There’s a reason why Okkervil River’s latest record, “The Stand Ins,” sounds a lot like their last release, “The Stage Names;” it’s because they were recorded at the same time. Slightly less contemplative than its predecessor, “The Stand Ins” consists of tunes that didn’t make it on last year’s fantastic release. But don’t call it [...]

We recently reviewed Fujiya and Miyagi‘s new release, “Lightbulbs,” and now we’re happy to give you something for nothing! You can win a copy of the CD and a T-Shirt (sizes available: Men’s M or L; Women’s one-size-fits-all), just by dropping a comment with your e-mail address and T-Shirt size. You MUST include your e-mail [...]

(buy this at allposters.com) 1. It’s the theme song from the only X-Rated movie ever to win an Oscar. 2. Luna. Shoegazer fascination! 3. Willie Nelson. Awesomely tasty, gently pleasant! 4. Jesse Malin. From his new covers album, which I hope to be giving away soon! 5. Codetalkers. Even unknown bands sound good doing it! [...]

Great album title, great album cover. Oh My God will release their new record on October 14th, after a couple horrific accidents requiring the entire band to go into physical therapy. It’s bluesy alternative rock, with organs and guitars and, of course, lots of noise. Their videos are all over youtube, and if I was [...]

Weinland is a guy’s name. Seriously. But there’s an Adam before it and a Shearer after it. He’s the vocalist, guitarist, and vibraphone player on the astounding new album, “La Lamentor.” From the first alt-country(ish) track, “God Here I Come,” the album is gripping, thought-provoking, suspenseful and passionate. That first track is a gentle, acoustic, [...]

“Alright,” the first track on the gender-ambiguously named-and-sounding Jesse Dee’s first LP, “Bittersweet Batch,” and it begins with pumping horns and a voice that falls somewhere between Sam Cooke, Aaron Neville, and Martha Reeves. It’s a feel-good, do-good, be-happy tune, simple, bouncy, and full of nonstop energy. A perfect start to a near-perfect album. Jesse [...]

1. I Know You Got Soul-Simply Red 2. Soul Power-Smashing Pumpkins 3. Victim of Da Funk-James Brown vs. The Eagles (Mash Up) 4. Cold Sweat-My Morning Jacket 5. Hot Tub!-Eddie Murphy 6. Get Up/Sex Machine-Dirty Dozen Brass Band7. James Brown Medley-Big Head Todd and the Monsters 8. Cold Sweat-Was (not was) 9. What So We [...]