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Crime in Stereo - …But You Are Vast
Levitton, New York
File Size: 5.4 mb, Length: 3:23
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Crime in Stereo had an impressive run as one of the better melodic hardcore outfits coming out of NYC, and then it signed to Bridge 9 Records, a label more known for the brutality of its mosh riffs more than anything else. “Is Dead” was a huge step back in the realm of hardcore, but showcases the bands musical talent and songwriting skills much better. It is one of my top 10 albums of the year and “…But You Are Vast” shows how much more mature Crime in Stereo has become, expanding on the generic label of melodic hardcore.

Artist Website:Crime in Stereo
Label Website:Bridge 9 Records

Beirut - “Live On KEXP”
New York
File Size: 38.8mb, Length: 28:17
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Beirut - “A Sunday Smile”
File Size: 4.11mb, Length: 3:35
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Beirut is a city in Lebanon, but it’s also a band that utilizes violists, cellists, accordionists, and a variety of other instrument-toting individuals to create music with a underlying Eastern European tone. In this time when gypsy rock is all the rage with bands like Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa are garnering huge amounts of attention, there couldn’t be a more appropriate time for Beirut to shine. Well, they seem to be getting the attention they deserve as well. Their music seems to transcend boundaries, and the fact that they’re touring North America and Europe back-to-back just seems natural. Unlike Gogol Bordello, however, Beirut’s vocals are a bit more typical and down-to-earth, and well, just less reminiscent of an out-of-control gypsy. In this Live Performance with John In The Morning on KEXP, Beirut plays four tracks from their upcoming album, The Flying Cup Club. If you hurry, you can also go to their MySpace and stream the entire album! You can also download the album version of their latest single, “A Sunday Smile.” Enjoy, enjoying.

Artist Website: Beirut
Label Website: Ba Da Bing

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BEIRUT ON TOUR:
8 October 2007: Herbst Theater - San Francisco, California
9 October 2007: Herbst Theater - San Francisco, California
10 October 2007: Avalon - Los Angeles, California
(EUROPE THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER)

Battles-Atlas
New York, New York
File Size: 10.7 mb, Length: 7:07
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If I were bold enough to pick a favorite for album of the year, I would have to throw Battles release “Mirrored” up for serious consideration. If I were crazy enough to pick a song of the year, the single “Atlas” would have to be it. Battles is a supergroup of sorts reigning from NYC and it is absurd how catchy the mathy/warpy beats it churns out are. Not only that, rumor on the street is that live, the whole floor is dancing along. How convienent Battles is doing a small tour of the states promptly after returning from Europe…

BATTLES ON TOUR:
10/30 - Los Angeles @ The Music Box
11/01 - San Francisco @ Great American Music Hall
11/02 - Portland @ The Hawthorne Theatre
11/03 - Seattle @ Neumo’s
11/04 - Austin @ Fun Fun Fun Festival
11/07 - Minneapolis @ Fine Line Music Cafe
11/08 - Chicago @ The Metro
11/09 - Ann Arbor @ Blind Pig
11/10 - Toronto @ Lee’s Palace
11/11 - Montreal @ Le National
11/12 - Boston @ Paradise Rock Club
11/13 - New York @ Webster Hall

Artist Website: Battles
Label Website: Warp Records

Nada Surf - “Blonde On Blonde”
Brooklyn, New York
File Size: 1.56 mb, Length: 4:34
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Nada Surf - “Blonde On Blonde (Live In Toronto)”
File Size: 3.98 mb, Length: 4:16
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This track came up randomly on my playlist, so I thought I’d share an oldie but goodie. Well, it really isn’t THAT old, but still. As an added treat: the LIVE version of “Blonde On Blonde” from a performance in Toronto. Again, nothing new and all that, but it’s good. And, if you’d believe it, the live version is way better.

Artist Website: Nada Surf
Label Website: Barsuk Records