El Ten Eleven - El Ten Eleven (2004)

The eponymous debut of Los Angeles based post-rock duo El Ten Eleven, El Ten Eleven is nine tracks of instrumental wonder. I stumbled upon this band by accident when the third track, "Lorge," captured my attention when it came up on an internet radio station that I'd had set to play songs by and like The American Analog Set. As soon as the synth loop started going, I was hooked and immediately sought out the album from whence it came. Now, my friends, I pass it on to you. Enjoy!

For fans of: The American Dollar, Unwed Sailor, The Six Parts Seven, Saxon Shore, Sigur Rós

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Savoir Adore - In the Wooded Forest (2009)

This album was, hands down, one of the best releases of 2009. The proper full-length debut of Brooklyn's Savoir Adore (following 2008's The Adventures of Mr. Pumpernickel and the Girl With Animals in Her Throat), In the Wooden Forest is a gust of wind that gives the listener's ears a breath of fresh air (if ears had lungs, that is... You get the picture.). This studio release is full of little nuances and idiosyncrasies that keep it fresh with each listen. Songs like "We Talk Like Machines," "Transylvanian Candy Patrol," "MERP," and "Space Travel" sound new with each and every listen. This record has been given a lot of care and nurturing, and the end result is something much more cohesive than the band's previous release, while still containing all of the defining characteristics that made your humble narrator fall in love with them in the first place. Fans of their first release will recognize the track "The Wooded Forest," (formerly titled "In the Wooded Forest, A Girl") now in an extended and much more finished version (not to mention where this album gets its name). If lights had sounds, this record would be home to the entire visible spectrum of color.

For fans of: The Submarines, Broken Social Scene, Mates of State, GIVERS, The Ethnographers

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The Depreciation Guild - Spirit Youth (2010)

“You know how airplane cabins have a drone to them? Well, it’s like an A note, and I was singing melodies over it in the bathroom.” That quote, made by The Depreciation Guild's frontman Kurt Feldman last year was the jumping off point for Spirit Youth, the band's sophomore release. Let me just tell you friends, man... What a release it is. Fuzz, drone, pop, bleep, bloop and rock come together to form this Megazord of a record. The album opens with "My Chariot," a song whose synth-y beginnings and matter-of-fact style of lyric delivery draw the listener in and keep them entranced for ten songs worth of wonder, including (but not limited to) the album's single, "Dream About Me."

For fans of: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, MillionYoung, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Cocteau Twins

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GIVERS - GIVERS (2009)

Released in 2009 by Louisiana's GIVERS, this self titled EP is made up of five tracks that will have your brain dancing in whimsical confusion. The band itself is such an amalgamation of sounds and vibes that trying to accurately compare their sound to other artists is like trying to divide by zero. Suffice it to say though, that these five songs are some of the most fun your ears will ever have. Enjoy!

For fans of: The Flaming Lips, The Color Bars, a third band or artist I can't quite put my finger on

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On!Air!Library! - On!Air!Library! (2004)

This is the only full-length release from New York City's three-piece experimental outfit On!Air!Library!, and what a release it is. Between gaining a bit more exposure by releasing a split with The Album Leaf and going on tour with Interpol, twin sisters Claudia and Alley Deheza and Philip Wann recorded this gem of a record. This is one of the few choice albums that the listener can just let play from beginning to end. No skipping tracks 'round these parts, sir! Nine tracks of shoegaze-y vocals over semi-regular glitches and resonating melodies do a body good.

For fans of: School of Seven Bells, The Album Leaf, Ester Drang

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The Fiery Furnaces - Bitter Tea (2006)

This record is fan-fucking-tastic. Playful guitars, haphazard beats, enchanting vocals, baskmasking, synths... This album has it all. The fifth full-length album from Brooklyn's The Fiery Furnaces, Bitter Tea is one of their greatest efforts thus far. Dancing around the nucleus of sibling duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger, this band presents the listener with something new on each release. This release just so happens to present the listener with a bucketful of awesome. Choice tracks include, but are in no way limited to "In My Little Thatched Hut," "Black-Hearted Boy" and "Bitter Tea."

