Too Roads

The Dead Trees "Back To L.A."

2011-06-19T01:56:00.000-07:00

"I wanna go back to L.A., back to L.A, back to L.A."

Top 10 Albums of 2010

2010-12-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

I truly can't express how much I miss blogging about music. However, though it is ridiculously fun, it is very time consuming. Anyways, who cares about me, let's talk about the music of 2010! Here are my picks for the top albums of 2010.

--10--

Sonny and the Sunsets - "Tomorrow is Alright" / "Gorillaz - Plastic Beach"

As I was making my list I was struggling to choose between these two albums. Gorillaz' "Plastic Beach" is like a playground of different songs and Sonny and the Sunsets' "Tomorrow Is Alright" is just a straight up folk jam! So I just combined the two for the #10 spot.

Sonny and the Sunsets - "Death Cream"
Gorillaz - "White Flag"

--9--

Laarks - "An Exaltation of Laarks"

I'm not really sure what a "Laark" is but what I am sure of is that Laarks' debut album "An Exaltation of Laarks" is a promising debut album. This album is chalk full of energy, synthesizers and one hell of a drummer. Lets say....Postal Service meets The National. Probably not a very good comparison but it'll do. Laarks may have an ordinary and similar sound to most bands, but they have a unique of constructing and delivering their songs.

Laarks - "All the Words You Can't Say Right"

--8--

The War On Drugs - "Future Weather EP"

Even though this EP was released at the end of October it reminisces summertime. These ambient, folk jams that feel like they are played in a stadium, urge to be played while traveling on summer day as the sun dies into the hills.

The War On Drugs - "Comin' Through"

--7--
Damien Jurado - "Saint Bartlet"

I could have added this album for the opening song "Cloudy Shoes" alone. However, the whole album follows in "Cloudy Shoes"s.......shoes. Subtle, simple and sad but easily enjoyable folk songs fronted by Jurado's Neil Young esque vocals. "Love is not painless, it's poison"!

Damien Jurado - "Cloudy Shoes"
Damien Jurado - "Arkansas"

--6--

Menomena - "Mines"

"Mines" is another chapter in Menomena's avante-garde approach to music. The songs that make up "Mines" require multiple listens in order to catch the quirky 2-measure sounds that pop up and leave. From straight forward jams like "Queen Black Acid" and "TAOS" from inconsistent, head-scratchers "Killemall" and "Lunchmeat", "Mines" will have you indubitably (pretentious word, I know, really wanted to use it though) listening closer and closer with each listen.

Menomena - "Queen Black Acid"
Menomena - "Killemall"

--5--

The Black Keys - "Brothers"

"Brothers" is a rock album. A damn good rock album. With the exception of "Too Afraid To Love You" and "The Go Getter" it's evident from the opening track (probably my favorite on the album) "Everlasting Light" that The Black Keys wanted to relax and make an enjoyable rock album. Though there are deeper stories within some songs they are usually masked by an accessible bluesy rock outfit. Whether you want to indulge in the stories and lyrics in context with the music or just straight up jam, this album delivers.

The Black Keys - "Everlasting Light"
The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"

--4--

Tame Impala - Innerspeaker

If I had a list of top summer albums, Tame Impala's debut album "Innerspeaker" would probably top it. I'll never forget starting the album with no expectations to go by and hearing "It Is Not Meant to Be" begin. I was in love with the band from the opening track. But to my good fortune that rest of the album continued to deliver just as good atmospheric, classic-rock sounding songs. "Lucidity" sounds like it is coming straight from the Beatles, only better and "Solitude is Bliss" sounds like a Phoenix song, only better. Aussie's Tame Impala is definitely one of the best new bands to arrive in 2010.

Tame Impala - "Runaway, Houses, City, Clouds"

Tame Impala - "Lucidity"

--3--

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Halcyon Digest is the name of Deerhunter's latest album, and is an apt description for the album. Everything about this album suggests a halcyon feel, whether it's upbeat, headboppers like "Revival" (one of my favorite songs of the year) and "Desire Lines" or slowed down indulges like "He Would Have Laughed" and "Helicopter" (even though I prefer the live BBC version to the studio version).

