Possibly some of the more interesting sounds have heard so far.. this band makes me incredibly mellow. True to my obsession with Scandinavian music, I stumbled across Hjaltalin – an Icelandic 8-piece band. But their tunes are unlike the typical ambient, electro rock that is prevalent in Reykjavik.. instead their vintage tunes resemble 60′s show pop and classical music.

Traffic Music

When it comes to masters of lo-fi, all roads lead to Pavement. No more said. This band formed a long time ago (around the year I was born), initially as a studio project between guitarists and vocalists Malkmus and Kannberg. They subsequently grew to have cult following, broke up a decade ago, and reunited just few month ago. Die hard fans probably already know about their upcoming September shows in Central Park..

Pavement – Shady Lane

Pavement – Stereo

They craft tales without words. Helios latest album Eingya is an album of wordless songs, apt to be film scores. Chill out, Ambient, Electro enthusiasts will surely appreciate this

I remember writing about Abigail Washburn couple of months ago. I never thought I would have a chance to actually see her. But here’s the scoop – she  and David Liang will be present at NYU’s Residential Hall Palladium on Thursday, Apr.29. at 7pm. This is a show you do not want to miss! For those who have never heard of Abigail and her Shanghai Restoration project, Abigail  is an American Folk artist who started a project with electronic artist David Liang in collaboration with Sichuan Quake Relief. This project involved making a album that remix “voices and sounds” from China earthquake zone – the disaster that killed 88,000 people and made 5million destitute in May 2008 – in order to raise relief for victims that are still in need.

This time around, all donations from the event go to Haiti relief. This event consists of panel discussion of various NGOs in the end and awareness about the Shanghai restoration project as well. Highly recommend this event – the music is awesome if not anything (I wonder if she is performing or just talking?? will find out). Spread the word!

April 29.
7 – 9pm

NYU Palladium Hall
140 East 14th Street
Multi-Purpose room, 3rd Floor

These guys are awesome. For starters, Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear (!) liked them enough to co-produce the last album. The songs here are mellow, cheerful and sweetly sentimental. A bit of background, the Morning Benders had its very humble beginnings with Chris Chu at UC Berkley.  They recently moved to Brooklyn from San Fransisco. No wonder half the show was packed with people from San Fran. Their new album Big Echo is worth a big shout.  There is quite a bit of hype floating around this band (tickets to their NY shows – all 3 – sold out well in advance), and yes believe the hype. They may be relatively fresh but I am a big fan! It’s refreshing to see a band leave the stage and  meet the audience after the show..

I had a difficult time picking the songs to post here  because I like whole album. SO I highly recommend checking out Big Echo.

The Morning Benders – All Day Daylight (“dance” song)

The Morning Benders – Damnit Anna (old album but one of my fav.)

The Morning Benders -  Cold War

The Morning Benders – Sleeping In

This can be considered a break from my usual posts, because..it’s gypsy folk. Contrary to what this blog may lead one to believe, I do like folk music. With their accordian, Cello and Strings, La Strada offers a breath of fresh air in the indie music scene. They may be from Brooklyn but their music is anything but that, with roots in Europe and drawing inspiration from baltic folk tales. Starling is one of my favorite songs by them. Think Beirut and Neutral Milk Hotel. In fact they are named after the famous Fellini Italian neorealism film La Strada. Check out their page for more music.

La Strada – Starling

La Strada – Wash on by

Here is a visual allegory for their music. Enjoy New York in sepia in this awesome video.

Best Coast on Myspace

Sun drenched lo-fi meets vintage surf rock in the tunes crafted by the lead Bethany Cosentina – a California native surrounded by music all her life – and her friend Bob Bruno. The songs remind me of the summer, sun, ocean, 70′s west coast. I’ve been wanting to watch Best Coast live for sometime and as luck would have it they performed at Mercury Lounge couple of weeks ago.

Best Coast- when I’m with you

Best Coast – Sun Was High

Best Coast – So Gone mp3

He was discovered during an internship at Matador records, and he just ran with it.

Oberhofer – Away from you

Oberhofer – I could go

Oberhofer – Haus

“traditional hip-hop has changed forever.” Philly based indie duo Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones create hip-hop fusion with electronica. The result is really magic. Check out more on Chiddy Bang.

Cymbals claimed these guys are their best tour mates. Bear in Heaven creates a hybrid of psychedelic, electronic rock with pop tunes. Watching them live can put one in a trance-like state. You literally feel the tremors surround you. And, yes, they rock the mustache and beard like no other.

Lovesick Teenager (mp3)

Deafening Love

Ultimate Satisfaction

You Do You