Princeton release new tune "Clamoring For Your Heart"

For as much of a fuss as I gave when Princeton came out with their "To the Alps" single, I certainly haven't shown their new song "Clamoring For Your Heart" enough love. It's beenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif out for a week now after premiering on Yours Truly and I paid it absolutely no mind. Why? I have no idea.

"Clamoring For You Heart" is a perfect example of what Princeton does oh so well. A retro-pop feel with some blippy non-distracting electronic interplay and some silky smooth baritone vocals all blend together to make a delightfully carefree pop gem.

So don't be like me, give Princeton's "Clamoring For You Heart" a listen right now:

Watch: Laura Marling - "Sophia"

With how much I've been fiending for Laura Marling's upcoming album A Creature I Don't Know and anything related to it, I'm kind of surprised I didn't know about the new video for "Sophia". Sure it was posted earlier today but if not for Listen Before You Buy, I might've missed it. Maybe.

Replacing the old video where viewers watched the "Sophia" single album art drawn over and over, this time around we have Laura Marling keeping equally as simple. Beginning with Marling solo in a church (no doubt inspired by her upcoming cathedral tour in England) before panning back to reveal her band members far behind her. Marling then strides over to them, there's some nifty light tricks, and Marling snarls at the camera like a badass. Just when you thought Laura Marling couldn't get anymore awesome, this video comes around to prove that she can.

Share my awe and amazement with the video for "Sophia":

Dark Captain to release new album.

I remember when I was first introduced to London indie-pop quintet Dark Captain, Light Captain (who have since dropped the Light Captain from their name) a couple years ago via Eardrums. I was thoroughly enchanted by their light, airy sound. And then kind of forgot about them until recently. Turns out the folks of Dark Captain are making a new album. Dead Legs & Alibis, the follow up to their 2008 debut Miracle Kicker, will be out October 10th in the UK, no word yet on any US release.

You can preview the new album with a the first single "Submarines" and a b-side "Bellcurve" at their blog here. You can also download them both for free.

Hello MTN previews another new track

Keeping their word, Portland folk duo Hello MTN have released another early version of an album track. This time in the form of the tentatively titled "Suitcase Song". It's markedly different from the rest of the previews in that this is the first track that features a more than just the duo. Enlisting Andrew Cambell on violin and Emmett Moeller on viola for some stellar string arrangements. If that wasn't enough to make the song ridiculous amazing, there's also a gentle organic transformation from tragic melancholy to a much more resolute farewell song.

Listen to "Suitcase Song":
Suitcase Song (early version) by hellomtn

Cymbals Eat Guitars offer up "Definite Darkness" and pre-order package

Almost a year ago, Cymbals Eat Guitars introduced new songs "Definite Darkness" and "Wavelengths" to the world live via BBC and now with their new album's release imminent, we get to hear one of these in all it's studio-infused glory. I'm not ashamed to admit that when it first came out, "Definite Darkness" wasn't my favorite of the new tracks and yet with it's new updated sound, that's changed almost instantly. It's got the certain level of aggression that fans of the band have come to love and yet, balances that out with smooth, sensual, balladic moments.

You can listen to the song via it's premiere on Pitchfork here.

Pitstop: Hospitality

I never understand why some people don't go to concerts until the headliner's set. The openers (at least in my privileged opinion) are usually pretty good and that's extra true in this case. In probably the only instance where I didn't see the opener's whole set (getting lost in the wilds of a city will do that to you), I missed what was sure to be a rousing set by Brooklyn four-piece Hospitality at ARMS and North Highlands co-headlining show. How do I know this? Because the only two songs I got to hear were incredible. And so as soon as I was able, I sought out any information I could on. Turns out the main theme of that gig was that each band was sitting on new album so a lot of the music was brand spanking new and thus not available for continued consumption. What I did find was a 3 song self-titled EP (available on their Bandcamp). Which is kind of backwards. Going from the amped up, energetic live stage show to the more low-key tracks written and recorded several years ago. The songs are sparse yet with distinct melodies carried by Amber Papini's unique delicate vocals.

In my research I've seen Hospitality referenced many times as "pop music that doesn't take the easy way to a hook". And it's true, Hospitality takes the long and winding high road to exceptional songwriting. They're unpredictable yet catchy; good music that comes almost delightfully out of left field. Give "Eighth Ave" a listen to better see what I mean:

Hospitality @ Mercury Lounge 7.27.2011 from Jessica Amaya on Vimeo.

The Lost Cavalry release "Desert Tracks" single

After what seems like ages, The Lost Cavalry's new single "Desert Tracks" is officially out today. Besides being an awesome song about abandoned diamond mines in the deserts of Namibian. It also marks the first new release from The Lost Cavalry this year which means it's merely a matter of time before fans are able to get their hands on the EP promised earlier this year.

But that's not to diminish the quality of "Desert Tracks". The track is a folksy jaunt filled with swirling melodies with spirited storytelling that captivates from beginning to end.



Also check out the video for "Desert Tracks":