Deerhunter - "Helicopter"

Deerhunter - "Revival"

--2--

Liars - Sisterworld

"Sisterworld" is probably the most unique album of 2010, in my opinion. Throughout this entire album there lingers this subtle, eery feel. Just listen to opening track "Scissor" and you will know what I'm talking about. Songs like "No Barrier Fun" and "Drip" are straight up 100% chillers, while "Scarecrows On A Killer Slant" and "The Overachievers" are in your face rockers. Nearly every melody is creepy and unusual. Standout moments on the album arrive with creeping violens, whispers, and harmonized vocals. This is one of those albums where you have to listen to it from start to finish. Near the end you might feel creeped the hell out, pumped on how awesome the album is....or like me.... both.

Liars - "Scissor"

Liars - "Proud Evolution"

Liars - "Scarecrows on a Killer Slant"

--1--

The Walkmen - Lisbon

Ah yes, The Walkmen. My most anticipated album of 2010. I was somewhat apprehensive to listen to this album. You know when you look forward to something so much and find out it's not what you expected? That's what I was afraid of. But oh boy did these guys deliver. I love every Walkmen album, but this is probably one of my favorites, up there with "You And Me" and "Everybody Who Pretended To Like Me Is Gone". This is a much cleaner and polished album than its predecessors. Don't get me wrong, their earlier albums were meant to sound a bit rugged and that's is what I loved about them. But this album is a more clear version of the Walkmen. Still the same unique melodies with additional horns and tingy guitar all the while fronted by Hamilton Leithauser's somewhat whiny and raspy voice. Some songs on the album reminisce old gloomy 50's style songs like "Torch Song" and "Stranded" which is something The Walkmen have always been competent in doing. Lisbon is a polished, accessible album that continues The Walkmen's signature sound.

The Walkmen - "Stranded"

The Walkmen - "Angela Surf City"

The Walkmen - "Juveniles"

Well, there's my list. What you think? Agree? Disagree? "Wheres the National"? "Where's the Arcade Fire"? "Wheres (insert band you feel deserves 1st)"?

Lemme know what you think.

MP3 Mash Up

2010-07-12T23:47:00.001-07:00

----- TOO ROADS -----

--- MP3 MASH UP ---

"Burn The Beach" – Leisure Birds
"Mr. Peterson" – Perfume Genius

"Cloudy Shoes" – Damien Jurado

"Girlfriend" – Ty Segall

"Tea Lights" – Lower Dens

"USA Boys" - Health

"Younger Us" - Japandroids

"Away Frm U" - Oberhofer

"Little Brown Haired Girl" – Frankie Hill and the Outs

"You Can't Be Alone" – All Saints Day

"There Goes My Baby (The Drifters Cover)" – The Walkmen

"Eyesore" – Women

"Saturday Morning" – Slow Animal

"Violet Eyes" – My Gold Mask

"World War 2 (Pt. 2)" – Wax Fang

Download Here

Check Out: Linfinity "MSG"

2010-07-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Check out this jam from New York's Linfinity!

"The only way out is a Mercedes Benz!"

"MSG" Free MP3

Check Out: Holy F$#% "Red Lights"

2010-07-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Holy F$#% "Red Lights"

Yes, yes... I know. Their name is a bit crude. But before you disregard their music with presumptions of naughty lyrics, give em a chance, because the most you'll hear lyrically from these guys is "oooohhh" or maybe "ahhhhh". I urge, nay, beg you to listen to this song "Red Lights" from their latest album Latin. It's funky, groovy, echoic and a straight up jam! Enjoy it. And check out their live performance below!

Check Out: All Saints Day "You Can't Be Alone"/ Oberhofer "Awy Frm U"

2010-06-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Check out these songs and download the mp3 fo free!

All Saints Day "You Can't Be Alone"

"You Can't Be Alone" Free MP3

Oberhofer "Awy Frm U"

"Away Frm U" Free MP3

Check Out: Shimmering Stars "I'm Gonna Try"

2010-06-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Shimmering Stars are a group from British Colombia, Canada who play lethargic 50's reminiscent rock pop music. They currently don't have much out but what they do have is definitely promising. It's evident that they have a sense of humor and enjoy what they play. Their song "I'm Gonna Try",begins with a sunny and beachy introduction and follows suit with harmonized happy vocals that ironically sing the opposite. The first words you hear are "Walking down the street and I wanna kill everyone I meet" which are sung in a skippy, fun melody. Check Em Out!

"I'm Gonna Try" Free MP3

Its Been A Long Time Friends

2010-06-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I want to apologize immensely for my avoidance and lack of posting. From finals to a new job, things have been pretty busy. I am going to do my best to update this as much as possible but I regret to say that daily posting probably won't happen. So with that said here is a song by Tame Imapala who just put out their debut album "Innerspeaker".

"Runaway, City, Houses, Clouds" Free MP3

Will Be Back Soon

2010-05-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posts. Been pretty busy lately.
WILL BE BACK SOON!

Sun House "Endless Spring"

Check Out: Absolutely Kosher Sampler #2

2010-05-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Remember that earlier compilation from Absolutely Kosher? Well the generous people at the record label have released a second FREE compilation! With songs from Laarks' latest album, their latest addition to the label, Wax Fang, and many, many others. Check it out, snag a free download and enjoy!

"Absolutely Kosher Sampler"

Check Out: Bracken "Heathens"

2010-05-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

I came upon this song randomly while searching for information on Aesop Rock. I was searching through the Anticon website (label of Aesop Rock, Why?, etc.) while a pop-up player started playing this song. I disregarded it for about the first 30 seconds and kept reading. Eventually this sick little melody started looping and waves of percussion backed it up. I immediately stopped reading and searched around for the player to see what song was playing and was fortunately introduced to this song. Check it out!

"Heathens" Free MP3

Check Out: Our Orthodox

2010-05-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

Our Orthodox is the moniker of Los Angeles resident Neal Harris who recently released his first self-titled album. Does the album artwork style look familiar? Yes? No? Well, keen eyes might notice a similarity in record artwork of Okkervil River. Why? Because they both were created by the hands of William Schaff. However, the similarities between Our Orthodox and Okkervil River reach much deeper than just the artwork; the lay in the sound as well.

Our Orthodox brings music back to its sincerity and authenticity. Like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, the most you will hear on the album, with exception of the first song, is pure acoustic guitar, vocals that sound as if they are sung directly to you through your speakers, and occasional percussion. Just some good ole' country jams. However, the album follows a story of, according to his synopsis, a young man whose own distaste for religion conflicts with his love for a genuinely spiritual girl.

So, what we got here is a return to music in its purest and most basic form. No pretentious vocals and no excessive sounds or instruments. Just a boy and his guitar. Harris manages to avoid the common mistakes of beginning one-man projects by simply recording what’s in his heart and not what he feels others want to hear. So let him tell his story, let him explain how he can't listen to songs from his golden age on "My Records". His blood is thin and his heart is too small he proclaims, but by the end of this album you'll notice that his heart is quite big.

<a href="http://ourorthodox.com/album/our-orthodox">Our Orthodox by Our Orthodox</a>

Buy and stream the album and check out his website HERE

Check Out: Sonny And The Sunsets

2010-05-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I came across a song called “Death Cream” by a band called Sonny and the Sunsets. I began listening to the song and was immediately hooked. The song starts with a lethargic and sunny plastered guitar strumming along with a simple drum beat. Eventually a piano and bass slyly creep in and this folky jam is created. Sonny Smith, lead singer and founder of the band, begins singing about a small tube of cream he finds in his car and how he puts it on his arm. After applying himself with the cream he decides to take his little tube and “spread it all around”. “De-De-De! De-De-De ! De-De-Death Cream!” is what is eventually heard.

This incredibly humorous yet eerie anecdote is a perfect example and feel of what Sonny and the Sunsets are all about: clever, witty lyrics, good ole’ simple folk jams and all around fun. With their debut album “Tomorrow is Alright”, released under Soft Abuse Records, they sprinkle each one of these characteristics into every one of their songs. For example, on “Planet of Women”, Sonny sings about his experience on a planet where “all the men were slaves” and “dressed up in chains” and a queen who goes by the name of Queen I-Like-It-Like-That. Other songs like “Stranded”, “Bad Vibes and Evil Thoughts” and “Strange Love” all contain catchy, easy-going melodies with rather simple but sharp lyrics.

Tomorrow is Alright is a straight-up summer album, musically and lyrically. It is very accessible and will more than likely put you in a good mood. Not to mention it features members of Thee Oh Sees, the Fresh & Onlys, Citay, and Kelley Stoltz on the album. The album is out now and a 7’’ EP from Future Stress Recordings is available in black or blue-yellow vinyl. The EP features three unreleased but just as good (trust me) songs as well as “Stranded” from their LP. Free digi-download codes are included and for a dollar more you can snag a super-limited comic book penned and illustrated by Sonny himself! All of this for under 10 bucks man. Pretty sweet.

