John Darnielle may not be singing into his trusty Panasonic boom box anymore, but his incisive, tuneful narratives are as raw and compelling as ever.
Spokane
Spokane slow things down to reveal the fragile melody and uncomfortable detail of people trying to get along.
Foreign Legion
Still on the introspective tip at times (check “How Do It Feel?”), SF’s unsung hip-hop heroes try their hand at club tracks, FL-style…to mixed results.
All Girl Summer Fun Band
Chick-fronted pop romps with unexpected twists on the usual themes (i.e., boys, boys, boys).
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Troublemaker [MP3, 1.9MB, 128kbps]
Video Game Heart [MP3, 2.44MB, 160kbps]
Jason Lee [MP3, 2.76MB, 160kbps]
Later Operator [MP3, 2.86MB, 160kbps]
Girl #3 [MP3, 3.33MB, 160kbps]
Grass Skirt [MP3, 1.86MB, 128kbps]
Dreamy You [MP3, 1.90MB, 128kbps]
Her Space Holiday
We’ll keep adding MP3s ’til the wheels come off… Our growing talent showcase proves again (if needed) that emotronica wiz Marc Bianchi can play confessional singer/songwriter, bedroom beatslinger, or sampler symphonist with equal artistry. And yet, somehow, my man still finds time to get his remix on.
Tree Wave
Warm, familiar, soothing tunes — just what you’d expect from a Commodore 64, Atari 2600, Compaq Portable II, Epson dot matrix printer, and a 100% human chanteuse.
Manishevitz
Rich orchestral pop with affected and infectious vocals ressembling a cross between Mark E. Smith and Rik Ocasek.
Danger Mouse & Jemini
A sampling of favorites from 2003. Sophisticated party fodder brimming with soulful beats and fresh rhymes: “I never politic when I be on some cool-out shit….” Word.
Tha Liks
A couple of classic rewinds from the West Coast lyrical pranksters.
Non-Prophets
A sampling of favorites from 2003. Infamous indie intellectual Sage Francis proves he can spit heat with the best of them — watch yer back, Mr. Mathers.