The Grates
Gravity Won’t Get You High
Label: Dew Process
Australia’s The Grates worked with producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse/Secret Machines) to create their first full-length angry chick rock debut, which has already been hyped by NME, Spin, Filter and Rolling Stone as the one to watch in 2006.
While the tracks are well put together, there are times […]

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Funky Nashville
Hitch a Ride
Label: 215 Records
Funky Nashville are neither funky, nor Nashville-sounding.
But with horn accentuations, lush background vocals, and a cool, sauntering lyrical delivery set to a Wild West galloping drum beat, Hitch a Ride’s title track single kicks off the Denmark group’s first American debut with influences galore.
As far as influences, we’ve got […]

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Mixel Pixel
You’re the Kind of Girl
Label: Kanine Records
Ever been struck by lightning and had a musical ephipany? Mixel Pixel founder Rob Corradetti (a.k.a. Contact Kid) has, and since surviving the experience at age 15, he’s continually striving to recreate the electrifying experience and put it to tape.
With three electic and highly acclaimed albums under […]

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Golden Smog
Another Fine Day
Label: Lost Highway
With the first release in eight years, Golden Smog may not be ready for the attention they’re getting with Another Fine Day. But then again, maybe it’s a long time coming.
The roots rock supergroup — which features the talents of Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Soul Asylum’s Dan Murphy, Big Star’s Jody […]

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-Australia’s The Living End (Adeline/East West) are running a little contest on shakefire.com to give away their full US catalog.
-For you horn lovers - the “first and only saxophone workshop podcast” from saxophonist/composer Evan Tate.
-Now in its 7th season, Swept Away TV, the television program written, edited, filmed and directed by college and high school […]

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The latest video from Death Cab for Cutie’s Plans, “I Will Follow You Into The Dark,” is done and streaming here: mov, win. The video was directed by Jamie Thraves who is best known for Radiohead’s “Just” and Coldplay’s “The Scientists” videos.
-Check out Thom Yorke’s performance of “Cymbal Rush” with Johnny Greenwood and Nigel Godrich […]

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Loch Vostok
Destruction Time Again!
Label: Escapi Music Group
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Free MP3 Download “True Deciever” (MP3, 192kbps)
Throw Rag
13 Ft. And Rising
Label: BYO Records, Inc.
Buy at eMusic
FREE MP3 Download “She Don’t Want To (She Don’t Care)” (MP3, 192kbps)
Gary Primich
Ridin’ The Darkhorse
Label: Electro-Fi Records
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Free MP3 Download “Daddy, Let Me Hitch A Ride” (MP3, […]

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The Panic Channel’s new record doesn’t drop until August 15, 2006, you can can stream some of the tracks here:
-”Why Cry” win audio, video
-”Teahouse of the Spirits” win audio

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Professor Murder
Professor Murder Rides the Subway
Label: Kanine Records
In stores: July 25, 2006
Professor Murder has ditched the loud guitars and released their first proper album, Professor Murder Rides the Subway.
The 4-track EP has the progressive-post-punk NYC quartet mixing samples, riffs, synths, effects and MORE COWBELL (seriously). It’s one of the most fun, promising albums we’ve […]

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Rory Block
The Lady and Mr. Johnson
Label: Rykodisc
In stores: August 15, 2006
Delta blues is second nature to Rory Johnson, with more than 20 albums under her belt and an educational program showcasing her prowess for modern and contemporary blues. Her latest, The Lady and Mr. Johnson, features her rendition of 13 Robert Johnson tracks — you […]

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