Snag the 7’’ HERE
Future Stress Recordings Website HERE
Soft Abuse Recordings Website HERE
Snag a free download of “Death Cream”
Snag a free download of "Stranded"

Guest Review: The Good Wives' "Songs For White Girls With Body Image Issues"

2010-04-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

I asked my buddy Firefly over at Indie Arto to do a guest review for Too Roads and he happily agreed to do so. Well, he went above and beyond a wrote a terrific review! Check it out!

The Good Wives are brought to you by singer/songwriter Jacob Bruggman, who hails from the Pacific Northwest and has been creating music since 2005. Bruggman has just released the debut full-length album “Songs for White Girls with Body Image Issues”, for this sense shattering album Bruggman collaborated with Engineer/Producer Matt McMonagle of The Jackson Climb Studios, who not only performed all of his recording duties but also added some bass guitar, electric guitar and keys to the album. Another employee from The Jackson Climb Studio, namely Nicholas Alexander, added some vocal flavor to the track Cheap Wine. Apart from them, Jesse and Luke Williams of the band Youth Rescue Mission also contributed their vocal skills to the track Late Night Taxi Cab Blues. The record was recording in 2008 and 2009, thanks to the capable staff of The Jackson Climb Studios. Now that you have an idea of what and who the Good Wives are, let’s take a look at their latest album “Songs for White Girls with Body Image Issues”.

Ok so here we have a very plain album cover but do not let this deceive you, because what is contained on the album housed by this album cover is pure delight. When I listened to the album I picked up to major elements or rather influences, namely the intense vocals which can be compared to that of Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes and Desaparecidios (just to name a few) and secondly instrumental vividness of none other than Modest Mouse, especially on their last album “No one’s first and you’re next”. The lyrics prove to be captivating, ranging from narrations to first person accounts. To be honest, I must admit that I was a complete sucker for this album, I could just sort of relate to the songs but like with any album there are a couple of tracks which seem to just jump out of the speakers and grab you by the ears, in this case they are Imperialistic Blues, Wedding Bands and the three consecutive songs Apathy is stronger than Love, Loose Strings and Cheap Wine. I just found that these songs contained a lot of soul and depth which can be appreciated by an indie aficionado or just a regular person who happens to tune into the song while it is playing on the radio. So to sum it all up, I would definitely recommend this album as a must have and at at price of 5$, it is a steal, so please check out the links below, where you can get your hands on the album. I always keep the best for last; The Good Wives have two previous albums “Mamma – Get Your Babies to the Church” and “Same Song, Different Era”, these are available for download at your own specified price (there is no minimum), so it is basically free but if you find that you liked them, pay the man! Enjoy.

BIG THANKS TO FIREFLY OVER AT INDIE ARTO. CHECK OUT HIS AMAZING BLOG!!

Check Out: New M.I.A Song

2010-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

M.I.A has released a new single from her forthcoming album and it is SICK. "Born Free" is a straight up punk-rock, raw, in your face jam. Her vocals echo like she's singing the lyrics at the end of a hallway. Snag the MP3 and let it rock you. And if your daring enough, take a stab at watching her very NSFW, explicit, but nonetheless intriguing video which shows red-headed kids being brutally gathered by a police force.

"Born Free" Free MP3

"Born Free" Video

Also, stay tuned for a guest review of The Good Wives' latest album from good friend of Too Roads, Firefly of Indie Arto. Check out his great blog!

Check Out: Waaga Compilation

2010-04-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

Waaga Records is a rising record label based out of Sacramento, CA. I'm not familiar with any of the bands that are based on the label but thankfully they released the 15-track compilation for free. I've only listened to the first two songs which definitely promises something spectacular. So snag it and lets check out what these guys are all about!

Snag the compilation HERE

Check out their website HERE

Also, feel free to ask me anything, or suggest anything on my Formspring!

Check Out: MP3 Mash Up!

2010-04-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

----- TOO ROADS -----

--- MP3 MASH UP ---

"Burn The Beach" – Leisure Birds
"Mr. Peterson" – Perfume Genius

"Cloudy Shoes" – Damien Jurado

"Girlfriend" – Ty Segall

"Tea Lights" – Lower Dens

"USA Boys" - Health

"Younger Us" - Japandroids

"Away Frm U" - Oberhofer

"Little Brown Haired Girl" – Frankie Hill and the Outs

"You Can't Be Alone" – All Saints Day

"There Goes My Baby (The Drifters Cover)" – The Walkmen

"Eyesore" – Women

"Saturday Morning" – Slow Animal

"Violet Eyes" – My Gold Mask

"World War 2 (Pt. 2)" – Wax Fang

Download Here

Check Out: Sensual Harassment

2010-04-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sensual Harassment, from Brooklyn, will be a band you are more-than-likely going to hear more about in the future. Why? Well, take their latest single "Fever" for example. The song starts off with bouncing synths and is interrupted by this awesome loose hi-hat/snare drum beat. From there the song only builds and gets better. A guitar melody similar to the synths enters soon and eventually the hollow and echo sounding vocals can be heard. This is one hell of a catchy song that evokes the 80's synth pop style and will surely cause your head to bop along.
Check out their website to here other songs and snag a free download, courtesy of the band, of "Fever" below!

