europe including one with fellow U.K natives Biffy Clyro. As a result they have also been able to gain a small fan base. 'Algebra' off of their most recent EP gets your attention right away with the heavy thrash from the electric guitar to the smashing beats of the drums, a sound that resembles something of Bombay Bicycle Club. As any other band they can be visited on their MySpace at, http://www.myspace.com/airshiptheband, or on their official website at, http://www.airshipband.com/.

Polock - "Fireworks"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:16:00 +0000

Spain's Polock is relatively new to the indie scene and with already a relatively large hometown of followers and a record label familiar with being under the spotlight with Spanish big hit, Delorean, their popularity seems as though it will spread very quickly. 'Fireworks', off of their new CD "Getting Down From The Trees", is a quirky, upbeat, pleasant groove, consisting of that ever so sweet Spanish twang.

Antonio Paul - "City Dreams"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 04:02:00 +0000

Sounding much like Oh No! Yoko, with their keyboard synths, adolescent teen sound, and that oh so awesome Australian accent, what is produced? Pop music in it's early stages. Yes, this duo is not internationally, or even nationally known, for that matter, right now, but given that this duo is it's early stages I believe that Antonio Paul may become quite the little success. And did I mention they use an iPad? How's that for appealing to a younger audience?

THE BIRd DAY - "Gonna Beg You"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 05:52:00 +0000

With very little information about the band, "THE BIRd DAY" it is very hard to tell you about them, but to summarize in one word, a fitting description might be 'psychedelic'. And as you'll soon find out, they have a very, 'different' sound that you may or may not like, but until you listen you will never know.

Kid Cudi - "Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:59:00 +0000

Even before having being released, Kid Cudi was surrounded by hype over his latest album, "Man On The Moon, Vol. II, The Legend Of Mr.Rager" which hasn't failed to disappoint in light of its extremely long title. Although his first album, 'Man On The Moon I" is a little more to my likings, tracks on the album like, 'Revofev', 'Maniac', 'These Worries', and 'Erase Me' leave Hip-Hop/Rap nominations almost certain. The first track Scott Mescudi Vs. The World, features Cee-Lo Green and is a bouncy, deep track, which can be catchy, but somewhat annoying an repetitive. The next track Revofev, is filled with the sounds of multiple instruments, including, a violin, keyboard, drums, electric guitar, and what sounds like jingle bells. The album progresses through to the song 'Marijuana', where, as you guessed it, leaves you feeling 'high'. Most likely because of the slow passed beat and singing of angels in the background. This theme continues throughout majority of album, but despite this there are some very good instrumental and rock pieces that will leave you satisfied. Visit his website at, http://kidcudi.com/, or on his MySpace at, http://www.myspace.com/kidcudi for all album info, and concert listings.

Sonny And The Sunsets - "Too Young To Burn"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Keeping it simple, sounding raw, and without sounding dull clearly seems to be an accomplishment to most bands these days, and with the absorbent use of auto-tuners and sound enhancers there seems to be a lack of raw-natural-talent. Sonny And The Sunsets however, makes it sound easy and leaves you with a up-beat happy feeling. The band which is out of San Francisco, is comprised of Sonny Smith, Tahlia Harbour, Kelley Stoltz,and Ryan Browne and can be visited on their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/sonnythesunsets.

Wintersleep - "New Inheritors"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:28:00 +0000

With close ties to so many other big hit indie bands, it's no wonder that Wintersleep has managed to compile a good selection of songs for their latest CD, 'New Inheritors'. Only moments into listening to the CD you will find as I did, that it contains a common sound throughout the album. Tracks that stood out were, well... all of them. From the first track, Experience The Jewel, containing an opening of violin, to the final song Baltic, with its heavy drum beating and it's closing the album keeps you interested, which can't be said for many other CD's. So trust me if you have a CD to buy for the week, this should be it, you won't be disappointed.

King Charles - "Love Lust"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:10:00 +0000

No it may not be the newest song, but for those of you yet to hear the pure mix between soul full piano playing and true rock sound you have something to look forward to. Out of London England, King Charles is mix between instrumentals and alternative rock. Definitely not a new combination but the way the somewhat mediocre singing carries you throughout the song makes it a receipe for listening enjoyment. As for any other songs by King Charles, I can't confidently say that you will be all that pleased with an off and on album containing some lack lustre tracks, however I guess this will just have to suffice.

Wolf Parade - "Little Golden Age"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:59:00 +0000

Although Expo 86 has been out for a while now, and Wolf Parade have started their tour, the many posters posted around town have gotten me to look back on the 2 month old album. After listening more in-depthly into some of the songs featured on the album, "Little Golden Age" was a song in particular that got my attention. Whether it was the unique sound, or the Montreal fever that swept me over, I can say with confidence that it is one of my favourites of the year. Much like this song, the rest of the album is worth a listen, so why not head over to their MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/wolfparade and check it out.

