Small Houses - "Oh, Hiding Out"

If You Like: Tyler Lyle, Milk Carton Kids

Flint, Michigan is not the kind of city that births happy songs. It is one of the places hardest hit by the recession and has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. Native Jeremy Quentin has since moved to Pennsylvania, but the melancholy of a devastated town still haunts his music, released under the moniker Small Houses. It is that innate sadness that drives his gorgeous folk-country single, "Oh, Hiding Out," a song about leaving home and the good and bad that comes with it. This one is truly a beauty. Enjoy. 

This single, as well as his previous albums can be downloaded at his Bandcamp page here. 

Small Houses-"Oh, Hiding Out"

Two Trees - "Home"

And they're back! Two Trees, one of our Groups To Watch in 2013, has been dormant for a while with only two released songs leaving us wanting much much more. The other day, they finally gave us a bit more of a taste with their third track, "Home." True to form, it is soothing, gently mystifying, and again, a great acoustic folk track. Keep it coming!

5 Amazingly Epic Electronic Tracks

M83-"Oblivion"
Anthony Gonzales is very familiar with epic soundscapes. On his latest work, the soundtrack for the Tom Cruise movie Oblivion, shit gets big.

Juno Reactor-"Navras"
This song plays over the final credits of the Matrix trilogy, a truly epic franchise. If the first few seconds of frighteningly intense chorus bursts wasn't enough for you, the trippy world beats will convince you.

Tiësto-"Kaleidoscope (feat Jónsi)"
Trance producing-titan, Tiësto has dozens of huge tracks, but this one takes the cake when it comes to epic-ness. With a buildup that lasts two-thirds of the song, and the ethereal vocals of Jonsí, this was the perfect choice for track #1 on Kaleidoscope, the last album released under his name.

TNGHT-"Chimes"
These guys are the heaviest thing in music right now. This particular track is their simplest, and most effective in producing a bone-crushing wall of heaviness.

Infected Mushroom-"Vicious Delicious"
These psychedelic, Israeli techno dudes know how to mess with sound. This epic track of theirs has one of their largest builds and never lets up in seven minutes of heavy bass-thumpin'.

Vitalic - "Fade Away (C2C Remix)"

French DJ wizards C2C are back at it. This time, their scratching and spinning treatment gets paired with fellow countryman Vitalic's electro-dance track "Fade Away." The 4 jockeys chop up everything and put it back together for a spastic, infectious, and equally epic take on the lovely dance number.

C2C will embark on a US tour in April, bringing their renowned live shows stateside for the first time in years. Catch the tour dates below.



 Apr 04 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
 Apr 06 - Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
 Apr 07 - Metropolis - Montreal, Canada
 Apr 08 - The Mod Club - Toronto, Canada
 Apr 09 - The Metro - Chicago, IL
 Apr 12 - Coachella - Indio, CA
 Apr 13 - The Independent - San Francisco, CA
 Apr 16 - The Depot - Salt Lake City, UT
 Apr 17 - The Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
 Apr 19 - Coachella - Indio, CA

9 Boss/Baller/Badass Rap Songs

Sometimes, a huge, heavy, intense rap song is just what you need. Whether you need an uplifting underdog story, or somebody yelling just to rile you up, these tracks will help you when you're pissed, need an ego boost, or just need to feel like a boss/baller/badass.

B.o.B.-"Fuck Em We Ball"
Listen If: You just lost a game and you need a reminder who's boss
Best Line: "Gentleman and a scholar. Let me just pop my collar"
B.o.B. rarely gets riled up, but when he does he can make some of the funkiest, most intense stuff out there (See "Beast Mode"). And the title kind of says it all.

Eminem-"'Till I Collapse"
Listen If: People are telling you to give up on your dreams
Best line: "Till I collapse I’m spilling these raps long as you feel 'em, Till the day that I drop you'll never say that I'm not killing them"
Eminem is no doubt one of the kings of pump-up rap. While "Lose Yourself" is the obvious choice and could get anyone ready to battle their worst fears, "Till I Collapse" speaks to levels of long-term bravery and inner strength that most rappers can't even fathom.

Birdman feat. Lil Wayne-"Pop Bottles"
Listen If: You just got a promotion
Best Line: "Oh I'm sorry sweetheart, I thought you was my other woman"
When Wayne was on top of his game, he was overflowing with swag. While Birdman's verse is mediocre, Wayne kills his and the beat is just asking for a ridiculous rap-along celebration on your way home from work.

