The Weather Machines

 South Dakota doesn't strike me as having much to offer- but they do have The Weather Machines. Or, did, rather, as the band is currently on hiatus.

No bother though, you can still enjoy the poppy goodness of Jason Ward and company.


The Weather Machines - Modern Text On Love

The Weather Machines | MySpace Music Videos

Free Energy

Har Mar Superstar covered "Something in Common" at his Chicago show a few nights ago and then posted the video. Thanks, Har Mar, for turning me on to this great band.

If you like laid back friendly rock, check them out:


"Free Energy" from Free Energy on Vimeo.

More music after the jump.

Janelle Monae- Tightrope

Janelle Monae rocks. She's sassy, has killer style, and an incredible voice. I think i'd like to be her when I grow up. I first heard about her in 2007, when her Metropolis EP was released. Metropolis is five songs of pure awesome, and i've been waiting impatiently for a full length album since then. Finally, after three years, The Archandroid will be released on May 18. Since that's still too far away for my liking, this video will have to do.

MUSE live at SXSW

It's no secret that MUSE is probably my favorite band ever, and finally seeing them live last December just cemented that. These guys are incredibly talented of course, but there's just nothing better than having every one of your ridiculously high expectations exceeded at a live show. I'll be seeing them again in 19 days when they roll through Phoenix, and here's a little something to keep the anticipation up.

MUSE live from SXSW, via myspace.


Muse - Live from South By Southwest 2010

MUSE | MySpace Music Videos

OK Go- This Too Shall Pass

If you aren't familiar with OK Go, you've clearly been living under a rock. (If you need a memory jog, they did that cool synchronized treadmill dance in the video for "There it Goes Again") These guys not only produce some great, energetic music, but their videos are always worth watching. Insanely creative and usually band-produced, I haven't seen one yet that I didn't like. Their newest one, an alternate video for "This Too Shall Pass", tops even the treadmill dance. The band created and built the entire machine! Check it out:

Video of the day- Miles Kurosky: Dog in the Burning Building

Admittedly, I never got into Beulah like well- a lot of people- but I dig Kurosky's solo stuff. His first solo album, The Desert of Shallow Effects, will be released on March 9.

Har Mar Superstar- Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Funny story about Har Mar- the first time I saw him, I was a bit terrified. But as all good things do, he grew on me. His live shows are great, and the newest addition of having a live band for backing instead of a boom box make them even better.

The Step and the Walk by The Duke Spirit

by J.Paul

Lately I can't get enough of this band and their brilliant-all-the-way-through release from 2008, Neptune.  It's one of those records where each song has it's own vibe but manages to flow perfectly from the previous song and then into the next.  Each member has impressive musical chops and the singer, Leila, has got beautiful, room-filling pipes.  I also really enjoy the background juxtaposition of an album featuring nautical themes but recorded in a desert.  This pleases me.  Should appeal to just about any discerning rock'n'roll fan.  They're working on a third album and I can't wait, especially for the live show.

His Take - We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat by The Brighton Port Authority

by J.Paul

This record starts out with "He's Frank" a groovy, chilled out tune with Iggy Pop in full on Avenue B, grouchy old man singspeak mode. The music is head-bobbingly catchy and sounds like it might have been lifted from a commercial for sofa coverings, circa 1967. Kind of like something mundane is trying to be really happy and awesome, and it's succeeding admirably.

I break down the rest of the songs after the jump...

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Heaven Can Wait

By Cori

Today marks the release of Charlotte Gainsbourg's new album Irm, a collaboration with and produced by Beck. In honor of that, check out the video for one of the album's singles- "Heaven Can Wait".

(Ed. Note 2/1/10: J.Paul thought this exchange was worth appending to this post)

cori: :) I have good ideas occasionally.

j.paul: hey why don't you review the charlotte gainsbourg album? i just remembered that you posted the video when it released.

there's a good idea ;)

cori: that would mean i'd have to listen to it again.

once is enough

except that one song.

j.paul: hahaha

Muse - Resistance

by Cori

I love this band, and I feel no shame in admitting that. Yeah, they're one of those bands- the ones with huge, major label funding and (shudder) stadium shows- but they also happen to be a group of incredibly talented guys, and they put on one hell of a live show.

This video doesn't have the benefit of some cool concept or plot, but it definitely got me geeked all over again for the upcoming show in April.

Blankest Year by Nada Surf

by J.Paul

This song pretty much sums it up for me right now.  I think it's become my anthem for right this minute.  It's rare that I'll actually put a single track on repeat, but this one has earned that unique distinction.  Thanks Nada Surf.

The Weakerthans - Sun in an Empty Room

by Cori

The Weakerthans are incredibly underrated and,  for me, are one of the few bands that have the power to evoke deep emotional responses to their songs. Check this song out and see if it doesn't touch you at least a little bit.

Joe Pug - Hymn 101

by Cori

Joe Pug is one of the many great discoveries from last year's SXSW festival. His lyrics are wise beyond his years, and the simple guitar melodies are beautiful. He'll be performing at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix on February 8. Here's the video.

Brandi Carlile - Mad World (Live, Cover)

by Cori

I can't take credit for finding this awesome little gem(Ed. note: No, but I can! -J.Paul), but it's definitely worth sharing. Many have covered this song, originally released in 1982 by Tears for Fears, but this version is by far my favorite.

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp

by Cori

Yeasayer seems to be one of those bands that people either love or hate, but I think their new album, Odd Blood, could be the one that propels them out of relative obscurity. It's good. Really good.

Here's the video for their first single off the new album, to be released February 9.

Spoon- Written In Reverse

by Cori

Spoon is one of those completely underrated bands that no one seems to know, but everyone has heard at least once. I am insanely excited for the release of Spoon's upcoming album, Transference. Here's the first single.

Papercuts- Future Primitive

by Cori

I came across this band by accident- but it turned out to be a happy accident, as their album is awesome.
You Can Have What You Want isn't exactly new- it was released in April- but it was a great find and a fun listen.