Cougar Microbes

Madi Diaz is certainly one to look out for on the basis of this driving single . The Nashville songwriter is releasing her EP ‘Far From Things That We Know‘ in September with ‘Let’s Go‘ a fitting lead track.

Eyes peeled for a full-length slated for early 2012 on tinyOGRE Entertainment.

TRACKS:

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ brilliant ‘Up From Below’ album deservedly earned the top spot on the Cougar Microbes Best Albums of 2009 which may suggest we have a weakness for retro-tinged sunny music played by mutiple members. This will go some way to explain the inclusion of the Kopecky Family Band for this year’s list.

‘The Disaster’ was an unexpected treat when we were first exposed to it.  Their infectious multi-layered harmonies and carefully delivered dyamics prove to be incredibly rewarding with singers Gabe and Kelsey leading proceedings masterfully with their honey sweet vocals. Cougar collaborator Dorian was quick to include them in his yearly countdown explaining:

“‘The Disaster‘ is one of the standout albums of the year: a breath of fresh air from start to finish. This 7-piece from Nashville, TN combine backgrounds in classical, folk, and rock music to create a truly great sound. I’ve been listening to ‘God & Me’ over and over and over!”

TRACKS:

NEXT: #14 Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2010: LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening

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Papa Cougar was undecided when he first listened to The Roseville Band, and I could see why. His initial thumbs down turned into indecision on the second try, and perhaps even a guilty trace of enjoyment thereafter. Seeking an expert opinion, or maybe with better things to do, he asked me what I thought.

The album ‘Little Eyes in the Universe’ is the product of 6 talented musicians from Northern Wales, spearheaded by brothers Andy and Steve Jones, and centered on Andy’s very distinctive voice. Like a Welsh Axl Rose on a trip to Nashville, his whiny soulful vocals are choked and twisted, to mixed effect. I suppose you’ll embrace it or feel repulsed. It certainly has grown on me, but to what extent I cannot quantify.  However, before passing judgment I ask you, dear Cougar reader, to abandon your habitual musical pretences and listen with virginal ears…

Dubbed “the Welsh Kings of Leon” by NME, their bluesy Britpop leans towards folk, but is solidly propped against a rock backbone. ‘The Less I Want’ is a brilliant crescendo that starts with tame Mandolin and ends in raucous bliss; the cruising ‘Bring Down the Empire’; or the rocking and catchy “Boxer”; even “Tatters” has an appeal, despite occasionally sounding like the singer is regurgitating a hair from his throat.

In any case, with a debut album out very soon and averaging 100 gigs a year, you might be hearing from The Roseville Band again, so don’t be too quick to dismiss them.

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Post written by the D in Dorian

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TRACKS:

The Roseville Band – Boxer

Fans of  JEFF The Brotherhood rejoice! The  Nashville twosome are set to release new album ‘Heavy Days’ in mid October. First single ‘Bone Jam’ is another 3 minute garage wonder.  The lyrical refrain “how much money can we spend” is in clear contrast with the video, which (purposely) looks like footage from one of a junior school play.

JEFF The Brotherhood will play almost anywhere and with almost anyone so keep an eye out for upcoming tours with with Ted Leo, Shonen Knife and Ty Segall.

TRACK:

JEFF The Brotherhood – Bone Jam