For fans of: Deerhoof, Regina Spektor, Half-Handed Cloud

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The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band - Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward (2001)

2001 was a year of changes. After the release of their critically acclaimed debut, He Has Left Us Alone but Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corner of Our Rooms, A Silver Mt. Zion expanded their lineup from three to six members, and expanded their name to The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band. Retaining the somber influence of both earlier GY!BE releases and the new sound created in their first album and adds something completely new to the mix, both dreadfully obvious on some parts and also gently subtle on other parts of the record. The combination of spoken word and slow, ambient melody reach a peak on the track "Built Then Burnt [Hurrah! Hurrah!]" when the childish voice reminiscent of an old Adventures in Odyssey radio program exclaims, "So tangle, oh tangle us up in bright red ribbons! Let's have a parade! It's been so long since we've had a parade... Let's invite all our friends and all our friends' friends! Let's promenade down the boulevards with terrific pride and light in our eyes! Twelve feet tall and staggering, sick with joy with the angels there and light in our eyes!" This one's sure to stir up something inside you, just you listen and see.

For fans of: Fly Pan Am, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Johnnytwentythree

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Secret Mommy - Plays (2007)

This album spent over a year being made, and it definitely shows. Every glitch, every sample, every second is precise and deliberate. Plays is the fourth full-length from Canada's Secret Mommy and it's the best one yet. During the first time 'round, the listener's brain will ask itself, "What the HELL is going on?" But then it'll wise-up and say, "Oh... Now I get it... Oh wait, there's more!" This record is special, every time it's given a listen, the brain finds something new inside it. Choice tracks include "Grand About the Mouth" and "Kool Aid River." Buy the ticket, take the ride. When everything starts tasting purple, you've hit the spot.

For fans of: Boards of Canada, DAT Politics, Gangpol und Mit

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Circle Takes the Square - As the Roots Undo (2004)

The first (and as of yet, only) full-length release by Savannah, GA's Circle Takes the Square, is packed with ever-changing time signatures and spastic melodies in songs like "Same Shade as Concrete," "Crowquill," and "In the Nervous Light." Raw, uninhibited and unpredictable, As the Roots Undo was a fist-shaped breath of fresh air to the skramz/screamo scene of the mid-2000s. It's definitely an acquired taste, but damn, is it tasty.

For fans of: Pg. 99, Daughters, Saetia

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Fear Before the March of Flames - Art Damage (2004)

Before the polished record that accompanied a not-so-necessary name change, Fear Before the March of Flames released this little beauty. An amalgamation of raw emotion, hard riffs and dry, sharp wit, Art Damage is a force to be reckoned with. This is the album that really defined their sound and cemented their place in the experimental hardcore scene. The whole album is great, but if I had to pick a favorite track, it would have to be "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows." Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I give you... FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES!!!!


For fans of: Heavy Heavy Low Low, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, The JonBenét

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Hot Club de Paris - Drop It 'til It Pops (2006)

This experimental math-rock trio from across the pond is just what the doctor ordered. These guys make no intention of hiding their influences, as they take the heart's delight of sweater-wearing, bearded indie kids and put their own Liverpudlian spin on it. On this, their debut record, they exhibit a powerhouse display of interweaving melodies and harmonies, fluid riffs that pack notes into a measure like a clowns into a car and sing-along chants and yells for audience participation. Sounds like fun for the whole family, yeah? Fuckin' a, yeah.


