Brendan Benson – Upstairs at United

Brendan Benson
Upstairs at United
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Four cover songs recorded live on August 16th, 2011 direct to quarter inch tape upstairs in the historic United Record Pressing record release room. All analog and cut at 45RPM for the ultimate listening experience.

Side A:
1. Candidate (David Bowie)
2. Strangers (The Kinks)

Side B:
1. Beyond Belief (Elvis Costello)
2. Love Story (Randy Newman)

Birdcloud – “Cool Christmas”

Birdcloud
“Cool Christmas” Single
Stream or Purchase

After listening to the debut EP from Birdcloud a ridiculous amount of times I assumed I knew what I was in for when it came to their Christmas single; acoustic instruments, somewhat country-esque vocals and ridiculous lyrics. While it seemed like a safe assumption it’s definitely off the mark – the song is downright maniacal. It’s basically the song version of this.

I realize that Christmas tracks might seem a bit tiring this close to Thanksgiving but this one should have a special place in your collection. What other song will have you screaming along about getting a Titanic DVD or a basketball goal? Absolutely ridiculous and just the right amount of abrasive mania.

Zach Vinson – The Streets Will Turn to Streams

Zach Vinson
The Streets Will Turn to Streams
Available Physically or Digitally

I’ve always thought the term “Pop Music” came with an unwarranted negative connotation. I can understand swaying from music that is popular because it was designed to be that way (and, thus, tricking you into enjoying it) but honest music meant to evoke an upbeat feeling, wrapped in catchy lyrics and an overall good vibe is nothing to steer clear of. Zach Vinson’s The Streets Will Turn to Streams is, to me, pop music. Tracks like “Seep”, “Left Hands” or “Holy Fiber” are hard to listen to without a bit of head bobbing and a smirk. There are also a handful of more melancholy tracks but it’s that balance with the more energized tracks that makes it all work.

Download “Left Hands”