Sorry About The Wait..., Here's A Top 5

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Yes, it's been a while since my last post, and yes, i was busy during that time. Thankfully though, i had a few findings during that time. So to catch help catch you up, here's a little list of a few songs that have struck my fancy in the past little while.

"Wet Hair (Japnadroids Cover)" - Teen Daze

Being a much more "bouncy", and slowed down version of the Japandroids' guitar-distorted rock track, Teen Daze have managed to "synth-it-up" while still maintaining the essence of the song and keeping it fresh.

"Stand In The Water" - Wildlife

For those of you who prefer a more alternative song with less keyboard and a little more acoustic, and still likes a catchy tune, "Stand In The Water" by Toronto's; Wildlife is for you. Including an intro sounding very similar to that of Mumford & Sons, the song is a very upbeat song and joyous mixture of drums and guitar, that almost anyone is guaranteed to like.

"Young Blood" - The Naked And The Famous

Unsurprisingly, there has never been a band from New Zealand in one of my posts which makes me wonder, why? From the land of Flight Of The Conchords, and Ladyhawke, New Zealand has plenty to offer. Happily though, New Zealand will get to add another name to it's resume. "Young Blood" by The Naked And The Famous is a very "Passion Pit'ish" sounding band, that, although not to everyone's liking it is definitely original.

"Like A Serenade" - Heavy Young Heathens

I can't say that I am very proud to the source of my discovery, but thanks to a little show called, "Jersey Shore", i have came across a few "fist-pumping" beats. Although, this may not be one of them, this deep and heavy song makes for a very epic YouTube video.

"Ride Friendship" - The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt

With, by far the most interesting band name to date. The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt have released their latest track "Ride Friendship". In-keeping to the theme of explosive up-beat songs, "Ride Friendship", contains a minimal amount of lyrics, turbulent piano playing and love driven beat, makes it a very simple and addictive song.

Land Of Talk - "Cloak & Cipher"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:48:00 +0000

Until recently, Land of Talk, an indie-rock trio out of Montreal, was a completely unknown band to me. Despite hearing thier successful hit with 'It's Ok', I had not one bit of clue to who, or what, Land of Talk was. However thanks to a few other sources I came across this Broken Social Scene sounding group, and was pleasently suprised. With contributions from members of bands like, Arcade Fire, Stars, Besnard Lakes, and Wintersleep, the album is a creative yet easy listen. The first track off of this newest album is 'Cloak and Cipher' is a good track that sets the stage for the rest of the album, and leaves a good first impression. The next few tracks 'Goaltime Exposure' and 'Quarry Hymns' are my favourite tracks, and prove why Land of Talk is worthy of an honourable mention. This series of solid tracks is carried throughout out the rest of the album, but instead of my review every single track I suggest you go out and buy the album and enjoy this great piece of work. To see more of Land Of Talk, visit their website on http://www.landoftalk.com/ or on their MySpace on http://www.myspace.com/landoftalk

Winter Gloves - "Plastic Slides"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:56:00 +0000

With such a continuous flow of great new music coming out of Montreal, there is no wonder that it is in the indie spotlight and will continue to be thanks to talents like Winter Gloves. Winter Gloves who have recently released their fourth CD, All Red, a 11 track rock-pop album consisting of at least, 3 or 4 hits is a must listen . The song in particular that struck me was, 'Plastic Slides'. Although it contains no outrageous electric synths or a crazy guitar solo, it is pure indie rock with a catchy beat. To see more of Winter Gloves' music visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/wintergloves.

Arcade Fire - "We Used To Wait" Music Video

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:01:00 +0000

Possibly, if not the greatest music video to date, has hit the internet! Created by Chris Milk, with the help of Google, 'We Used To Wait' has been made into a completely interactive experience. The video, which can only be used on Google Chrome, allows the viewer to be incorporated into the video. The video starts off by asking for the your home address. After doing so the video begins, followed by a series of windows that pop up including one with the main video. It is from here that you are lead through these windows and into Google Earth where you "make your way home". The video was more so created to show off what can be done with HTML 5 but all the cool features aside, it is a great video that truely must be seen. To view the video open up your Google Chrome browser, (download from Google) and then go to http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/,then wait, and watch.

Klaxons - "Echoes"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Like they have done many times before, the Klaxons have managed to make an interesting and catchy tune; one that can be listened to on replay over and over again without getting old. Sounding much like any other Klaxons song, 'Echoes' is Alternative Psychedelic Pop at it's best and it is because of song like this that will keep the Klaxons on the radar.

