freaks and bea†s

Islands (She Talks In Rainbows) by Guided By Voices

I really, really dig this surprisingly pop-y GBV single. The band recently released their 20th LP, titled English Little League.

Jose Gonzalez

"Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division Cover)"

Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover) by José Gonzalez

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of Ian Curtis’ death, so here’s my favorite JD cover.

Souls Of Mischief

"Step To My Girl"

Throwback Thursday Edition: Step To My Girl by Souls of Mischief

Vampire Weekend fans might recognize the riff and opening line of this 90’s hip-hop song by Souls of Mischief. It’s sampled in VW’s song “Step”, off their latest album Modern Vampires of the City.

Watch Marion Cotillard star in David Bowie’s new music video for “The Next Day.”

Prisms by Temples

British psychedelic rock band Temples may have formed less than a year ago, but their retro sound on this track is one crazy amalgamation of The Doors-y organs, The Zombies-like harmonizing vocals, and Phil Spector’s “Be My Baby” drums. Check out two other Temples songs on their Soundcloud here.

Major Minor Love by Rhye

It’s been an incredible year for music thus far, but California-based duo Rhye’s debut album Woman has been a real standout for me. Rhye is composed of Mike Milosh, a classically trained musician, and Robin Hannibal who was formerly in the Danish band Quadron.

Fabian by The She’s

If this sunny track from California all-girl band The She’s isn’t stuck in your head by tomorrow, I give up. Formed in 2007, The She’s released their first full-length album last year titled Then It Starts to Feel Like Summer. But their Facebook page’s description says all you really need to know about them: “it’s been said before and we’ll say it again.. sushi, pesto pizza, root beer, and boys. don’t forget it.”

Vampire Weekend

"Exit Music (For a Film)"

Exit Music (For a Film) cover by Vampire Weekend

Back in 2007, Vampire Weekend contributed a cover to Stereogum’s 10th anniversary tribute album to Radiohead’s incomparable OK Computer. I just stumbled across this cover on YouTube yesterday, so…if you’re one of the late ones like me, enjoy!

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

"May This Be Love"

May This Be Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Here’s California-based singer/songwriter Chelsea Wolfe’s stunning video for “Flatlands.” If you like dark, experimental folk rock, I highly recommend her 2011 LP Apokalypsis.