One of the albums I’m most excited about this year is tUnE-yArDs w h o k i l l, which arrives April 19th on 4AD. If the track “Bizness” is any indication of what the rest of the record holds, we’re in for a beauty.
MP3: tUnE-yArDs – “Bizness”

Deerhunter have released an 8 track iTunes Live Session, entitled Live From Soho yesterday. It was an easy buy at $3.99. “The session was recorded late last September at the Apple Store in Soho, NYC and features back catalogue tracks as well as versions of several songs taken from latest album, Halcyon Digest.” Listen to ‘Desire Lines’ at Pitchfork.

Strand of Oaks has released demos/outtakes from Pope Killdragon. You can stream and download the entire collection here.

Timber Timbre’s back with a new album, Creep On Creepin’ On from which they’re sharing a stream of the the debut single, “Black Water.”

The Felice Brothers have signed to Fat Possum Records, who will release the band’s new album this spring. The Felice Brothers are touring significantly in the coming months.

Bonnaroo announced its line-up yesterday.

NPR has the first listen of Julianna Barwick’s album, The Magic Place.

I’m heading to the High Noon Saloon in Madison tonight for the Deerhoof show. It’s been a good number of years since I’ve seen the band live. AV Club Madison chats with drummer Greg Saunier. We interviewed guitarist Ed Rodriguez last week.

We’re presenting a top-notch showcase at Linneman’s in Milwaukee on Saturday, February 19th with performances by Icarus Himself, Sat. Nite Duets and Surgeons In Heat. Music starts at 9PM and $6 gets you in the door.

Update: Volcano Choir is playing Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 26th.

We’re going to be bouncing around Milwaukee venues on Saturday night. In addition to the Kneel to Neil benefit at Linneman’s, we’re also looking forward to checking out the bands at Bay View Brewhaus. Headlining the bill is Conrad Plymouth whose self-titled ep was released on our vinyl label, Ten Atoms. Copies are running thin, so place your order today if you haven’t already. If you’re thinking about heading out on Saturday night, get there early to check out Clean Hands.

Elsewhere:

Daytrotter released a session with Futurebirds who play two shows tonight in Milwaukeee. First is a free Happy Hour Session at Burnhearts before their official gig at Cactus Club.

Daytrotter also drops an excellent session with Secretly Canadian’s Suuns. We’ve been enjoying their new record, Zeroes QC quite a bit these days. Here’s hoping they tour through the Midwest next year!
MP3: Suuns – “Arena”
MP3: Suuns – “Up Past the Nursery”

The Felice Brothers perform NPR’s Mountain Stage.

The Washinton Post reviews and offers some amazing photos of Grinderman’s stop at the 9:30 Club in DC. I really want/need to spend more time with Grinderman 2 before the end of the year.

One of the best shows I saw all year was Jónsi at the Pabst Theater. You can now listen to Jónsi In Concert From Washington, D.C.

Bonnaroo announced its 2011 dates: June 9th – 12th

A bunch of prominent indie labels (Domino, Merge and Beggars) leave eMusic today. Merge gives their reasons.

Portland’s Loch Lomond will release their new album Little Me Will Start a Storm on February 22nd, 2011. You can download the track “Elephants & Little Girls” below:
MP3: Loch Lomond – “Elephants & Little Girls”

Good friends have had great things to say about Raleigh’s Veelee. Go here to download an mp3 of “When You Gonna Come Home” from their forthcoming album, The Future Sight.

Watch Pavement’s entire set at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival

Any music fan can tell you that some of the most cherished albums are those that take awhile to sink in. The Felice Brothers new one, Yonder Is The Clock has been sinking in for a couple months now. This isn’t the case of initial disappointment. I enjoyed the record upon first and subsequent listens. Then I caught them outside on the Terrace in Madison a few months back and the record began to monopolize my listening habits, mostly on lengthy drives back and forth from Madison to Milwaukee.

My favorites tracks from the album have been revolving door currently stuck on “Cooperstown,” a hat-tip to the great Ty Cobb, rounding the bases of Tiger Stadium, a beautiful woman looking on – all woven together with stories of faith and triumph. I’ve listened to it almost ten times today. No joke.

Outside of music, baseball is my second passion. Tomorrow I head to Wrigley Field to catch game two of the Cubs vs. Brewers series. At some point, between some cold Old Style’s, I’ll briefly think of the greats that once roamed the legendary ballpark and smile. More bands should write about baseball and/or ballplayers. Perhaps there’s more out there than I know, but right now feel free to drop a comment with your suggestions.

Before you do, don’t forget to listen to The Felice Brothers “Cooperstown” below…

Buy: The Felice Brothers – Yonder Is The Clock
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Myspace: The Felice Brothers
MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Cooperstown”

OK, so this sounds amazing. Old Crow Medicine Show, David Rawlings Machine (with Gillian Welch), The Felice Brothers, and Justin Townes Earle have all joined forces for The Big Surprise Tour. This is an event worth traveling for as far as I’m concerned.

Here’s the skinny: “Shows will be composed of two 90-minute sets broken up by an intermission. In a free form ramshackle flow the bands and artists will share the stage, taking part in each other’s songs, resurrecting old standards, and playing newly written collaborative material as they go. Each evening is sure to be a unique experience as they all put their many combined years of musicianship and knowledge of song-craft and American music into play for these sessions.”

I think a road trip may be in order…

August Tour Dates:

04 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Casino Ballroom
05 – Boston, MA @ House Of Blues
06 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
07 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
09 – Charlottesville, VA @ Charlottesville Pavilion
10 – Cary, NC @ Koka Booth Amphitheatre
12 – Louisville, KY @ Waterfront Park
13 – Nashville, TN @ Riverfront Park
14 – Knoxville, TN @ World’s Fair Park

Buy: Old Crow Medicince Show

Myspace: Old Crow Medicine Show
MP3: Old Crow Medicine Show – “Caroline”

“What keeps me alive is the green in your eyes and the sweet distant drawl of your voice on the phone.”

I caught the Felice Brothers over the weekend on the Terrace in Madison. Beautiful night for some music outdoors. It was my second time seeing them this year, and now that the Yonder Is Clock material has sunk in, I can enjoy those songs right alongside old favorites like “Frankie’s Gun” and “Whiskey In My Whiskey.”

The above track, “Her Eyes Dart Round” is one I watch repeatedly on YouTube, yet have been unable to unearth any actual recording of the song. If you’ve got it, drop a comment or hit me up via e-mail. Thanks to everyone who sent in live and studio versions!

Update: Below you’ll find an official recording of the track taken from the now out of print release Iantown. Thanks to Roland for the hook up!

MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Her Eyes Dart Round”

Buy: The Felice Brothers – Yonder Is The Clock
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Myspace: The Felice Brothers
MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Run Chicken Run”

How great is this? The Felice Brothers return to the University of Wisconsin campus with a free play at The Terrace on Saturday, May 30th. I’ve seen these guys plenty, most recently in Austin where they covered both Elton John and Townes Van Zandt. Talk about my speed. On top of that, they’ve got a new long-player out called Yonder Is The Clock that comes with a hearty Muzzle of Bees stamp of approval. Get a taste/listen with a free download of “Run Chicken Run” below.

Previously: 5 Questions with The Felice Brothers

Buy: The Felice Brothers
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Myspace: The Felice Brothers
MP3: The Felice Brothers – “Run Chicken Run”