All My Friends & Oh No! Yoko - "Megan Fox"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:39:00 +0000

Now, I know what your thinking, Megan Fox? Does Megan Fox seem a worthy adversary to have a song named, and sung after her? However I assure you that the song itself is worthy of more praise then her, "exceptional acting skills". The song is an up-beat, synth-pop track that may not be a very lyrically inclined song, but after giving it a listen you will be saying, Meeeeegan, Meeeeegan. To get the song for free visit All My Friends, Bandcamp at http://allmyfriends.bandcamp.com/track/megan-fox.

Megan Fox by indiecurrent

Sphynx - "Razberry Wine"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:13:00 +0000

Hailing from Austin, Texas is Sphynx, an alternative-electric band, consisting of three band members, Aaron, Todd, and Cory. The band, which is not shy about using keyboard synthsis, has a very electronic sound without overdoing it. To download the song, it can be found on iTunes, or can be downloaded for free off of thier bandcamp website, http://sphynx.bandcamp.com/track/razberry-wine-single.

Razberry Wine by indiecurrent

Thieves Like Us - "Again And Again"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:33:00 +0000

With songs like 'Forget Me Not' and 'The Walk', The American-Swedish trio, Thieves Like Us has released thier sophmore album, 'Again And Again'. The album is filled with electric beats, and an overall eclectic sound. The album starts off with the track 'Not Known Love'(not my favourite), which is a deep, 80's sounding, mix of well..., I'm not really sure. Happily though, the album is saved by the following track 'Shyness', which is a track a little more to my liking, due to is up-beat vibe. The same sound is carried throughout the majority of the rest of the album, on tracks like 'One Night With You', and 'Lover Lover'. However, the song that really makes this album is 'Forget Me Not'. By far my favourite, due to the catchy keyboard synth, and acoustic guitar riff, which is carried throughout the song. If you would like to check out more by Thieves Like Us, visit their website at http://www.thieves-like-us.com/ or on their myspace, http://www.myspace.com/thieveslikeus.

Frends - "Average Camps"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:53:00 +0000

No it's not a spelling error. Ohio's Frends has released thier new single 'Average Camps',a jumpy, keyboard and drum filled single that is quite a catch. Also finished off with a blast of sound at the end.

Average Camps by indiecurrent

EL-P - "Time Won't Tell"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:22:00 +0000

Time Won't Tell, off of EL-P's (El Producto), new album 'Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3' is true to form with heavy beats, a deep base and distorted guitar riffs. The combination between them flows so elegantly throughout the song, leaving you immersed in the beat driven hip-hop song. If your looking for even more songs like this, there is plenty more found on the album with songs like 'Meanstreak', 'He Hit Her So She Left', and 'Eat My Garbage 2'. Sadly however, none of the songs are available for free download through EL-P's website, so you will have to purchase the song through iTunes or through another source to get the song.

Jai Paul - "BTSTU"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:39:00 +0000

With the heavy electric beats rumbling from the streets of London, U.K comes the Pop / Hip-Hop group Jai Paul. The duo's single BTSTU, is filled with heavy bass, subtle singing and finished off with futuristic laser beam sounds; a dangerously good combination that adds that extra 'Pizzazz' to the single. Surely one to check out.

Wildlife - "Stand In The Water"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:05:00 +0000

With their new EP - "Strike Hard, Young Diamond" out, Toronto's, Wildlife is becoming more recognized by the Canadian indie scene. The first single "Stand In The Water", off of their latest EP, is a mix of alternative and folk rhythms resulting in a well put together easy going track. To hear more about Wildlife, visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/wildlifemusic1.

Arcade Fire - "Suburbs"

noreply@blogger.com (Indie Current) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:57:00 +0000

With the release of the new Arcade Fire album 'The Suburbs' (available August 3rd), on it's eve, fans are on thier toes for the highly anticipated release. However for those who can't wait, Arcade Fire has pre-released two tracks off of the upcoming CD through iTunes which can be bought for about $1.98 CAD. Despite this, the album has inevitably been leaked onto the internet and can be found on various websites, including YouTube where the tracks have already seen much foot traffic. As a result of this, I was able to give the album a listen too and can say that almost all of the tracks are a good combination of acoustic and instrumental beats. The album begins with the track "The Suburbs" and moves into deep feeling tracks with, "Ready To Start" and "Rococo". Overall I would give the album 4/5 and can say that I would not be surprised to see a Juno or NME nod for this spectacular album. The indie rockers from Montreal, Quebec kick off their tour in thier hometown at the Osheaga Festival with other performers such as Keane, The National, The Black Keys, and fellow Canadian's Metric, and Stars. Osheaga is then followed by a series of shows in the US including Boston, Philidephilia, New York, Columbia, Chicago, Nashville and Atlanta, stopping back in Toronto before heading off to Europe for a few jampacked shows.