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Cause Co-Motion!
Ace six-song EP of DIY pop thrills from this Brooklyn wrecking crew. Some of their best tunes yet, wrapped in a smashing hand-painted sleeve. Don't sleep!
[more info + MP3s]Crystal Stilts
Their first new songs since the brilliant Alight of Night, and what a corker it is. An upbeat summer stomper that brings to mind such classics as "Tally Ho" and "Don't Slip Up." Limited edition white vinyl.
[more info + MP3s]The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
Since its release in 2009 The Pains of Being Pure At Heart's self-titled debut has attained the status of a modern indiepop classic, and even more crucially a record that continues to have an impact well beyond the indiepop scene. As one of the key bands in Brooklyn's late 00s guitar music revival, the Pains' debut album exploded immediately, going places that indiepop records and bands rarely do and leading to several years of constant touring and the further release of two more well-received albums.
[more info + MP3s]Sexy Kids
Anthemic post-punk pop from members of the Royal We (RIP). Catchy, driving, addictive and just plain wonderful. THE single of 2008!
[more info + MP3s]Crystal Stilts
Melodic garagey post-punk with 60s psych flavors and classic pop hooks. Alight of Night is a hypnotic, haunting slice of rock primitivism.
[more info + MP3s]Cause Co-Motion!
Stellar crash-pop from this Brooklyn band. A perfect blend of 60s pop, 80s DIY and C86 influences, this CD compiles the bands singles to date on labels like What's Your Rupture?, Cape Shok and Can't Cope.
[more info + MP3s]Cause Co-Motion!
Brilliant crash-pop from one of our absolute favorite bands. Three songs bursting with spring reverb, energy, busted strings, rattle, boom and clatter. Fans of early 14 Iced Bears, TVPs and the poppier side of first-wave post-punk take note.
[more info + MP3s]Phil Wilson
June Brides leader Phil Wilson returns after a twenty year hiatus with the smashing four song EP comprising of covers of some of Phil's earliest experimental music influences: Kraftwerk, Faust, Throbbing Gristle and S/T. Working in a mesmerizing acoustic/folk mode, Phil digs down to the surprisingly melodic tune at the core of each of these songs, and re-imagines them in a totally unique way.
[more info + MP3s]The Lodger
Amazing second album from this very special Leeds group. Classic UK guitar pop in the Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, Go-Betweens tradition. Featuring "The Good Old Days" and "The Conversation."
[more info + MP3s]Sarandon
Taking their cues from the "other" side of C86, Sarandon pick up where bands like Big Flame, The Wolfhounds and Bogshed left off. Their tense, abrasive sound cross-breeds pop with the urgency and noise-loving aesthetic of punk. The results are catchy, bristly and totally distinctive.
[more info + MP3s]Sarandon
Brilliant post-punk pop that pays homage to the best of 80s UK DIY. Short, angular tunes that combine the brusque drive of Big Flame and Bogshed with the spiky melodicism of June Brides and Josef K.
[more info + MP3s]The Lodger
Fourteen future pop classics from this great Leeds band. Think Go-Betweens, The Boo Radleys, The Wedding Present, Blur, The June Brides and you're in the right territory. Features "Let Her Go" and "Kicking Sand."
[more info + MP3s]The Saturday People
Perfect 60s flavored power pop from this all-star DC band, featuring members of The Ropers, Castaway Stones, Tree Fort Angst, Velocity Girl and Whorl. By turns punchy and contemplative, the People pen classic tunes and play them with infectious enthusiasm. Fans of groups like The Go-Betweens, The Byrds and The Orchids should feel right at home.
[more info + MP3s]14 Iced Bears
One track each from the first two 14 Iced Bears singles. Essential, timeless C86 pop full of noisy guitars and infectious enthusiasm.
[more info + MP3s]Bright Coloured Lights
Post-Black Tambourine noisy pop from Pam and Mike finally given a proper release. Includes a nifty little Jesse Garon & The Desperadoes cover.
[more info + MP3s]The Aislers Set
Where The Aislers' debut Terrible Things Happen's synthesis of 60s mod-pop, 70s punk and 80s/90s indie flavors provided an end-of-the-century summation of where pop had been and where it was heading, 2000's The Last Match upped the ante even farther. More ambitious in conception, The Last Match expanded the band's sound into more orchestral areas. While the songs are still driving and catchy as a fish hook, the arrangements are far more sophisticated. It's a must-listen album, one that fueled fond memories, sparked love affairs, set off spontaneous dance parties, and reminded us all of the power of song-craft and melodies and POP. 2014 reissues available now!
[more info + MP3s]The Aislers Set
The Aislers Set began as a vehicle for the songs of Linton, who had most recently co-led San Francisco's legendary Henry's Dress and drummed in Go Sailor with her pal Rose Melberg; this is their debut album from 1998. Not content to merely (!) write some of the most sublime pop tunes this side of Ray Davies, Linton got busy in her garage studio and recorded and produced almost the whole record by herself. It's a remarkable feat, and a love for such producers as Phil Spector and Brian Wilson shines from each and every groove. It's a beautiful, multi-layered record and a genuinely great achievement of home recording. 2014 reissues available now!
[more info + MP3s]Nord Express
Dark, personal pop constructions that pay homage to such critical influences as third lp-era VU, Galaxie 500 and The Go-Betweens. The Nord sound is unique, though, and fans of groups like Bedhead and Empress should definitely check this out.
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