Tech N9ne-"Worldwide Choppers"
Listen If: You're ready to assume a throne
Best Line: "Bow down, I was crowned when they found me"
Tech N9ne is a rapper like no other. His flow is extremely fast and technical, and his beats are complex, crowded, and intense. While dozens of his songs could fit on this list, "Worldwide Choppers" is the pinnacle of his style. Tons of guests and some the fastest spittin' out there makes this track a unique one in the rap world.

Rick Ross-"Pirates"
Listen If: You have to go to work. As a drug kingpin.
Best line: "Fascination with fortune afford me mansion and Porsches, Panamera abortions, marijuana imported"
First of all, Rick Ross is THE Boss. His latest album is called God Forgives, I Don't. Does it get better than that? I don't think so. "Pirates" has the biggest beat on the record and is filled with Ross's signature 'wough' and a huge horn section.

Big Boi-"General Patton"
Listen If: You're getting disrespect and need to show someone who's boss.
Best Line: "Fuckin' up the game like ice, heroin, or speed"
A haunting chorus and horn stabs make this a truly scary beat. Combined with Big Boi's dominating flow, this song is just explosive.

Angel Haze-"Werkin' Girls"
Listen If: You're trying to move up in the ranks
Best Line: "I'm on top of my green like a motherfucking tractor"
Dubbed by many as the next great female rapper, Angel Haze knows how to bring the heat. This track proves that she can rap crazy fast, and isn't afraid to speak her mind, no matter how ugly it gets in there.

Jay-Z-"Oh My God"
Listen If: This is your life
Best Line: "I'm feeling like the world's against me Lord. Call me crazy but strangely I love the odds"
This is one of my favorite beats of all time, crafted by Just Blaze and twisting an obscure Genya Ravan sample into a crowded, fast, fiery jam. Jay's voice just oozes gangster and when the two join forces, out comes one of Hov's best tracks.

Lil' Jon-"Stop Fuckin' Wit Me"
Listen If: You really need to murder someone
Best Line: "Bitch back the fuck up and let me smoke my weed"
This song could make anyone angry for absolutely no reason. Lil' Jon's ridiculous gravelly screams over a sampled Slayer riff make this song straight up terrifying. Honestly, if you're not angry, this might freak you out a bit.

Roadkill Ghost Choir - "Beggars Guild"

If You Like: Old Crow Medicine Show, Blitzen Trapper, Field Report

Roadkill Ghost Choir, an indie-folk group from Deland, Florida brings to mind a group of musicians playing their instruments on a porch down South. Their song “Beggars Guild” emulates the alt-country sound that is blowing up these days, while adding the band’s own unique spin to it. The song kicks off with a twangy, country-esque theme and then enters a lush psychedelic bridge, filled with cryptic Fleet Foxes-like vocals and a faint harp. The unique thing about this song is how it is able to seamlessly go back and forth between these two very different sounds. It is something that sounds similar while at the same time very different. Therefore, if there’s one song that you need to download this week, it’s this one.

Roadkill Ghost Choir-"Beggar's Guild"

-Ben Rosner

Hey Marseilles - Lines We Trace

When I first heard Hey Marseilles, they instantly clicked with me. They were catchy, lively, fun, and combined indie-folk music with orchestral instrumentation. Perfect! Their debut album, To Travels & Trunks, had a magical, wondrous quality about it that gave it a sound unlike anything I had heard. When I chatted with the guys (they are as delightful as they seem) at Sasquatch last year, they revealed that they were working on their long-awaited followup. Needless to say, this was one my most anticipated albums of 2013. With their second record, Lines We Trace, the boys have grown up a bit, taken things back to Earth, and have done something very difficult. They have made a sophomore record that is at least equal in quality to their popular debut, without making a carbon copy, or alienating any fans. In general, the songs are mellower, more melancholic, and just as lovely.

Hey Marseilles-"Heart Beats"

While their debut is still one of my favorite folk albums in recent years, I have little doubt that Lines We Trace will get there too. The songwriting is much more mature on this record, taking more risks and longer, more developed tangents. The strings seem to be closer to the forefront than ever before and sound absolutely fantastic accompanied by the pleasant voice of Matt Bishop. The more I listen to his voice, the more it started to sound like a younger James Mercer: simple, peaceful, and calming.

"Heart Beats" is this album's jam-out indie anthem. While it is not as catchy as "To Travels & Trunks" from their debut, it hits harder, and features fiery electric guitar chugging. Their 2011 single "Elegy" and its gorgeous b-side "Cafe Lights" finally find a home on this album. They fit right in, especially the attention-grabbing string swells on "Cafe Lights" that would instantly wake anyone previously soothed by Bishop's sweet odes. The cello, captained by Samuel Anderson, sounds extraordinarily full, and the group's classical influences get the spotlight on "Madrona," a beautiful, elegant, instrumental classical number.

