Ropeadope

"A steady flowing psychedelic groove rock band that emphasizes dream-like melody." That is how guitarist and lead vocalist Kevin Parker describes his band, Tame Impala. They draw from many influences which you can hear right away, most notably John Lennon/The Beatles. A friend suggested I listen to them after I showed him Surfer Blood, cause both bands share that surf rock feel, and I can't thank him enough. Their …

I really can't get enough Surfer Blood and it's only their debut album. The indie surf rock sound and catchy guitar riffs keep echoing in my head. Not only is the music awesome, but look at the album art and track names. "Fast Jabroni" and "Slow Jabroni" just to name a couple. Catch these guys on tour next month before they head over seas for the rest of the …

Dr. Dog is blowing up. Watching them play a sold out Electric Factory show last week was quite the treat. These west philly natives just released their 6th studio album and I can't stop listening to it. "Stranger" caught my attention with it's 60s pop-rock sound and that influence can be heard throughout every song. The dog just left for Europe but they'll be back soon for some of …

I just recently realized how great this album is. The layering and production on every track is phenomenal. I had a hard time deciding which one to post, but I figured "Summertime Clothes" was quite appropriate for this amazing weather we've been enjoying. And if the trippy album art from Merriweather Post Pavilion isn't enough for you, check out this video for the song "My Girls".

My ex-girlfriend introduced this song to me as "the perfect song to have sex to". She was right. It's also the perfect intro to My Morning Jacket's Z. Relax to the ohs and ahs of Jim James during "wordless chorus". Catch My Morning Jacket on tour starting April 20th. (The same day our new t-shirts drop)

Someone at the big companies is doing something right, cause I keep hearing better and better music on commercials. I almost forgot about this little jam until it caught my attention during a commercial tonight. Originally Starfucker and now Pyramiddd, this Portland based quartet plays dance-pop with some electronics and Alan Watts vocal samples thrown in. This song is a little more laid back, but still great …

This 10 piece band from Denmark just released their 3rd full length, Magic Chairs. In addition to their records with the British/American label, The Leaf Label, Efterklang has also put out some material on their own label, Rumraket, Danish for "space rocket". Classified as Alternative Folk, Indie Rock, Post-Rock, and Electronic, their music and especially live show is always diverse. Their North American tour kicks off tonight in the sanctuary …

The dreamy intro and wide instrumentation of this song have got me hooked. Grizzly Bear began as a moniker for singer-songwriter Edward Droste's music in the early 2000s. After two full length releases as a full band, they are definitely making a name for themselves. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood called them his favorite band as Grizzly Bear took the opening spot for the second leg of Radiohead's North American …

Falling somewhere inbetween Pelican and Explosions in the Sky, Russian Circles is a 3 piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. The songs range in style from heavy discordant in-your-face metal to soft delicate passages you can fall asleep to. Their third full length just came out in October and I've been spinning it ever since. Check out "Malko" from their new record Geneva.

You've probably heard a sample from this song in a current top 10 pop song which I won't even mention. I just wanted to give the real artist the credit she deserves. The 4 time Grammy nominated Imogen Heap wrote, produced, mixed, funded, AND released her 2005 album, Speak for Yourself, on her own label. She started writing songs at age 13 and is classically trained in several instruments …

This newly formed supergroup consists of 4 of your favorite indie singers and guitarists. Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes, Jim James from My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward make up the Monsters of Folk. This first song from their new album isn't very folky, but I can't stop listening to it. If you do want the folk though, just listen to the rest. And watch

It was a sad day when one of my favorite Philly bands, Days Away, broke up. But it was a happy day when I heard this song. The drummer and singer of Days Away joined up with the guitarist from another Philly band, Unlikely Cowboy. The outcome, Good Old War. The new band name is actually a combination of part of each of the member's last names. The acoustic …

Colloborations can be amazing or dreadful. This one definitely falls into the former category. Ben Folds and Regina Spektor are both wonderfully talented pianists and lyricists. On "You Don't Know Me", they combine their efforts and sing as two "lovers" who don't really know each other at all.

I almost forgot how good Fleet Foxes are until I got linked to their myspace today. They remind me so much of the Beach Boys with some folk influence thrown in. Amazing vocal harmonies, smooth lyrics, and a soothing guitar line. Listen as the sun rises...

One of the reasons I love Person L is the way they play a different style of music in every song. This jam is one more example of them doing just that. A jazzy drumbeat, ambient guitars, and distant vocals. Sit back, relax and listen to Kenny Vasoli as he sings about his journey to Canyon Lands...

First of all, best name ever. Most people can't even pronounce it. Algernon Cadwallader is one of my favorite local bands. The raw vocals and twinkly guitars always put me in a good mood and their lyrics are fun as well. Algernon is a DIY band. They're not trying to fit any image or impress anyone, just a few dudes who love to play good music and you can …

If you've never heard this band do youself a favor and check them out right now. Some of the most beautiful and epic instrumental music coming from two guitars, a bass, and drumset. The ambient guitar sounds backed by rhythmic drumbeats will put you in a different mood with every song. Explosions in the Sky will not let you down.

This past Tuesday I travelled to New York City …

When I first heard Silversun Pickups, I wasn't impressed. But their new single Panic Switch is making me give them a second chance. The distorted guitars and distinct voice of lead singer Brian Aubert leave me wanting more. Compared to the Smashing Pumpkins, their 90's alt-rock influence is working for them.

When I heard Metric's new album Fantasies I knew I had to check out their live show and I was not disappointed. The band and the crowd were both full of energy and EVERYONE was dancing. Including the lead singer of Metric, Emily Haines. You might also know her from Broken Social Scene or her solo project: Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton. They opened …

I love instrumental bands and this one is no exception. "Lovely Allen" from Holy Fuck is my new favorite track. Canadian electronica including the use of toy phaser guns and a 35mm film synchronizer. It sounds like the happy ending to a movie when everything finally goes right. Listen to it and feel good.

"My favorite part of a song," someone said, "is when everything changes." Bombadil set out to make their new record with that idea, along with a few questions. How many ways are there to laugh? What lies beyond the honeymoon? What if things don't turn out the way you wanted them to? What would a musical postcard sound like? So they sojourned deep into the North Carolina backwoods to …