Armoured Cars & Get Over It
by Solid Gold

Solid Gold put on an incredible show last week at Larimer Lounge. I still can't believe how fairly unknown they are. I was expecting the place to be sold out, but there was room to spare in the small venue. "Bodies Of Water", the latest album from Solid Gold has been out for a while now, so go pick up a copy at any of your favorite music locations. Photos from the show can be found HERE.

MP3 Armoured Cars

XXXO & Born Free
by M.I.A.

Until recently, I wouldn't consider myself an M.I.A fan. I heard that Sleigh Bells, a group we've talked about in the past, help produce the album, so I thought I would give it a listen. I'm glad I did. Both singles that were released this week are incredible. M.I.A. has ventured into pop territory and yet, has managed to retain her signature bang-it-out raw sound. The video for "Born Free" is a little too graphic for this site, but if you'd like to watch it (which I recommend) head over to M.I.A's site.

MP3 XXXO

MP3 Born Free

Less Unless
by Civil Civic

Take lo-fi surf music then run it through a blender. Add some ridiculous samples and you've got Civil Civic. The London/ Barcelona band is pushing the limits of what you would expect from the genre. As I'm writing this, I can't help but bob my head ad tap my feet. The Debut EP out soon, is one of those dumb, limited cassette releases, so you probably won't get a copy. I don't blame you. You can download a digital copy of the EP over at their BandCamp site.

Sleep Tight
by Rollerskaters

Rollerskaters is a solo project by Andrew McKee of Phoenix, AZ. McKee plays in Young Friends a local Phoenix band. Sleep Tight was a result of being bored after school. Hopefully McKee finds himself bored again and surprise us with another unexpected gem.

MP3 Sleep Tight

Cooler Couler & Remedy (Miike Snow)
by Crookers

Crookers is Bot and Phra, an Italian DJ/production duo. They've been collaborating together since 2003. They've released several EPs throughout the years, but their first album was released this past March. It's currently only available as an import, so expect to pay a pretty penny.

MP3 Cooler Couleur (feat Yelle)

MP3 Remedy (feat Miike Snow)

Tin Man
by Future Islands

At times it seems as though Samuel T. Herring's voice doesn't fit with the band's new-wave melodies. Maybe the odd pairing is why I like "Tin Man" so much. This simple tune is taken to another level as Herring's unique vocal presentation is introduced. This track demonstrates the importance of a strong front man. The band honors their influences by not imitating them. Future Islands is an original group and worth looking into.

MP3 Tin Man

Latin America
by Holy F*ck

I've been avoiding Holy F*ck for some time now. Since ArtistRoster is not a blog, and we rely heavily on our advertisers, they make it practically impossible to talk about them. Latin America, a track off the "Latin" album released yesterday, is too good to ignore. I understand that the name may be offensive to some. Maybe that's why they named their band Holy Fuck. So people with a limited tolerance will simply not even give them a listen. I'll have to ask them if they ever come to Denver. They've probably answered that question 100 times already, but what's one more time?

MP3 Latin America

Ghost Pressure & What Did My Lover
Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)
by Wolf Parade

I can't imagine how difficult it was to get all the members of Wolf Parade together long enough to make an entire album. The band members are in various other bands including Sunset Rubdown, Handsome Furs, Swan Lake and Moonface. They say that the latest Wolf Parade album "Expo 86" is more focused, whatever that means. I enjoy both the tracks they released earlier this week. Usually I lean towards tracks featuring Dan Boekner's voice, but as I get more acquainted with the band, Spencer Krug's voice is wearing off on me. The two have shared vocal responsibilities in the past, and it sounds like they'll be doing the same for Expo 86, due out June 29 via Sub Pop.

MP3 Ghost Pressure

MP3 What Did My Lover Say?

MakeMe
by Mixylodian

Once a one-man side project of Mike Wray, Mixylodian has found the sweet spot with a full band. MakeMe reminds me of TuneYards, one of the bands self proclaimed influences. The unique approach of pairing delicate vocals with abrupt samples, distorted guitars, '80s synths and drum beats and out-of-left-field transitions make this track a delight.

MP3 MakeMe

Number 41
by Dosh

Dosh will be performing tonight at Hi-Dive with White HInterland, and we hope to get some time with him before the show. If you're in the area, come down to Sputnik for our new music showcase and podcast. It starts at 6 pm and ends just in time to swing next door to catch the show. The weekly Sputnik events are free and the show at Hi Dive is $12. I hope to see you there.

MP3 Number 41

No Logic & Icarus (Alan Wilkis Remix)
by White Hinterland

As I stated above, White HInterland will also be performing with Dosh at Hi-Dive tonight. As I was doing research for this post, I came across a remix of one of my favorite White Hinterland songs "No Logic". I definitely hear the production qualities in the remixed version, though I have to admit that I like the original more. What do you think? You can tell me at the Sputnik event tonight.

MP3 Icarus

MP3 No Logic (Alan Wilkis Remix)

First Light
by Mondkopf

Mondkopf is a 23 year old Parisian producer who, until recently was best know for his unique remixes of The Golden Filter, The Teenagers, Grand National, and Pony Pony Run Run. He started out making hip-hop beats and throughout a few short years, has gained quite a reputation for quality production. His debut LP entitled "Galaxy Of Nowhere" is available via Asphalt Duchess.

Franklin
by Male Bonding

I wasn't sure whether I was going to highlight Male Bonding on this week's newsletter. With so many garage rock bands out there right now, it's hard to tell them apart. The difference is that Male Bonding has talent. At first listen, you don't hear the subtle nuances that make this song great. I had to listen to the track a few times before I really enjoyed it. With most reverb soaked songs out there, the substance is void. You're listening to the song and picturing yourself on a beach somewhere, essentially listening to the track passively. With Male Bonding, I find myself listening more intently, wanting to know the lyrics and deciphering the instruments used to create the song. That's the difference. They've been compared to Oasis, Nirvana, etc., which I think is ridiculous. If I had to compare them to any other band that's out right now, I would say The Soft Pack. Both are talented groups raising the bar the other "Garage" bands should be compared to.

MP3 Franklin