Indie Muse Blog - Bands on tour

• Vandaveer - Grace & Speed

    Several months ago I featured These United States, and mentioned how much the DC scene is changing from the punk scene it used to be known for. The new alternative/folk scene emerging is really exciting to witness. Gypsy Eyes Records is among the  best independent labels in DC, and...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • These United States ON TOUR (US)
• My Morning Jacket - Bonnaroo 2008

  On Monday, I got back from another jam-packed Bonnaroo. The music was great, the weather was great (for the most part), and I had a great time catching up with close buddies of mine. My three favorite performances were: My Morning Jacket, Broken Social Scene, and The Raconteurs. Nomo definitely...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Derek Trucks ON TOUR (US)
  • The Disco Biscuits ON TOUR (US)
  • Drive By Truckers ON TOUR (US)
  • Jack Johnson ON TOUR (US)
  • My Morning Jacket ON TOUR (US/UK)
  • Orchestra Baobab
  • Pearl Jam ON TOUR (US)
  • Phil Lesh ON TOUR (US)
  • Rogue Wave ON TOUR (US)
  • Stephen Marley ON TOUR (UK)
  • Yonder Mountain String Band ON TOUR (US)
• Speedmarket Avenue

    If you’re looking for some melody driven jangly indie pop from Sweden then look no further. Speedmarket Avenue’s new release “Way Better Now” provides us with plenty of upbeat catchy songs. The band doesn’t break any new ground, but instead they refine what has already been done in the...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Camera Obscura ON TOUR (US/UK)
• Cryptacize - We’ll Never Dream Again

  Today’s song of the day comes from Asthmatic Kitty’s Cryptacize. I’m a sap for alternating male and female vocals and this simple little song is a good example. The rubato arrangement of this song makes it very expressive along with its minimal instrumentation of electric guitar and drums. Here you...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Cryptacize ON TOUR (US)
  • Revolver
• David Byrne’s Musical Building

  This is amazing. David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame) takes an old building in New York and hooks up an organ to different pipes and beams in the building. The sound reverberates throughout the entire building creating a giant sound installation. There are no amplifiers; all the sounds are made...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • David Byrne ON TOUR (US)
• Video Mix

  Here’s a selection of videos from some of my favorite bands of the 90s. Some are music videos, some are live performances. I don’t think the Built to Spill performance is from the 90s, but the song is and that’s what’s important. I’ve also included an MP3 of each of...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Built To Spill ON TOUR (US/UK)
  • The Flaming Lips
  • Here ON TOUR (UK)
  • Stranger ON TOUR (US)
• Port O’Brien

  I first heard Port O’Brien opening for Rogue Wave back in October of 07, and at first I sort of brushed them aside as another indie band that would be forever opening for other indie bands, never quite able to break on through. After having listened to their album All...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • All Ages ON TOUR (US)
  • Black Francis
  • The Builders And The Butchers
  • Modest Mouse
  • Rogue Wave ON TOUR (US)
  • W
• Video: The Books - Tokyo

  Pitchfork.tv put this music video by the Books up on their website Friday. Though this track is from their 2nd full release “The Lemon of Pink“, I had just seen this video from 2003 for the first time. I was interested in seeing how the Books would make a music...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Food
• Women - Black Rice

  Today’s song of the day comes from Flemish Eye records’ up and coming band Women. “Black Rice” is a simple, lo-fi, catchy little pop rock song. Just some two note guitar riffs, a hint of glockenspiel and piano, the simplicity only leaves me wanting more. I’m interested in hearing the...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Deerhoof ON TOUR (US/UK)
• My Favorite Musician: Cat Stevens

    When talking with friends, I always show a lot of Wilco love, to a point where anyone would reasonably assume that Wilco is my favorite band. I’ve even convinced myself. But in truth, as much as Wilco will always hold a special place in my heart, I can’t say...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Wilco
• Mini Mix

    Earlier on this year I had a New Year’s resolution that failed about 2 months in. Maybe it was too ambitious or maybe I’m too lazy, but regardless, posts on our blog have been running thin. I’m going to revise my resolution and instead of listening to an album...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Fleet Foxes ON TOUR (US/UK)
  • Islands ON TOUR (UK)
  • No Age ON TOUR (US/UK)
  • Ratatat ON TOUR (US)
• Sunny Levine - Love Rhino

  I came across Sunny Levine’s music a few weeks ago, and haven’t stopped listening since. He has a lot of influences, it’s hard to make an exact comparison to other musicians. Songs like “Relations” bring to mind Dave Matthews. Other songs remind me of Jack Johnson, but less acoustic based....(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Ice Cube ON TOUR (US)
  • Jack Johnson ON TOUR (US)
  • Jamie Cullum
  • Joe Cocker
  • Mickey Avalon ON TOUR (US)
• Electric President - Sleep Well

  I’ve always been a big fan of the electronic/pop duo Electric President. I still listen to their 2006 self-titled release all the time, and one member, Ben Cooper, has a really neat solo project called Radical Face. An obvious comparison for Electric President, for those who need it, is the...(read full post)

  Artists mentioned:
  • Electric ON TOUR (US)