yewknee.com

Kassette Klub Sampler

Kassette Klub decided to kick the new year off with a proper introduction between themselves and you, the potential listener. They've posted a downloadable sampler on their blog - complete with artwork contributions from Leslie Tychsem. If you aren't familiar with the likes of Burywood, Mutual Benefit or Sleep Good; this is a good place to start.

Christmas Music Compilation

While I doubt anyone is having any issue hearing tons of Christmas music this year I thought it might be beneficial to compile a quick list of new songs that I've encountered over the past month that stem from the holiday spirit.. oh, and two classics that should be in every library. I'm sure I overlooked a ton of stuff floating around out there but these have been enjoyable listens to my ears.. what else should I be hearing?

• Atlas Sound - Artificial Snow - Bradford Cox is prolific, this is just further proof of that.
• Beach House - I Do Not Care For The Winter Sun - sounds like Beach House.. which is perfectly appropriate for quiet winter nights.
• The Veils - First Frost - stick with it to the chorus.. the vocal style really works most effectively there.
• The Features - Father Christmas - a holiday staple as far as I'm concerned.. for when you need a dose of rock in your Christmas.
• Sleep Good - Strange Vacations - Roughly 20 minutes of original psychedelic Christmas tunes.. at least roughly inspired by the holidays.
• Pico vs Island Trees - It's Not Christmas (If You're Not With Me) - a sweet diddy from local Nashville band Pico vs Island Trees.
• Black Baby - Ain't Gettin You Nothin' - more of an anti-holiday song but all the more amusing for it in my opinion.
• Tom Petty - Christmas All Over Again - the speaking part at the end of this song never fails to amuse me. On the whole, one of the least annoying Christmas songs to encounter out in the wild.
• Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime - honestly, one of the most annoying Christmas songs to encounter in the wild.. maybe ever. Okay, it's not that harsh but it really starts to wear you down after awhile. Despite that, it should be listened to a minimum of one time per year.

Also worth adding to your collection.. these collections.

• I'll Be Hometapes For Christmas - bands from the Hometapes label submit Christmas-y songs.. look for the Brad Laner, Megafaun, All Tiny Creatures and Pattern Is Movement songs in particular.
• Almost XMas Mix - fifteen songs of Christmas-y tunes as curated by Jeremy Davis.
• Public School: Audio Document No. 9 - all Christmas songs on this compilation from your favorite Austin collective.

Sleep Good - Skyclimber

I love it when you encounter a music recommendation and it immediately sticks. Mutual Benefit posted a heads up on the new album from Austin band Sleep Good, Skyclimber - noting that the entire album was recorded analog and never touched a computer throughout production. While that's a fun fact it doesn't necessarily change the appeal of the music - only creates a vague aesthetic. However, the fifteen tracks contained within the record are a harmonious, poppy-and-languid little escapade. If I had to cite similar brethren I'd go with Dr. Dog, Plants and Animals, etc. They certainly aren't copping their sound but they could tour together and it'd be a nice fit. Easily considered $5 well spent for the entirety of the record... go listen.