In the track "Heart Beats" Bishop sings "I still believe you love me, but in a different way." That's exactly it. I love this record, and I loved their debut. Just in a different way.
________________________________________________________________________

You can buy the album from the band's website here or on iTunes here.

Also, they will be performing in Boston at the Brighton Music Hall on March 29th. Buy tickets here!

Reviewed: Milo Greene

The Sinclair, Boston, MA

Photos by Kaitlin Deveau

I can confidently call myself a Milo Greene veteran. I have been with them since the beginning, and since hearing the first strums of "1957" off their Hello Sessions a few years ago, they have held a special place in my heart. Last night at The Sinclair, I saw them for the third time live, and boy have they improved. While they have always had a certain casual charm live, this time they turned that charm into visual, visceral passion that made their show louder, tighter, and all-around better. They no longer sounded like rookies; they are road-worn performers who know how to knock a crowd's socks off.

Milo Greene-"Cutty Love"

The LA-natives sold out the venue, their first stop on a month-long Eastern-US trek, and brought their A-game. Aside from some oddly stiff stage banter from Marlana (is Boston really your favorite city? I didn't buy it), the night went off without a hitch. One of the things I always love of about the group is their ability to seamlessly trade instruments and lead vocal duties for almost every song. Everyone on stage last night could be a frontman of their own band, and when combined, their powers multiply. While it was no surprise that they played their entire WTTB best of 2012 debut album, they also packed in a spot-on chant-worthy version of Sufjan Steven's "Chicago" and a lively rendition of Wilco's "A Shot In The Arm." A personal highlight came when they ended their set with "1957," my absolute favorite song of 2012. Even though this was not my first time seeing the group, they managed to keep things fresh and are lively enough that I wasn't bored for one moment. Well done guys!

See the rest of the photos here!

Overheard at the show: 

A woman to her friend: "What are you doing? Get off the floor!"

Her friend: "Shut up! I'm texting my future husband!"

George Kamel

If You Like: Fleet Foxes, Joshua James, Passenger

George Kamel has been playing music for years and has influences ranging from Bon Iver to The Avett Brothers to Fleet Foxes. Fully ingrained in the Boston music scene, Kamel has combined these influences on his latest album, The Great Coward. With a simple, sweet voice, he has produced a very solid indie-folk album filled with variety. "Found My Way" sounds like a peppier Devendra Banhart, while "Mockingbird" evokes Amos Lee or Passenger. While it seems as if Mr. Kamel has room to develop and hone his sound into something a bit more mature, this is a great start, and a step in the right direction. 

You can download The Great Coward for free on NoiseTrade.
   

Niia - "BTSTU"

If You Like: Rhye, AlunaGeorge, Jessie Ware

Jazz-trained New York pianist and singer Niia has a voice that digs deep into the soul. Between touring with Wyclef Jean and performing James Bond-themed shows, she has been taking time to focus on her own creative efforts. She has released one single, "Made For You," from her upcoming debut album (due out this summer), but to me, it is her cover of Jai Paul's "BTSTU" that stands out. The chilling, minimalist beat floats behind her voice, stretched to its lower limits. Smooth synths add to the mix, making this the perfect sad, sleepy track to zone out to before bedtime. Enjoy.

Niia-"BTSTU"

The Milk Carton Kids

If You Like: Tyler Lyle, Ben Sollee, Bryan John Appleby

The Milk Carton Kids play the kind of folk that makes you want to cuddle up in your bed and dream of home. Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale of Eagle Rock, CA conjure up quiet alt-country tunes so bittersweet that it sometimes sounds like the singers themselves might start tearing up. On their debut studio album, Prologue, they sing songs of the road and heartbreak, incorporating two minimal guitars and soothing harmonies. Luckily, they are no one-trick-ponies, livening things up just when you start to think calm is all they can do. They have recently been on the road with The Lumineers and Punch Brothers and are set to release their next record, The Ash & Clay, on March 26th. You can download their first two albums for free via their website.

Milk Carton Kids-"Michigan"

New Song From Phoenix - "Entertainment"

Phoenix has just premiered the first single off their upcoming record, Bankrupt!, due out April 23rd. The track sounds like classic Phoenix and is catchy as hell! Do you think this is a good start to one of the most anticipated albums of the year? Check it out below and let us know what you think!

Reviewed: Lucius

Great Scott, Allston, MA

The lead singers of Brooklyn-based indie-poppers Lucius coordinated their hair not only to look the same, but so that when they each approached their mics, they were perfectly symmetrical. Now that is dedication. Strong pop songwriting, catchy hooks, and two mesmerizing lead singers combine to form one of the most exciting young groups I have heard lately. Kicking off their tour in Allston, they hit the stage with ferocious energy and proved that their brief debut EP is only the beginning of something much bigger. The vocals were stronger live than on the record, and if you take a listen below, you will know that that is saying something. Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig's vocals wove nicely together, creating a sound that is better than the sum of its parts. If you're a fan of romping, catchy indie anthems, you don't have to look any further.

CHVRCHES

If You Like: Purity Ring, The Knife, Grimes

Purity Ring showed us that in this day and age, electro-pop can be creepy, weird, and fun all at the same time. Now, Scottish group CHVRCHES is adding to the subgenre with a poppier, more accessible touch. The track "Lies" incorporates videogame bleeps with singer Lauren Mayberry's slightly-accented powerful pipes while "The Mother We Share" chops up her voice and has a huge, stadium, echoey feel. Like Purity Ring, they have generated a huge amount of buzz from very few tracks. Check out why below.

CHVRCHES-"Lies"
CHVRCHES-"The Mother We Share"

Hunter Hunted - "Keep Together"

If You Like: Grouplove, Milo Greene, Stepdad

In certain parts of the country it may be awfully snowy, but a little sunny indie pop from Los Angeles never fails to warm things up! Hunter Hunted is a two-piece from the Sunshine State that will have no trouble making you smile, dance, zoom down the freeway, and hope for summer. They have been featured on LA's KCRW radio station and will be playing at the Troubador in their hometown on February 12th. Stream their single "Keep Together" below.

Buy their debut EP right here.

Hunter Hunted-"Keep Together"

The Lone Bellow

If You Like: Delta Rae, The Civil Wars, The Lumineers

BAND TO WATCH. That phrase might as well be stamped all over the debut record form Brooklyn folkies The Lone Bellow. They have rising sensation written all over them. Their blend of folk, country, and rock bring Mumford & Sons to mind, but with male/female harmonies that will leave your jaw dropped, they captivate in a different way. They are less hoe-down and more classy indie party. While I haven't seen them live, be sure to check them out on tour with Ivan & Alyosha and Marcus Foster this Spring.

The Lone Bellow-"Green Eyes and a Heart of Gold"
The Lone Bellow-"Bleeding Out"

Carlos Serrano - "Protolife"

Carlos Serrano, the mashup master behind one of the most popular songs on SoundCloud, has released another hot combo, this time matching up Kanye's "Good Life" with Kavinsky's "Protovision". The hip-hop/electro relationship works well here and keeps up Seranno's hot streak. 

Get a free download of the track here. 

Kris Orlowski & Andrew Joslyn - "All My People Go (Budo Remix)"

Budo, the small, peppy Seattle-born producer who has been working and performing with rapper Grieves, has explored a new sound with his latest remix. He takes on a tender folk sing-along from singer/songwriter Kris Orlowski and violinist Andrew Joslyn. His remix of "All My People Go" adds huge echoing snares and an enormous bass presence to make the song anthemic enough to part the Red Sea. 

Ellie Goulding - Attack of the Bras

When I imagine a show at which dozens of bras are thrown on stage, I imagine Dave Navarro, or a band like Kiss. But last night at the House of Blues in Boston, Ellie Goulding was the recipient of even more intimates than your average hair metal group would expect. Maybe the girls simply wanted to maintain an ounce of attention at a show where every gaze was focused on Goulding. Who knows.

Anyways, the charming British pop princess tore through a diverse set that focused on her heavy electro-tinged new album, but managed to squeeze in her debut album's hits, and her gorgeous cover of Elton John's "Your Song." Her new songs hit hardest and had the crowd dancing as much as they could given the little room they had. Thanks to her huge singles, Goulding has transformed from an acoustic singer-songwriter into an electro-pop champion. Luckily, she does not leave her other songs behind, often not releasing her strongest tracks as singles. That quality has allowed her albums to be strong all the way through, easily preventing the one-hit-wonder status that I feared after "Lights" took off. With an ever-growing fan base in the States and a solid one across the pond, I wouldn't be surprised if next time she came to town, it was in an arena.

You Won't - "Who Knew"

If You Like: Yellow Ostrich, Lucius, Bright Moments

It may be the middle of winter, but it's never too early for sweet, summery love songs. Lexington, MA-raised duo You Won't has cracked the formula for a clever, sincere, catchy love song with one of the cutest lines I've heard in a while: "If I was Marty McFly, I would go back to when we were nine, or ten / And I'd be your best friend / Say that I knew you when". Paired with a simple mandolin and slowly joined by a full band, this track is perfect for driving in the summer sun with someone you love sitting next to you. I guess winter works too. 

You Won't-"Who Knew"