"Fever" Free MP3
Sensual Harassment's: Myspace
Sensual Harassment's: Website

HAPPY RECORD STORE DAY!

2010-04-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Record Store Day guys!
Shoot a comment below and tell what you all you did/snagged on this fine day.
I snagged the new Local Natives album (finally), the remastered Galaxie 500 album "On Fire" and was introduced to a project, prior to The Walkmen's creation, called Jonathon Fire*Eater...and it's sick!
Hope you had a good one!

"Airplanes" Free MP3

"When The Curtain Calls For You" Free MP3

Check Out: MiniBoone Interview and Dirty On Purpose

2010-04-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Remember MiniBoone? Well, my good friend Firefly from Indie Arto has a hilarious interview up with them right now and you need to read it!

Also, check out this song from Dirty On Purpose called "Monument"!

Check Out: Fiveng

2010-04-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

From San Francisco, CA, Fiveng is a one man bedroom project. Of course, like most "bedroom projects" it sounds nothing like a guy tinkering around with some instruments in his room; it sounds like a full band playing. Fiveng creates incredibly catchy music all the while singing distantly away. Snag a download of his songs "Jonah" and "Skin" and check out his Myspace.
Hope you enjoy!

"Jonah" Free MP3, "Skin" Free MP3

More Participants!

2010-04-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who have participated! This will continue for some time so tell your friends! If I get enough I'll try and make a little slide show of everyone. Just take a pic of yourself with your favorite album or any album you like and it to.... Its_Calvin@hotmail.com

Bobby Jones of Indie.Pleasures, "Another City, Another Sorry" by The Answering Machine

Florence with Bombay Bicycle Club's "I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose"

Stuart (lead singer from the Oxygen Index*good stuff!*) with Maccabees’ ‘Wall of Arms’

Tabetha with The XX's excellent self-titled debut album

Conor, from Broken Lighting with Courteeners "Falcon"

Jeremy, author of the awesome music blog On The Tune, with Los Campesinos!' "Romance is Boring"

Thank You SO Much For Your Participation!
With that I will leave you with this amazing track from Colorado duo Gauntlet Hair!!
"I Was Thinking..." - Gauntlet Hair (Free MP3)

http://tooroads.blogspot.com/

Let's Have Some Fun: Results/ New Menomena Song!

2010-04-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

On an earlier post I displayed a picture of me holding the new Fang Island album (which I have been playing non-stop every since) and gave the opportunity for others to do the same, only with albums that they liked. Wwweeelllll luckily it wasn't a total blow out! Bobby Jones of Indie.Pleasures, participated and chose the debut album "Another City, Another Sorry" by The Answering Machine, whom I am unaware of but will definitely check out. Big big big big big thanks to Mr. Jones for the participation. I will continue to run this little schindig for awhile so if you still want to participate just send me a picture of you holding your favorite album/album of choice at Its_Calvin@hotmail.com!

Also, indie rockers, Menomena, will be releasing their new album on July 27th!!! Check out their new song "Pilgrim's Progress".

Check Out: New Band Of Horses Song!!

2010-04-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Band of Horses has released a new teaser single for their upcoming album Infinite Arms called "Compliments". The song sticks to what BoH does best. The recording and production is a bit crummy but hey? free new Band Of Horses song. I'm down!
Enjoy
"Compliments"

Let's Have Some Fun

2010-04-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Who's that goofy dude holding the new Fang Island album? Yah, that's me.I haven't listened to it yet but I'm super stoked to.
Anyways, the reason I uploaded this picture was because of this idea I have. Just for fun, upload and send a picture of you holding your favorite album, your favorite album of 2010.....whatever you want to show. Send it in and regardless, I'll post it!If you are uncomfortable with showing your face, that's totally fine, maybe cover your face with the album.
Have fun! Send pics to its_calvin@hotmail.com
Oh and.....please. No nudity. thank ya!

Check out The Lighthouse and The Whaler's "White Days"