Compared with mp3s, it takes us much longer to get around to listening to all the tracks we get sent that are for streaming only – annoyingly paid work has to take priority during the day and you can’t stick these on an iPod – however, there have been a selection of corking tunes released recently that are well worth some of your ear time and maybe even paying for a download or two….
First up is the latest track from the Hold Steady front man Craig Finn’s solo album Clear Heart Full Eyes, which is out on the 23rd of this month. Jackson is the first single, a country tinged rocker that showcases a contemplative narrative. We’re looking forward to him being the support for the rescheduled Felice Brothers shows in the spring.
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Next we change pace somewhat with Pulled Apart By Horses’Â appropriately titled single, V.E.N.O.M. which is a taste of new album Tough Love (also out on the 23rd).
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The Cast Of Cheers single Family has been played a lot on 6 Music since the start of the year and invariably the radio gets turned up in the office – easy to see why they’re being heralded as buzzworthy for 2012.
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Howler are another band tipped for big things in 2012, and they are touring the UK and Europe (starting off course on the 23rd). In support will be 19 year old songwriter Nile Marr under the name Man Made. His self-titled EP is out now and you can listen to Nobody’s Dreaming for a taste.
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The Sharks new single is Arcane Effigies, a rousing indie-punk singalong that manages to be both powerful and melodic.
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Mixing ambient electronics with psych infused indie, School of Seven Bells have released their first official single, Lafaye, from forthcoming album Ghostory.
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The Straylings hover somewhere between Calexico and Grinderman! Mixing forceful melodies with controlled feedback, this is the lead single Carvers Kicks from debut album Entertainment On Foreign Grounds due out on 5th March.
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We’re quite taken with this grungey single, Touch Electric, by new Criminal Records signings Argonaut. They are a 5 piece all female band that know their way around a proper guitar riff and it certainly makes their new album (their seventh) one to look out for later in the year.
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And lastly we have the beautiful, easy paced psychedelic pop of the Pale Seas. Single, Something or Nothing could have been resurrected from the late 60s easily evoking a gentler time of paisley and incense. Lovely stuff. Pre-order here.
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