For fans of: Owls, This Town Needs Guns, Born Ruffians, American Football

***The band has requested that we remove the download link, and out of respect to them, we have done exactly that. We can however, direct you to their MySpace profile where several tracks are available for your streaming pleasure. If you like what you hear, buy the record!

http://www.myspace.com/hotclubdeparis

Jaga Jazzist - A Livingroom Hush

Holy fuck this rules. Progressive Post-Jazz. This is a 10 person group that will make you feel shitty for writing that embarrassing 4/4 song in 11th grade about some girl who didn't want to fuck you cause you couldn't throw a ball. They are about as good as you can be at this completely unique/complex sound. So good it hurts.

For Fans Of: Mouse On The Keys, Bluebridge Quartet, Amazing Music

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Foxy Shazam - Introducing (2008)

This band has been described as alternative. That right there is one of the biggest understatements of the century. If I had to describe this band in one word, it would be FREAKOUT (FUCK YEAH, CAPSLOCK!)! I challenge the listener to listen to this record's track "Yes! Yes! Yes!" and not break out their boogie shoes. I double dog dare you. These guys toured with The Fall of Troy last year and the nation's hospitals are still over capacity because of all the people in the burn wards suffering from severe face meltage.


For fans of: The Fall of Troy, Portugal. The Man, The Blood Brothers, Little Richard

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Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing (2008)

Weird, crazy experimental stuff from across the pond. This album quenches a thirst for a certain sound that you don't even know you had until you hear it. Produced by Mogwai guitarist John Cummings, Pitchfork named it #20 on their list of the 50 best albums of 2008, and I myself ranked it #10 on my top 10 list of 2008.


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Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin

There is a hope for music and it's name is Band Of Horses... I have recently fell in love with this album. Educate yourself and download.

Password = www.livedown.org

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Refused - The Shape Of Punk To Come

One of the best experimental hardcore/punk albums ever recorded.. Lots of changes from the normal scream guitar rock standard, going into jazz parts, classical parts and tons of time changes - this album has influenced thousands of bands. One of my favorites (at 320kbps).

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The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is the tenth album by The Flaming Lips, released on July 16, 2002. It is characterized by electronic influenced, psychedelic-tinged alternative rock compositions.

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The Sounds Of Animals Fighting - The Tiger And The Duke

The Sound of Animals Fighting is a mysterious band formed with the purpose of creating something out of the norm. The band is comprised of members from Rx Bandits, Finch, Rich Balling (ex-Rx Bandits) and Anthony Green of Saosin and Circa Survive fame. Their music is experimental, the transitions progressive, and the lyrics were improvised on the spot. The members of The Sound of Animals Fighting borrow musical stylings from each of their respective bands, as the drumming is distinctly Rx Bandits, as well as the guitar rhythms and picking patterns. While all the members of the band remain nameless, they are referred to in the liner notes as “The Tortoise,” or “The Ferret.” All in all, there are 15 animals associated with this collaborative project, including the producers and engineers. The album itself is nine tracks long, but there are really only four songs, as five of the tracks are instrumental interludes.



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I Would Set Myself On Fire For You - Believes In Patterns

Georgia’s I Would Set Myself On Fire For You has spent years creating their new album “believes in patterns” and it was definitely worth the wait. I Would Set Myself on For You have grown immensely since their debut cd. Featured on the new cd are a grand total of eleven songs. I Would’s emotive hardcore style has expanded greatly and comparing them to such bands as still life and portrait are virtually meaningless now. Utilizing all sorts of different instruments I would now possess’s a much more distinct and unique sound which is hard to exactly categorize. While the emotive screamo foundation is still present, I Would’s sound now utilize such influences as pop, Americana and even country.


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Squarepusher - Feed Me Weird Things

With 12 tracks of lunacy, mayhem, and sheer beauty, Tom Jenkinson's 1996 debut as Squarepusher remains one of the few must-have records of the electronica revolution. Though Jenkinson builds his tracks around his remarkable fusion-inspired fretless bass playing, the album initially sounds like a study in maniacally intricate drum solos and patterns, themselves built from a few Roland drum machines.

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