Hold On Magnolia

This Seems Like A Good Way To Release A Record

As previously mentioned way back when, there's a very good band called PORTUGAL THE MAN who are releasing a new album later this year. I think they've had a few record company issues I believe and have put a lot of their own work, maybe money into getting this album going

I think they're putting it out themselves, offering numerous packages for pre-order to suit whoever who wants to buy the album - and everyone who pre-orders the album can download from the 1st September

I like these ideas. Check out the whole scheme at the website, and listen at the Myspace:

http://portugaltheman.net/

http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman

I don't know where Batcat went, I'm sorry...

Soundtrack to this post: Portgual The Man!

Batcat

Soundtrack to this post: Jeniferever

Sweden's Panda Magazine

There is a magazine in Sweden called Panda Magazine. I don't really know much about it, their website is all in Swedish

But they have a free MP3 section and quite often giveaway / tip some ace bands.

Check it out:

http://www.pandamagazine.se/?cat=42

Soundtrack to this post: Russian Circles - Station

American Lyrical Prowess

Let us not forget America's number one for the last 6 weeks has been the exemplary, thought provoking - 'I Kissed A Girl' 

I will personally take Dizzee Rascal

Soundtrack to this post: PNAU feat. Ladyhawke

Highbrow Lo-Fi

Having a lazy Sunday, and picked up The Observer. In the review section there's an article on American bands intelligent lyrics and music, and berating the lack of English 'representatives' in this field of clever music

Sorry, that's not a great description, I am not great with words, and articles like this make me very angry. You can find the article online here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/aug/03/popandrock

 It's articles like this, that over hype, good but not amazing bands, and totally fail to acknowledge the existance of many a fine band. The bands mentioned are all pretty good, and some of them do write pretty fine lyrics. But they're not the greatest, please mention Will Oldham, Nina Nastasia, Jason Molina... absolutely no need to bring up Vampire Weekend. Infact all the article does is pander to a trend of in vogue American bands - see my point below about how US bands are making the Mercury trendy albums of the moment

The fact is, America's 'music industry' is big enough to support a relatively self sustaining alternative to the mainstream. The UK isn't, and with Myspace diluting the pond of 'diehard' fans over a million decent bands, it's even harder. But that's fine to a certain degree, it actually means there are probably even more great bands from the UK, though relatively undiscovered. What completely stunts the growth of these bands is the media's insistence that bands only exist over a certain level and in a certain framework

Soundtrack to this post: The Good Life, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy