MAD STARING EYES

Mad Staring Eyes: Bored of Looking Cool (Retina Records)

This four-piece comes from London and played at Glastonbury 2005. They have been described as a cross between The Cure and U2/Echo and the Bunnymen, but this does not make justice to their originality, even when you hear echoes of Devo and David Byrn. Punk stamina with nice guitar work, keyboards and melodically screaming vocals that will make you wonder what band you are listening to… the same one featured in some TV shows.
(Speaking of originality, as someone pointed out, the first two tracks may sound similar, like having the same riff.) In “Educated Heart” you have a 60’s sound and “Shiny new car” is a rock n’ roll. A line from “I start fights” will resonate with guys: “You know I love you, but I hate conversation.” Some personal favorites: “Blue,” “Out of my Head,” “Don’t Lead Me on,” “Walking in the Streets,” “Grounded.”

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(weewerk) is 6!

(weewerk) is 6!

Indie, folk rock

(weewerk) is an independent label from Toronto founded by Phil Klygo and Germaine Koh. The project supports the arts as well as music. This compilation celebrates their sixth anniversary, Happy Birthday, (weewerk)!
Features The Barmitzvah Brothers, Canteen Knockout, Great Lake Swimmers, The United Steel Workers of Montreal and more from the Canadian independent movement.

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The Great Lake Swimmers

The United Steel Workers of Montreal

The Barmitzvah Brothers

MICHAEL BARRY-REC: Streams in the Desert

Michael Barry-Rec: Streams in the Desert

Folk, Acoustic; Ry Cooder, David Gilmour

He comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and plays acoustic guitars and lap steel. Nice organ and bongos lay the background for spacey (all instrumental) songs. Just close your eyes and imagine water flowing through the desert. Barry-Rec is also a master mason and does amazing stone work.

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CEANN: Making Friends

Ceann: Making Friends

“Yankee-Irish Drinking Music,” Celtic Rock, Flogging Molly.

This band (it’s OK to mispronounce their name) is from Pittsburgh, PA. They have funny and fast-paced songs about family and relationships, nationalisms and the music business, legendary pirates and… drinking. Nice blend of guitar, accordion and violin that will make you stomp with humor and sarcasm.

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ANDREW BIRD: Noble Beast

ANDREW BIRD. Noble Beast (Fat Possum)

Folk rock

Singer song writer and violin/guitar player, Andrew is a true bird; he also whistles, claps and adds vocals accompanied by a full band. Nice, folksy, subtly complicated songs that will transport you to ancient roots sometimes with the help of old instruments. Bird was a frequent collaborator of the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

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This is the cover of the limited edition

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THE BAD PLUS WENDY LEWIS: For All I Care

THE BAD PLUS (JOINED BY WENDY LEWIS): For All I Care ((Heads Up)

Jazz, Experimental (Covers)

The trio that redefines rock, jazz, pop, and classical music is back with the addition of vocalist Wendy Lewis, who perfectly harmonizes with the band’s musical framework. All tracks are covers, but so personal and original they become a song on their own. Rock classics like “Long Distance Runaround”, “Barracuda”, “Lithium”, “Comfortably Numb” alternate with classical compositions by Stravinsky, Babbit and Ligeti.

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BEN YARO & THE COMMONWEALTH

BEN YARO & THE COMMONWEALTH: Ben Yaro (Team Clermont)

Iron & Wine, Devendra Banhart, Jose Gonzalez.

This folk trio comes from the subways of New York City. They have a very nice acoustic sound with pleasant harmonies and clean instrumentation. Simple and beautiful music with roots in Three Dog Night, CSNY, Cat Stevens.

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