January 2012: Trailer Trash Tracys -- Ester

Trailer Trash Tracys debut LP Ester is Radio 1190's CD of the Month for January! The band, from London, state their influences and interests as Western pop music, Sufi poetry and solfeggio harmonics. The use of solfeggio harmonics has the album including tonal modes instead of standard octaves. The resulting sound is slightly bizarre, but this makes Ester stand out. That edginess is mixed in with lo-fi, shoegaze and psych-pop. They have fun with their 80s/90s obsession too. "Candy Girl" pays homage to David Lynch by incorporating the bassline from the Twin Peaks theme song.

Tying Trailer Trash Tracys' sound together is frontwoman Suzanne Aztoria. There's something sweet and sincere to her voice and Aztoria has a wistful story to tell in Ester. Thought her voice has hints of melancholy, the songs have appealing melodies and captivating experimental instrumentation. It's representative of both where indie music is going and where indie music needs to be.

November 2011: Mr. Gnome -- Madness in Miniature

Following in the footsteps of some of Ohio's most well-renowned indie rockers (think The Black Keys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Heartless Bastards and The National), Cleveland's Mr. Gnome has hit the scene with their 3rd full length LP titled Madness in Miniature and as with the past releases from the group, this one does not disappoint.

The duo, comprised of singer/guitarist Nicole Barille and drummer/pianist Sam Meister delivers psychedelic space-rock at its best and in the vein of many preceding concept albums, Miniature is best listened to in full. The songs floow off and into each other with a mix of sweet lullabies and atmospheric mayhem. Barille's ranging voice can be likened to Karen O, while the album overall often borrows sounds you might here from The Kills, Television and PJ Harvey. It is a compelling art-rock opera with shoegaze, prog rock and Spanish influences.

The band is big on surrealism, as evidenced by the album cover feaured a man-sized rabbit reminiscent of Frank from Donnie Darko. That surrealism won't be threatened as Mr. Gnome answers to no one; this album, like those before, is released on their own DIY label, El Marko.

September 2011: NewVillager -- S/T

NewVillager is a bicoastal art collective that orbits around the concepts of musicians Ben Bromley, Ross Simonini and visual director Ben Dickinson who focus on visual stimulation just as much as sonic. They manage to make their music a physical experience by creating events and interactive spaces that correspond to the meaning of particular songs, even having curated an expansive art exhibit in which each room was the physical manifestation of a track on their album.

Aside from being artistically integrated, NewVillager have created an album that demonstrates the influences of Michael Jackson, afrobeat, the Beatles and psychedelia while somehow sounding organic and cohesive.

Check out the music vide for the song "ShotBigHorixon" here. The video is of the band playing their ShotBigHorixon game where they dress up as woodland creatures and shamans and play for points with a ball and hoop.

July 2011: Handsome Furs -- Sound Kapital

Handsome Furs are the married duo of Alexei Perrty and Dan Boeckner. While their last record, entitled Face Control, took inspiration from the club scene they observed while staying in Russia, Sound Kapital takes this sound a bit further, strongly focusing on song structures plucked right out of 1980s Eastern European industrial and electronic music.

As the first record that the duo wrote solely on keyboards, this record is very different from their past work and from anything that Dan Boechner has released with his other group, Wolf Parade. Though they have certainly not invented a new genre, they have refreshed and reclaimed one of old and made it groovy once more.

May 2011: Son Lux --We Are Rising

This is no typical follow-up record. This release was created as a response NPR’s challenge for the one man band of Denver born Ryan Lott to make a full record in the month of February. As NPR monitored and reported on his progress, We Are Rising was created from conception to completion in just 28 days using a manner of unconventional techniques and a slew of talented guest appearances. 

Some songs utilize the technique of metric modulation, while others are based off of improvised instrumentation inspired by Ryan’s movements and gestures.  For the some All the Right Things he asked that his guest performers Katie Chastain and DM Stith to perform as if they were drunk, adding a raw energy to the presentation.  The record also includes guest work by Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, and Peter Silberman from the Antlers, among others.

It’s safe to say that Son Lux lived up to this daunting challenge and birthed a spontaneous, lively and surprisingly striking record.

March 2011: Paris Suit Yourself’s -- My Main Shitstain

While the band’s three core members are all from France, they recruited classical composer Joe Heffernan from Arkansas to complete the group. They recorded their debut album in a rundown studio in both French and English with lyrics that range from sincere to deranged. The tracks fuse a myriad of styles, from trance to glam to hip hop, the result of which sounds like a kooky combination of Devo, Gong, MC5 and Serge Gainsbourge. Listeners are left amused, amazed, confused, and certainly entertained by the record’s 45 minute journey through musical madness. For this debut release they’ve been signed to Big Dada records, a traditionally hip hop and electronic focused label, making Paris Suit Yourself the labels first “rock” band.

In a world of rip-offs and copy cats, Paris Suit Yourself finds a way to pull from inspiration and collective creativity to make an outrageously unique sound.

January 2011: Tennis -- Cape Dory

Tennis is the married duo of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, a couple which lives and creates in our very own Colorado. An extended sailing-trip in Florida inspired them to begin writing songs, essentially to chronicle the adventure. They ultimately ended up back in landlocked Denver to record their nautically nostalgic album utilizing an echoy lo-fi pop sound that openly displays Moore’s ethereal, lofty voice.

After releasing 7 inch singles on the Underwater People’s and Firetalk labels, they’ve signed to Fat Possum Records to release Cape Dory. For this Winter season, Tennis’ debut release is pleasantly evocative of Summer’s warmth.

November 2010: Bob Dylan -- The Witmark Demos: 1962 - 1964

Unearthed after almost 50 years, these 47 tracks (15 of them songs never released in any form) were recorded by 24-year-old Dylan for his music publishing company. They weren't intended for public release, but rather to serve as demos for those who might cover his work and for the transcribers who would write the sheet music. The quality is incredible, the recordings are historic, the perspective rocks. Classics like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Masters of War" appear as unknown works alongside rarities like "The Death of Emmett Till" and "John Brown." In the place of a legend yet to evolve is a sound that is raw and inviting, the first steps in a long journey. Our current and new CD of the Month members will be receiving the deluxe 2-CD package that includes a richly illustrated booklet by music historian Colin Escott. Bob Dylan before the hype, before the flood, unplugged and undefined.

September 2010: Candy Claws -- Hidden Lands

The haunting, echo-y sound of Candy Claws was cultivated in Fort Collins, Colorado by a few friends who’ve been exploring musical possibilities with each other for years. Now, led primarily by Kay Bertholf and Ryan Hover, the band has expanded to a group of eight. Their music has always had an uncanny ability to set a listener adrift on a wave of eerily beautiful instrumentation but this release ascends to an all new bliss. Layers of moody strings, almost whispering vocals and playful synth seem to stimulate all senses at once, creating a truly indulgent sensory experience.

While touring for this album, the band experienced a great tragedy when one of their cars burst into flames only moments after all members escaped. The car and all its contents, including their instruments, were burnt to a crisp. Despite this set back, they showed classic Coloradan resilience and finished their tour using borrowed instruments. Candy Claws is a band of heart and creativity- a huge source of local pride.

July 2010: Maps & Atlases -- Perch Patchwork

For Patchwork Perch, Maps & Atlases’ first full length release following four promising EPs, the Chicago based band made the switch from the Sargent House label to Barsuk Records, home to such artists as Jesse Sykes, Menomena and Rilo Kiley. Side stepping away from, without completely abandoning their early math rock roots, they have adopted a pop sound along the same veins of Dirty Projectors, Wolf Parade or Born Ruffians while coming off as wholly original.

With elaborate song structure and the unique, passionate vocals of lead singer Dave Davison, Maps & Atlases have made a buoyant, accessible record that still adheres to their original principles of showcasing instrumental intricacies.

May 2010: Poirier -- Running High

This album is not for the faint of heart. This is a bass driven techno/reggae blitz. Running High is his 7th full length release and first to be released under the Canadian DJ’s last name instead of his full name of, Ghislain Poirier. The first disc of the album is a collection of three EPs, each one expressing a distinctly unique facet of his production talents and in combination, Poirier’s strengths have never shone so bright. 

The second disc contains new tracks, as well as reworked and remixed tracks from the first disc, providing multiple perspectives and intensified depth. 

The album features guest MCs Burro banton, Face-T, Mr. Slaughter, MC Zulu and more. An artful fusing of soca rythms, electro and dance sensibilities puts this album miles away from any listener’s comfort zone and who would want to be comfortable when you could be enthralled? 

March 2010: Gil Scott Heron -- I’m New Here

After a 16 year hiatus filled with legal complications and drug addiction, Gil Scott-Heron has returned to his former glory with the release of his 13th studio album. With I’m New Here, He has reinvented himself and built this record primarily as a spoken word piece over a subtle blues and electronic base. This minimalist approach builds an intimacy the likes of which have never been seen in his previous works, making the listener feel just as exposed and vulnerable listening to it as he must have felt recording it. Gil also shows his indie side by covering a Smog song for the album’s title track as well as joining on to XL Recordings, where his labelmates include MIA, Peaches, Radiohead and The White Stripes. This new record marks a new and necessary chapter in the life of a legendary artist.

January 2010: Surfer Blood -- Astro Coast

Still in their early 20s, Surfer Blood’s members have created a DIY record for the ages.  Singer/Guitarist John Pitts and drummer Tyler Schwarz, met in High School, but Surfer Blood didn’t truly take form until the two met Thomas Fekete, Brian Black and Marcos Marchesani at a party. They found themselves expressing like-minded opinions in an all-night music discussion and resolved to redirect their scholarship money to purchase musical equipment. Astro Coast was then recorded in their University of Florida dorm room, giving us a lo-fi, glo-pop masterpiece.

November 2009: Brilliant Colors -- Introducing

The band got its start in 2007 when leading lady Jess Scott combined with John Garmon and Michelle Hill previously of the legendary dub/punk group The Slits and began playing live shows throughout California. These shows stirred up phenomenal buzz in the underground scene and paved the way for two sold-out EPs released on Make a Mess Records and the Brooklyn based label Captured Tracks.

After a bit of line up change, switching drummer John Garmon out for ex-Carnal Knowledge member Diane Anastasio, the band is back for Introducing, their first full length release. The album crams wistful, fuzzed out guitar rifts with powerful vocals and wraps it all up in a neat little jangle pop package.

September 2009: Yo La Tengo -- Popular Songs

12 releases from when they started back in 1984, Yo La Tengo is just as savory as ever. The trio of husband and wife Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley and bassist James McNew recorded this album in early 2009, bouncing between studios in Hoboken and Nashville. The resulting sound is something that contains all the lovable qualities of past Yo La Tengo records but manages to thrill long time fans. Popular Songs reminds us that some things don’t lose their potency over time—Yo La Tengo always delivers.

July 2009: J. Dilla -- Jay Stay Paid

Jay Stay Paid is a twenty-five track collection of unreleased Dilla beats mixed and arraged by Pete Rock. While mostly instrumental, the album features a few guest artists that Dilla worked with or admired including Black Thought, DOOM, M.O.P, Blu, and more.The album was executive produced by Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey.

R.I.P. J. Dilla.

May 2009: Nomo -- Invisible Cities

For the last six years Nomo has been mixing together African beats, avant-garde jazz and funk. After the release of their debut album their fiery sound caught the attention of the renowned Ubiquity Records, a label which focuses on funk, soul and hip hop. “Invisible Cities” is the band’s fifth album and was recorded during the sessions and tours for their last acclaimed release, “Ghost Rock.”

Nomo started off when Michigan jazz studies graduate and multi-instrumentalist Elliot Bergman got some friends together to start jamming. They have expanded their sound a lot since then. “Invisible Cities” starts off with bright, funky horns that build throughout the track. Following that is a re-working of Moondog’s “Bumbo” tune which features the band clanging on antique fire extinguishers. On other tracks the band creates a meditative sound that’s more delicate than anything the band has done before. Nomo covers many different sides of jazz over these nine tracks.

March 2009: Alela Diane -- To Be Still

Diane was indoctrinated into the folk scene through the encouragement of her established friend Joanna Newsom. Diane is only 25, but writes profound songs influenced by America’s folk music history. Her music has a calm, reflective quality, accentuated by her arresting voice and the addition of mandolin, cello and banjo.

Diane’s first album, "The Pirate Gospel", was released in 2004 as a private CD-R which was then picked up by a small label in Portland called Holocene music in 2006. She has since made the transition from independently releasing CD-R’s to being signed to the well established Rough Trade label. Their store named her debut album the best of 2007.

January 2009: Fire on Fire -- The Orchard

Some members of Fire on Fire came from Cereberus Shoal, an art-punk-prog collective, who joined two others to form a quintet. They play banjo, accordion, guitar and bass as well as oud, nay and doumbek. Their sound is characterized by rich harmonies shared by all five members and the band’s rustic, backwoods feel. Their blend of traditional folk music and experimentation is the perfect balance for creating memorable songs with a strong emotional pull. This album was released on Young God Records, a label started by Michael Gira in 1990 originally intended to release SWANS music. It’s still a very small label but now includes a roster of several unique artists. The Orchard follows a limited edition, handmade EP released in 2007 that was enthusiastically received.

November 2008: Hauschka -- Ferndorf

Hauschka is primarily the work of Volker Bertleman who comes from the German village of Dusseldorf. The songs on Ferndorf are meant to invoke specific memories or place from his childhood there. He has been recognized as one of the 21st century’s greatest exponents of the prepared piano technique which was made popular by John Cage and Erik Satie. He attaches elements such as scraps of metal and corks to the strings and hammers of the piano to create the interesting sounds and textures that define his music.On Ferndorf he expands on his sound by adding a string duo and subtle electronic touches. Hauschka has a knack for creating simple repetitious pieces that still retain the catchiness and vibrancy of pop songs

September 2008: Kasai Allstars-- In the 7th Moon, the Chief Turned into a Swimming Fish and Ate the Head of His Enemy by Magic

This is the 3rd album in Crammed’s Congotronics series which is dedicated to electrified music from the Congo. The group’s 25 members all share Kinshaha as a homeland, but come from five different ethnic groups. These include the Luba, the Songye, the Lulua, the Tetela and the Luntu which each have their own unique culture and language. Some members have also appeared on the first 2 releases in the Congotronics series. The Kasai Allstars’ songs have roots that lay in traditional festivals and rituals that were banned by the Europeans for appearing “satanic.”

July 2008: Hercules and Love Affair -- S/T

Hercules and Love Affair is primarily the project of New York-based Andrew Butler who began his musical career as a club DJ in his hometown of Denver. More than four years ago Butler approached Antony (of the Johnsons) after being blown away by his voice and they began work on the “Blind” single. Through New York’s downtown scene Butler met fellow DJ Kim Ann Foxman and vocalist Nomi who rounded out the band. Produced by DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy, this album is a decadent mix of pulsing beats and lush arrangements of strings and horns that stands apart from other dance albums. Hercules and Love Affair references the musicality and decadence of disco and Philly soul without all the cheese.

May 2008: Frightened Rabbit -- The Midnight Organ Fight

The Midnight Organ Fight is the follow up to Frightened Rabbit’s first record, released in 2007.  Out on Fat Cat records, the album is a beautiful and heart wrenching work of art. The growth is noticeable, mostly because this is the first album the band conceived as an entire work. The previous record, Sings, was nothing more than a collection of demos that they decided to put together. While catchy, and fun to listen to, Sings is a far cry from the new album’s cohesiveness and finished feeling. Hailing from Glasgow, alongside other pop giants like Belle and Sebastian and the Pastels, the trio has forged their own path. Originally just two brothers, Frightened Rabbit has come a long way from the demo songs and stripped down recordings.

March 2008: V/A -- Local Anesthetic

Local Anesthetic was the name of a music zine that Denver’s Wax Trax Records published and later became the name of their record label. It began in 1981 and was one of the only labels in Colorado. Wax Trax’s imprint went on to release many singles by local punk bands, most of which featured someone in the band that worked at the record shop. This compilation contains all of the singles released on the Local Anesthetic label and is an excellent document of the punk and outsider music scenes of the late 70s and early 80s in Denver. Out on Smooch records, a Denver devoted label in San Francisco, Local Anesthetic is a chunk of history once forgotten to the Denver music tradition.

January 2008: V/A -- The Outskirts of Deep City

Released by the Numero Group, the Eccentric Soul series has been steadily gaining popularity from their first release in 2004. From then, there have been nine albums focusing on a dead label, producer, promotions company, or a special niche of soul music. The newest collection is the first time the Numero Group has gone back to one of the older releases and added more to it.The Outskirts of Deep City is more of the same Miami Soul sound that was featured on The Deep City Label disc in 2006.The Outskirts of Deep City is more than just another recap of the Miami Soul scene from the reissue and crate digging giants at Numero. 

November 2007: Six Organs of Admittance -- Shelter From the Ash

Six Organs of Admittance is the solo project of Ben Chasny who has played in bands such as Plague Lounge, August Born, and Comets on Fire. In 1998, Ba Da Bing! records put out the first Six Organs of Admittance EP, entitled “The Manifestation.” Since then, while being a member of other bands, Chasny has released 9 full length albums, with “Sheltered From the Ash” being the 3rd to come out on Chicago’s own, Drag City records.

September 2007: Angels of Light -- We Are Him

Angels of Light is the creation of Michael Gira, most commonly known for his role as the founder and the most consistent member of the renowned group, the Swans. Springing up in the mid-90s, Angels of Light was formed as a vehicle for Gira to experiment with material that was more structured than his previous outfits. Released on Gira’s own label, Young God Records, We Are Him is the fifth release from Angels of Light.

July 2007: Chromeo -- Fancy Footwork

Chromeo is the duo of Dave One and P-Thugg, best friends since their adolescence. They formed in 2003 in Montreal, Canada. Utilizing keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, and the infamous talk box, Chromeo make a funky 80’s throwback sound that lands just this side of ironic. While being heavily connected to the hip hop world, the duo also issued two mixtapes in the interim between their first album and Fancy Footwork. With the first two singles Tenderoni and Fancy Footwork already out and receiving critical praise, the album as a whole doesn’t fall short.

May 2007: V/A -- Ed Rec 2

Ed Rec 2 is the second installment of Ed Banger’s compilation disc.Ed Banger is a French label that is home to some of the most cutting edge electronic and club style musicians in the world today. With a line up consisting of Justice, DJ Mehdi (rhymes with teddy…sorta), Sebastian, Vicarious Bliss, Klaxons, Uffie, and even Mr Oizo, Ed Banger Records is the eminent future of electronic based dance music. Distributed in America by Vice Records, Ed Rec 2 is 15 tracks spanning deep electro, hip hop, disco, and dance punk.

March 2007: The Chrome Cranks -- Diabolical Boogie

Diabolical Boogie is the group’s seventh release, and third post breakup in 1996. The Chrome Cranks formed in 1988 with Peter Aaron and William Weber. This is the band’s second singles, demos, and rarities comp, but the two disc set is very comprehensive. Including live cuts, radio performances, and never released tracks, all 33 tracks have something special. It is out on Atavistic Records and will surely be a soundtrack to the spring barbeques and late night parties of 2007. 

January 2007: V/A -- Sacred Symbols of Mu

The album is twenty-four tracks spanning two CDs and features classics from the label's early days alongside tracks highlighting their current roster of electronic artists.

November 2006: King Khan & BBQ Show -- What's for Dinner?

This is the newest album by The King Khan and BBQ Show. The record is a collaboration by singer/guitarist King Khan and one man band BBQ, which is Mark Sultan.

September 2006: Graham Lindsey -- Hell Under the Skullbones

With Graham Lindsey's second album, he explores a sound much like Dylan’s early folk-rock-blues. While his style is different than the last album, it’s just as good, with sincere, dark, roots, Americana songs.

July 2006: Theo Angell -- Dearly Beloved

Making music in New York’s experimental music scene for more than a decade, Theo Angell has been in such bands as Hall of Fame and Jackie O’Motherfucker. This new release shows another side of Theo, as it’s much more accessible than his other bands, yet incorporates many of the same sounds and feelings.

May 2006: Beirut -- Gulag Orkestar

On their debut album, Beirut introduces their unique Balkan gypsy music infused with ukulele, accordion, horns, violins, and nearly every percussion instrument imaginable. The band’s leading force, 19 year old Zachary Condon moved to New York to start Beirut after writing much of the material while in Europe. Beirut manages to balance middle eastern sounds and instrumentation, with some of the best elements from modern day indie music.

March 2006: Sparks -- Hello Young Lovers

On Hello Young Lovers, Sparks are still being the weirdos they have always been, writing songs about the key to women's hearts and propositioning for love. The cinematic, bold and intense sound has evolved into something new and astonishing. Taking 18 months to complete, the Mael brothers have created a gem.

January 2006: Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Vol. 2

A new compilation on Lost Highway recordings entitled Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Vol 2. Focusing on music made between 1945 and 1970, the second installment in the Night Train To Nashville series further explores the rich rhythm & blues artistry that flourished in Nashville, TN during the decades following World War II.

November 2005: Animal Collective -- Feels

Since the beginning, Animal Collective has been able to continually innovate and build on it’s previous work, incorporating the more extreme edges of folk, noise, ambient drone and psychedelia into a rich variety of sound experiments. On Feels, Animal Collective’s follow up to 2004’s Sung Tongs, the group trade in certain folk-oriented music leanings for more beat-driven and electrified musical pursuits.

July 2005: Sufjan Stevens -- Illinois

Sufjan Stevens is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, who was born in Detroit, but grew up in the upper reaches of Michigan's lower peninsula. Getting his start in the folk rock group Marzuki, Sufjan Stevens went solo in late 1999. In the months following his departure from the band, Stevens moved to New York City, where he began recording under his own name. Illinois is Sufjan's second installment in his 50 States project.

May 2005: The Go Team -- Thunder, Lightning, Strike

"Thunder, Lightning, Strike" is a condensed 35-minute album that incoporates elements of melodic 60s-themed Cinerama, nerve shattering white noise, chopped up hip-hop beats, and funk-tinged electro. Complimented by wild cheering and celebratory vocals, "Thunder, Lightning, Strike" carves out a unique musical niche that fills the undiscovered void between Sonic Youth and the Jackson 5.

March 2005: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings -- Naturally

Sharon Jones' hometown of Augusta, Georgia is also the birthplace of soul god James Brown. And, like such legendary soul singers as James Brown and Aretha Franklin, Jones began singing at church when she was a young girl. As she grew up, Jones moved outside of singing in the Sunday choir, to fronting several different start-up funk bands. After years of practice, Jones finally perfected the skill of putting on an absolutely captivating live performance, harnessing her gospel roots to bring audiences in droves to the dance floor. That led to gig opening up for musicians like the Four Tops, Maceo Parker, and the Drifters.

January 2005: Blanket Music -- Cultural Norms

Cultural Norms, the latest release from Blanket Music. The brain child of Hush Record's president Chad Crouch, Blanket Music's debut album NICE appeared in 2000. Expanding their sound to include Jazz, Bossanova, and pop, the third release for the band hailing from Portland, Oregon includes new members Chris Funk and Jeremy Conlee from the band Decemberists. Piano Maevin Mike Johnson also joins the group with 70s style electric piano that adds new depth to the rich texture of crouch's songs. The emphasis of twee pop on Cultural Norms balances the hodgepodge of topics that Crouch evokes in his stories of being a cat, filesharing, gay marriage, and running a dollar store.

November 2004: Junior Boys -- Last Exit

Last Exit, the new debut from Junior Boys. Based out of Hamilton, Ontario and started around 2001, the Junior Boys songs were first discovered via MP3s on a friend's website. With a huge web-based buzz surrounding the two men, the group signed to UK label Elektrokin. Just released domestically with a bonus CD, Last Exit's two-step beats and synth-pop melodies mixed with exhausted, breathy vocals showcase this album's intricate, delicate nature.

September 2004: The Ex -- Turn

Turn, the new album by The Ex. The Ex started as an anarcho punk band from Amsterdam and Wormer. Turn celebrates The Ex's 25th anniversary as a band and covers a wide range of topics from songs about freedom, pies and justice, confusion, insomnia, the power of poets and painters, and more.The Ex are a melting pot of divergent musical styles combining punk, noise, folk, jazz, and ethnic styles.

July 2004: Graham Smith -- Final Battle

Since 1996, Smith has released six albums of short, light hearted, lo-fi pop songs under the name Kleenex Girl Wonder. On Final Battle, Graham Smith gets rid of the moniker as well as some of the gimmicks and cocky lyrics of his recent albums. Final Battle is 13 tracks of exuberant indie pop songs by an artist who is maturing but still not taking himself too seriously.

May 2004: Various -- The Local Shakedown Vol. II

This is our second installment of independent music from Colorado. Compiled by Smooch Records founder Andrew Murphy, The Local Shakedown Vol. II covers a wide variety of musical styles including rock, punk, hip-hop, electronic, surf, dub and noise. The compilation celebrates the diversity of Colorado's underground music scene and includes both new and previously released tracks.

March 2004: cLOUDDEAD -- Ten

cLOUDDEAD is comprised of three founding members of the Anticon collective: Odd Nosdam, Why?, and Dose One. On Ten, cLOUDDEAD transforms underground hip-hop into an avant garde, ambient collage unlike anything you've heard before. Ten showcases cLOUDDEAD's unique sound, combining poetic chanted lyrics and droned out rhythms. Ten is a weird and beautiful post hip-hop collage.

December 2003: The Dirtbombs -- Dangerous Magical Noise

Mick Collins formed The Dirtbombs in Detroit in 1997 after the breakup of his first band The Gories. The Dirtbombs' unusual lineup includes two drummers, two bassists, guitar and vocals. Dangerous Magical Noise is a raucous party album that veers recklessly from loud garage rock to glam to classic soul and R&B. Dangerous Magical Noise has a bunch of Dirtbombs originals as well as a couple covers of Brian Eno and Robyn Hitchcock songs.

October 2003: Various -- Par Avion: Global Indie Clubpop

Par Avion: Global Indie Clubpop is a collection of playful, underground dance music from around the globe. The album was compiled by DJs from Par Avion, a Los Angeles based dance party. Global Indie Clubpop is full of quirky and upbeat pop dance tracks by twelve bands from nine different countries. Contributors include Stereo Total, Figurine, The Pancakes, Galactica and others.

August 2003: Black Box Recorder -- Passionoia

Passionoia, the third album form London's Black Box Recorder. Black Box Recorder formed in 1998 and features former members of The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Auteurs. On Passionoia Black Box Recorder changes its musical direction slightly, delivering ten subsersive dance-pop songs. Songwriters John Moore and Luke Haines continue their wicked and insightful explorations of childhood, British culture and the mundane aspects of everyday life.

June 2003: Devotchka -- Una Volta

Una Volta is the second full-length release from local favorite Devotchka. Since 1998, Devotchka has been entertaining fans in the Denver/Boulder area with their unusual instrumentation and high energy performances. On Una Volta, Devotchka mixes Eastern European folk and American rock to create a festive and energetic sound.

April 2003: The Black Keys -- Thickfreakness

Thickfreakness is the second album by The Black Keys. Out of Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys play primitive, vintage blues and classic rock with a raw punk edge. The duo leans toward the minimal side of the 12 bar, 4 chord format. On Thickfreakness, The Black Keys pay an inspired tribute to vintage rock and blues without resorting to caricatures and gimmicks.

February 2003: Morvern Callar -- Original Soundtrack

The film tells the story of a young woman who flees her remote Scottish village after the suicide of her boyfriend. The soundtrack is comprised of songs on a mixtape her boyfriend left for her, and it forms an integral part of the film. Songs by Can, Broadcast, The Velvet Underground, Boards of Canada, Lee 'Scratch' Perry and others reflect the different stages of the central character's journey. Morvern Callar is a diverse and challenging mix of quirky rock, IDM, and ambient pop songs that sounds great on its own as well.

December 2002: Little Wings -- Light Green Leaves

Light Green Leaves is the fourth album from Little Wings. On Light Green Leaves, Little Wings continues its skewed take on earthy folk music. Singer/ songwriter Kyle Field infuses the simple songs with naïve child-like observations. His half sung, half mumbled vocals are both quirky and endearing. The simple acoustic songs are given subtle production treatments that make them shine. For more information on Little Wings and the CD of the Month Club, log onto radio1190.org.

October 2002: Various -- Urban Renewal Program

Urban Renewal Program is a collection of artists exploring the sonic territory where experimental electronic music meets underground hip-hop. The songs on Urban Renewal Program range from the glitchy, cut-and-paste style of Prefuse 73, to the dissonant rantings of El-P, to the raw mc-ing of Mr. Lif. You'll also hear a sampling of chilled-out electro-jazz from the likes of Tortoise, Caural, and Miho Hatori (of Cibo Mato fame). The CD also comes with a 24 page booklet of original artwork.

August 2002: Total Lee -- The Songs of Lee Hazlewood

This is the first ever tribute album in honor of the musical maverick and eccentric Lee Hazlewood. Bands paying tribute to the legendary songwriter include Calexico, St. Etienne, Tindersticks, Calvin Johnson and many others. The covers on Total Lee artfully capture the essence of Hazlewood--the deep voice, the dark introspection, and the wry, playful humor. The album includes liner notes penned by Hazlewood himself.

June 2002: Various -- Angels and Insects

Angels and Insects comes to us from the new independent label Mondrian Sound Network. This underground compilation features tracks from Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, The Atoms Family, Delta from Australia, and Colorado's own Dragons of Eden along with many others. The deep hypnotic beats come from the Golden Monkeys, Blueprint, and other great producers. They provide a canvass for the MCs to paint lyrical portraits, all revolving around the theme of Angels and Insects. This album contains the creative work of many artists in one integratred package.

April 2002: The Mooney Suzuki -- Electric Sweat

This New York City crew were knocking out their shaggy rave-ups back when The Strokes were still at boarding school. Now, with Electric Sweat, they have delivered the decisive garage-punk punch they seemed to be working toward all that time. Decidedly less explosive but more varied than previous releases, the disc's sharper production helps bring swaggering, R&B romps like Oh Sweet Susanna into focus, while In A Young Man's Mind finds the group in touch with their inner-MC5, and Natural Fact hints at Arthur Lee." Kieran Grant--Toronto Sun

February 2002: Matt Pond PA -- The Green Fury

Matt Pond is the mastermind behind this Pennsylvania based band. On this album which is their third full-length, they effortlessly mesh rock and pop elements with classical instruments. The song writing comes off as honest yet sometimes insecure, and Pond's unique vocals have a way of enhancing the instrumentation rather than diminishing it.

December 2001: Various -- The Funky 16 Corners

This album features the unsung heroes of the Late 60's and early 70's funk revolution. Each track offers a different flavor of soulful expression from groups like The Highlighters, Soul Seven, Ernie and the Top Notes and other independent and obscure funk musicians. DJs Cut Chemist and Madlib pay a modern day tribute to old school funk with a song that samples funk and soul beats. This compilation offers a great look into the often ignored genre of funk, and it features artists that you aren't going to hear anywhere else.

September 2001: Various -- Bombay 2: Electric Vindaloo

Bombay 2 is a collection of traditional indian film music re-interpreted
by modern musicians and producers like kid koala and dj me dj you. While the first album mimicked blaxploitation sounds of the 70s, bombay 2 more reflects the atari-age new-wave of the early 80s. But like the original compilaiton, Bombay 2 is loaded with campy action film samples and quirky beats.

July 2001: Mission -- One

Mission is a live instrument hip-hop group from San Francisco that is led by MC's Rashaan Amad and Moe Pope. "One," out on Def Juz Records explores the topics of anti-materialism and anti-violence, while the music is heavily ridden with smooth keyboard beats.

May 2001: Sigur Ros -- Agaetis Byrjun

Hailing from Iceland, Sigur Ros creates beautifully orchestrated and deeply atmospheric music on its first U.S. release. Layered, rich, and emotional, these extended soundscapes are a mix of guitars, keyboard, flute, accordian, bass and drums. The starngely distinctive vocals are sung in a mixture of Icelandis and a language calle "Hopelandic"--a combination of sounds and inflections.

March 2001: Blue States -- Nothing Changes Under the Sun

Radio 1190's CD of the Month for March is Nothing Changes Under the Sun the debut album by Blue States. Formed in 1997, the London-based Blue States released four EPs in the UK before recording this album. On Nothing Changes Under the Sun, Blue States creates a seductive and cinematic blend of electronic, jazz, and rock sounds. From songs like "Your Girl" which incorporates soul and downtempo beats to "Elios Therapia" with its spaghetti western references, "Nothing Changes Under the Sun" is a unique and refreshing take on electronic music.

January 2001: The Causey Way -- Causey vs. Everything

The Causey Way is not a cult. With crunchy, noisy "hymns" that are both creepy and intriguing, the Way preach a religion of rock, conplete with a synth-punk, new-wave musical style that owes much to Alice Donut, Devo, and The Rentals. Causey vs. Everything is The Causey Way's most rounded release yet. It features eight of the 17 rotating ACE (Aural Communications Entertainment Division) members: Causey, Jane Diaz, Rain Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, Dr. Tracy Cox, The Button, Brian Teasley (Man or Astroman?), and Ballard Leisman (Rock-a-teens).

November 2000: Mudhoney -- Here Comes Sickness

Incorrectly labeled "grunge" and unfairly linked with Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Mudhoney takes similar early 90's themes but makes them sleazy and trashy like the Russ Meyer film they named themselves after. Here Comes Sickness compiles three sessions recorded for John Peel and the BBC. Included are several tracks recorded during their first trip to England in 1989--only a year after the band formed. There are also tracks recorded in 1995 after the Sub-Pop/Seattle explosion.

August 2000: Laika -- Good Looking Blues

Like their namesake - the dog rocketed into orbit by the Soviets renowned as the first living creature to exit the earth's atmosphere - Laika travelled the spaceways, forging a distinct and wildly experimental fusion of hip-hop, jazz, electronica, dub and Krautrock without earthly precedent. A nice addition to the CD of the Month family!

June 2000: Various Artists -- Songs in the Key of Z

Outsider Music refers to a genre of sonic exotica so wrong -- it's right! These often self-taught artists may lack conventional tunefulness and self-awareness, but they display an abundance of earnestness and passion. And they're worth listening to, often surpassing all contenders for originality. Irwin Chusid, renowned music historian and WFMU DJ, has lovingly curated this compendium -- Songs in the Key of Z: THe Curious Universe of Outsider Music -- as an audio counterpart to his book of the same title (A Cappella Books/Chicago Review Press). The compilation features songs by artists profiled in the text. Songs in the Key of Z promises an unforgettable romp through music too strange for radio but too fascinating to ignore.

April 2000: Blackalicious -- Nia

Tim Parker & Xavier Mosley, better known as Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel respectively, comprise the duo Blackalicious. Nia is the Swahili word for purpose, "It's all about seeing your struggles as experiences that make you a better person so that your spirit can evolve to the next level," says Parker. One such struggle was Parker's bout with alcoholism. Now fully recovered, he and Xcel have spent the last 3 years creating what will be seen as an essential album in the late 90's resurgence of underground hip-hop. They will return the funk that made the original artform great in the 1970's Bronx. They first met in a Sacramento high school, and Xcel's college roommate Josh Davis, aka DJ Shadow, contributes production on the spacey fantasy trip, "Cliff Hanger." In addition to Shadow, the rest of the Quannum crew, Latryx's Lateef & Lyrics Born contribute to the album in various capacities. An instant classic.

February 2000: Destroyer -- Thief

Hailing from Canada, Destroyer quietly infested the airwaves of the USA with their single, "The Temple." Immediately a hit here at Radio 1190, the music staff sought out any information about this catchy band to aid in the countless calls asking "Who is this band?" Low and behold a few weeks later the full length by Destroyer, entitled Thief, landed on our desks and the rest is history. The brain behind Destroyer is Daniel Bejar, who in 1995 after dropping out of college, began to record on a borrowed four-track weird instrumentals and kooky cover songs. Five years later and after adding a few members, Thief was recorded. It is a great album full of catchy tunes, reminiscent of the Bowie-era years. If you listen closely, he actually has some pretty interesting things to say about the world as it stands. A must have for any music collection.----Your "dedicated to cool music" Music Staff at Radio 1190

December 99: Low -- Christmas
& Various Artists -- I Made it Out of Clay compilation

As a special holiday treat for our current and December members of the CD of the Month Club, Radio 1190 is throwing in an extra CD! Low, a sanguine threepiece from the drowsy shores of Duluth, Minnesota, have put out a special, hard to find CD of Christmas and Christmas related songs. The majority of the new CD is signature Low -- languid, mournful, and sparse. They do, however, make a noticable departure from their trademark style on the album's first track "Just Like Christmas." This catchy, beautiful track has been exceedingly popular with both staff and listeners. Christmas is a combination of original songs and covers such as "Blue Christmas," "Silent Night," and "Little Drummer Boy."

As a bonus, we're also including the new Hanukkah compilation I Made it Out of Clay put together by Little Shirley Beans. One of the greatest things about this new (and to my best knowledge, first) indie pop Chanukah compilation is it's mastermind, Brooklyn's Little Shirley Beans. Shirley Braha as she is known to her family, is but a mere 16 years old which lends a special air of awe-thenticity to this record. Shirley made her first mark earlier this year by organizing the "Indiepop List" song from the latest Momus album "Stars Forever" and now gives everyone at the intersection of Jew and Indiepop fan reason to rejoice with upbeat songs about our best known holiday. by Joshua Bloom

October 99: Barcelona -- Simon Basic

Having been raised in Washington DC during the Reagan Regime of the 80's it was hard for anyone not to be under the influence of new wave pop and Commodore 64's let alone the members of Barcelona. Comprised of Jennifer Carr (bass), Jason Korzen (guitar/ singer), Christian Scanniello (drums) and Ivan Ramiscal (moog/keyboards/ guitar), the band somehow found time away from their love of soccer and computers to add their own dose of synth-pop and indie to play their only show in 1999 and release their first full-length "Simon BASIC" that same year.
-- Mike DaRonco , All-Music Guide

August 99: Various Artists -- Double Agent 2000 compilation

Double Agent Records has been dubbed one of the best record labels you've never heard of. This stellar Double Agent Compilation features some of Radio 1190's favorite bands including Radio 1190's #1 band from 1998, The Push Kings, as well as Class, (Smooth) Operator, and Rose Melberg.