His Mischief : "Roman Holiday" Video

By Greg Swan, on March 31st, 2009%

Saint Paul band His Mischief would like you to watch this video for “Roman Holiday” off their new album, The Perfect Lover, which officially
drops . . . → Read More: His Mischief : "Roman Holiday" Video

One for the Team : "Best Supporting Actress" (mp3)

By Greg Swan, on March 31st, 2009%

Minneapolis indie-pop group One for the Team‘s newest release, Build A Garden comes out today (hooray!).

The eight-song EP was recorded by OFTT in their apartment and engineered, mixed and produced by Ian Anderson in his bedroom (naturally), and features four brand new songs and four re-arranged and re-recorded songs from last year’s Build It Up.

There is a limited pressing of 500 hand-made copies, or can be found online in the usual places.

Check out the single and try not to buy it:
One for the Team : “Best Supporting . . . → Read More: One for the Team : "Best Supporting Actress" (mp3)

A-Trak : Infinity +1

By Greg Swan, on March 30th, 2009%

Frequent readers know I love trip-hop, uptempo, improvisational, experimental, downtempo and psychedelic electronic music.

I spin music all day at work, and I’ve found both creativity and production efficiency greatly expand when good music is playing.

Today I’m spinning Brooklyn/Montreal DJ wunderkind A-Trak‘s new album, Infinity +1. Although the title may be cliche, the tunes are definitely anything but.

I first heard A-Trak a year or so ago when I was sent his 26 minute “Running Man: Nike+ Original Run.” It was so good, it pretty much played on repeat for 3 weeks in my office.

On this new mix, A-Trak mixes sea gull caws, . . . → Read More: A-Trak : Infinity +1

Company of Thieves : "Even in the Dark" (Acoustic)

By Greg Swan, on March 30th, 2009%

Very cool new video from Company of Thieves — a live, outdoors, on top of a mountain, acoustic version of “Even in the Dark,” one of the bonus tracks off their debut album, Ordinary Riches. I bet they surprised some rattlesnakes . . . → Read More: Company of Thieves : "Even in the Dark" (Acoustic)

Substance presents: Manifestation featuring Sage Francis, First Avenue, March 27, 2009

By Greg Swan, on March 30th, 2009%

Photos thanks to: Nick Dahl.

Substance presents Manifestation featuring Sage Francis.
March 27th, 2009
First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Substance brought together a great show Friday night. In addition to Sage Francis, the lineup also included DJ Verb-X, The God Damn Doo Wop Band, Cecil Otter, B. Dolan, Building Better Bombs, and a number of spoken word artists, speakers, and videos throughout the night.

Sage Francis rolled out a much anticipated set at the end of the night, but what really caught my attention was Cecil Otter who spun his crafty lyrics from the extended stage. A Solid, heavy feel. Flows like mercury.

Following Cecil Otter . . . → Read More: Substance presents: Manifestation featuring Sage Francis, First Avenue, March 27, 2009

Northern Outpost: Episode 7 – Military Special

By Greg Swan, on March 27th, 2009%

NORTHERN OUTPOST – Episode 7 – Military Special – 3/27/09 from Northern Outpost on Vimeo.

See previous . . . → Read More: Northern Outpost: Episode 7 – Military Special

Great Lake Swimmers – "Pulling On A Line" Video

By Greg Swan, on March 27th, 2009%

Great Lake Swimmers‘ new album, Lost Channels comes our March 31, and the group hits Minneapolis’ 7th St. Entry on . . . → Read More: Great Lake Swimmers – "Pulling On A Line" Video

Horatio Lee Jenkins : Drunker Than Satan

By Greg Swan, on March 26th, 2009%

Between the title track and “Shit I Don’t Feel So Good, ” it’s not hard to discern Horatio Lee Jenkins’ Drunker Than Satan has it’s slobbery tongue firmly planted inside drunken cheek.

But the songs are overproduced — too well orchestrated for a sleazy FM morning show and too crass for mainstream play. Sorry Horatio, this time Satan wins.

Horatio Lee Jenkins : “Drunker Than . . . → Read More: Horatio Lee Jenkins : Drunker Than Satan

P.O.S. – "Why Go" (Pearl Jam cover)

By Greg Swan, on March 25th, 2009%

. . . → Read More: P.O.S. – "Why Go" (Pearl Jam cover)