Cougar Microbes

Following the disaster that struck Japan two weeks ago it has been refreshing to see artists from all walks of life have been pulling together to raise funds for the stricken areas.

The Morning Benders brought out their ‘Japan Echo‘ EP featuring the unreleased ‘Better In Blue‘ plus some excellent remixes of some of the best moments from 2010′s successful ’Big Echo‘ release. With all proceedings going to the Japan’s Society Earthquake Relief Fund you can get your copy at the band’s official site.

Big LOVE to Japan.

TRACKS:

Asobi Seksu‘s sound is traditionally associated with shoegazing instrumentals and dreamy pop melodies. With the release of ‘Acoustic at Olympic Studios’ the New York outfit are highlighting a gentler sound spearheaded by singer Yuki Chikudate’s delicate whispers and James Hanna‘s gentle acoustic strumming.

Recorded at the legendary Olympic Studios, shortly before it shut its doors for the last time, the album sheds new light on the band’s back catalogue passing through hits like ‘Thursday’,  b-sides such as ‘Urusai Tori’ (available in its original version exclusively on Cougar Microbes) and even throwing in a Hope Sandoval cover for safe measures.

The ten striking renditions on ‘Acoustic at Olympic Studios’ manage to both highlight the bands songwriting strengths and crucially have you digging out the original compositions.

TRACKS:

Asobi Seksu – Thursday