Blowin' Up: No Age

Every once in a while a band will come around that embodies the exact sound that you've been looking for at the exact time you're looking for it. Over the past month, this has come by way of L.A.'s very own No Age. Their low-fi DIY style of noise punk mixed with the artful soundscaping meet at a perfect blend. For the band, this is a time where everything seems to be going right. They've received a lot of press lately, most notably Stereogum's Band To Watch as well as an 8.0 from Pitchfork Media (and a "Recommended Listen" title to boot.) If you read the linked articles above, you'll get the full background - but to sum up the feel-good story - 'two guys from marginally successful noiserock act Wives form new band and new record label to help put out their own and their friends' records. They volunteer and help run the local arthouse/music venue The Smell. They own in concert- go see them. The End.' Their new full length record "Weirdo Rippers" was just released in Europe to rave reviews, (due out later this summer in the U.S.) and they're on the cusp of a European tour with longtime friends Mika Miko. They have one last L.A. date tomorrow at Pehrspace (does anyone want to go with me?) before crossing the pond later next week. Here's my personal favorite off of the new record called "Everybody's Down." You can stream it here or at their MySpace. Everytime I hear this song it blows my mind - listen until the drums kick in towards the end.

"Everybody's Down" off Fat Cat Records' Weirdo Rippers:

Blowin' Up: Coltrane Motion

Everywhere I've turned on the internet this week, I've seen these two words: Coltrane Motion. I finally gave in this afternoon during my lunch break and looked up a couple mp3's to listen for myself and find out what everyone has been writing about. The Chicago band is basically made up of songwriter Michael Bond who plays "everything" with a couple others lending musician hands for live performances. He's been putting out records since 2000 and everything I've heard so far is pretty sweet. Their press statement describes them as, "heartbreak you can dance to, booty breaks dipped in indie guitar fuzz with a mess of synths, samplers, & laptops tearing it all to pieces." You can listen to it for yourself right here:

"How To Be"

"Twenty-Seven"

Both songs come off of Coltrane Motion's 2007 Datawaslost Release, Songs About Music. For more info check out their MySpace page.

Blowin' Up: Sonny Jim

Every blog I've found this clip of Sonny Jim's "Can't Stop Moving" on is calling this the song of the summer - and it's not even June. With a great Jackson 5 sound-a-like sample (and video) you really can't go wrong. This reminds me of a less ADD version of Girl Talk, which can either be a good or bad thing. There isn't much to it, but what there is a great beat and catchy hooks (and that's really all you need, right?) Check out Sonny Jim's MySpace for the whole story, and check out the song "I'm So Heavy" - it's hilarious. The "Can't Stop Moving" single is out on Rough Trade Records.

Two Gallants: Blowin' Up

San Francisco's Two Gallants have been keeping themselves busy. Having already recorded their new full length that's due out in June, the duo is currently in the midst of a European tour with a full run of the States starting later this month. As one of the very few Saddle Creek Records bands that aren't from Omaha, you can be assured that Two Gallants offer up something a little different than the usual alt. country-rock band. After surviving a huge (semi-famous) legal fiasco last year, they are eagerly plodding into 2007 at full steam. Check out this song called "Seems Like Home to Me," from the upcoming release, The Scenery of Farewell.

Fun New Music: The Saturday Knights

The Saturday Knights, an underground hip-hop foursome from Seattle have been getting a lot of love lately. With features in both the Seattle Times and on MSNBC.com their popularity continues to grow. Currently, they only have a 4 song EP out, but the full length is on its way. They're slated to play the Sasquatch festival later in May and probably will tour once the record comes out. Check out this song called "45" or head over to their MySpace to hear another one.

Dan Deacon: Blown Up

I just caught a few new Dan Deacon live videos on the 'Gum and wanted to share one. This comes from one his shows from this weekend at the Mercury in NYC. It makes me even more excited for his 2 night L.A. experience in mid-June. This comes off the heels of a career day for Deacon on Friday where Pitchfork Media gave his new album an 8.7 and featured him in the Best New Music Section. Sometimes you wish Pitchfork wouldn't ruin all chances at getting into a small show, but he's been making music for a long time and deserves the credit. This will certainly be one of the best shows this summer.

Electrelane Blows Up

With their new album No Shouts, No Calls hitting stores today across the U.S., the U.K.'s Electrelane is getting a lot of attention. Their song titled To The East calls to my mind a Nico fronted Arcade Fire (which is fitting because they are currently on tour with AF doing opening duties.) They are also doing a handful of headlining shows on their days off. Look for their L.A. stint with the Arcade Fire May 28-29 at the Greek Theatre with a headline on May 30th at the Troubadour.

"To the East" off of No Shouts, No Calls out today on Too Pure Records:

Cajun Dance Party Blows Up

London based indie rockers, Cajun Dance Party become the next in a long line of dance rock bands to put bloggers into a tizzy. First came Stereogum's Band to Watch, and now everywhere my browser turns - there they are. All I had to do was type in the word Cajun into my Google toolbar and they were the first(!) thing to pop up on the suggested search list. Whatever happened to cajun food? Anyhow, I'm sure a coveted spot on one of London's most trendsetting labels, XL Recordings helps - but the two songs from their first released single actually live up. Check out what the hype is all about on the single called The Next Untouchable: