Umbrella Tree
"Josephine"
To the Memory of a Once Great Man

Playing this Saturday at Exit/In with Uncle Skeleton and Poly.

Phantom Farmer
Alpha
Free Download

I'm actually out of town this week so the news updates on WOTT will be slower than normal. Thankfully, The Cream is on top of their game (as usual) and giving the heads up on all kinds of good stuff. So, yea, I'm repeating their content here but I've been a fan of Joel Dahl's musical undertakings since before he was even known as Joel Dahl. Phantom Farmer is a much simpler, and less chaotic, undertaking than many of his other outlets but it's a great way to let his lyrics and vocal style shine through without distraction. I recommend starting with "Let Me Down Easy" - my current favorite from the album.

The Features
Still Lost. Volume 1: Demos, Outtakes and Alternate Versions
Free Download

I can think of no better band to have a b-sides & rarities compilation than The Features. To my knowledge, they have at least three full-length records that have never officially seen the light of day. So, it's just sensible to mine that wealth of goods and put together packages of tracks that many people may not have heard. The first volume is available as a free download and, I'm told, will be available as a free promotional 12" when the band re-releases Wilderness this summer (this time with legit distribution).

The craziest part about this gathering of random tracks is that it shows how strong the band is at their craft. Even their throwaway songs are great. If you've never heard "Take You On" or "Kari-Anne" I would suggest ceasing all other browsing activities immediately and going to get it.

I assume you're like me and you're continuously growing your library of local music worth investigating. Here's a few more selections to consider... The Flea Marketeers
Self-Titled
Digital Download

Typically if you told me about a new band that was mostly acoustic instruments and heavily influenced by the likes of "gypsy jazz, western swing, rock, bluegrass, pop" I'd probably politely tell you I'd check it out but, honestly, not do a whole lot about it. However, in the case of the Flea Marketeers I'd be wrong in that decision. From "High Society" down to "Lullaby" they manage to keep it interesting. Plus, as an added bonus, you can always imagine yourself like this dancing about to the offerings.

Honey Locust
Fear is a Feeling
Digital Download

I know I've mentioned them before but the entire EP from Honey Locust is now available for your procurement should you see fit to do such a thing. Hopefully, like myself, you enjoy their dulcet tones.

Remember when I mentioned that Makeup and Vanity Set would be releasing the soundtrack to the film 88:88? Well, from what I'm told, the plan is for the album to come out on VHS. The above video serves as teaser for this release. I have many mixed thoughts on releasing an album in such a ridiculous format but the teaser clip makes me feel like it's kind of the most appropriate artist to pull it off.

Mystery Twins
Love Is Strange
Digital Download

If you can't wait until tomorrow to officially procure the first EP from Mystery Twins you could: A) go to Grimeys or The Groove and pick up the limited edition cassette, B) hit up this full-length video preview that is surprisingly engaging or C) find the patience to wait until Tuesday, May 8th because it's obviously worth the wait.

Century Club
Keep It In the Fairway
Free Download

Century Club is a band comprised of Todd Kemp, Ryan Ervin, and Sam Powers, three Southern gentlemen from South and West Nashville, respectively. Previously, they played in other bands. Now, they play in this one. They specialize in a brand of music that the critics like to call "white guy guitar rock."

The above snippet of facts, taken from the bands own mouths, is the perfect summation of the new project. You likely recognize some of the names from many other Nashville bands - The Carter Administration being the most likely candidate - and the music they create is definitely of the rock variety. Though, to call it "white guy guitar rock" implies an aggression that isn't present here. Keep It In the Fairway maintains a nice balance of melancholy tunes, sweet songs and the high energy pop goods. Make sure you hear their cover of The Wipers "Over the Edge" - so damn good.

Uncle Skeleton
All Too Human
Digital / Double LP

As has been established many times before, I am quite biased when it comes to the proper judgment of Uncle Skeleton. His albums are released under my hobby of a record label, yk records and, regardless of that, we're actually just good friends. So, with that disclaimer out of the way...

The latest offering from Uncle Skeleton, All Too Human, manages to cover a lot of stylistic ground in it's sixty-eight minute running time. Spread across the four sides of vinyl that it resides on it manages to tackle danceable electronic songs, pop, bossa nova, lo-fi explorations and the drawn out world of ambient. Hopefully the massive tracklisting won't scare you off from trying it out, as it really is a properly consumable running time. At least dabble in with Berlin to Frankreich or Beeshie for a little variety.