Superchunk - This Summer b/w Cruel Summer 7''

My new favorite 7'' single is "This Summer b/w Cruel Summer" by Superchunk. It's catchy and it says summer. My copy is number 634/1300. It's on white vinyl that matches the cover. Appropriately enough the b-side is a poppy punk cover of Bananarama's "Cruel Summer." These songs make me happy to be alive.

Review: Secret Country- Seven Days A Week 7''

Secret Country
7 Days A Week 7''
Killing Horse Records
Release: May 22, 2012

A: 7 Days A Week
B: Deep-Fried Delight

Secret Country make country music sound like fun rock'n'roll with the same southern toned lyrics about booze and good eating. It's refreshing to hear their style in the unsuspecting town of Kearny, New Jersey. There's no guessing about what the lyrics mean here, they're singing about drinkin' 7 days a week, real party animals, I tell you. With songs about whiskey, fried-chicken, and plus-sized love, it's hard to not smile, sing-a-long, and dance when you listen to these songs. These songs definitely translate well live and put you in the mood to have fun. Country is one of my least favorite genres but Secret Country seem to get it right in the best way. A stream of the title track is available for your listening pleasure above.

The two songs will be available on 300 black 7'' vinyl records on May 22nd but of course the party will start early. What better place for a record release show for Secret Country then at Donegal Saloon in their hometown of Kearny? The whole shabang goes does Friday, May 18th. So come down to support them. Opening is soulful rockers Old Wives and indie/folk band Thomas Wesley Stern. More info here. If you dig the tunes, you can pre-order the record here or get one at the show.

Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' 12" Out Now

Today is the official release date for Those Mockingbirds "Fa Sol La" 12'' EP Vinyl. Thanks to everyone that pre-ordered the vinyl at our bigcartel store and who purchased the record at the record release show at Maxwells. The release show was sold out and showcased the band's two EP's with new songs and an encore of "The Chain." It was one of the band's most standout performances and I'm glad to have been apart of it. All pre-orders have been mailed out with a delivery confirmation number.

If you're unfamiliar with Those Mockingbirds, meet them here: http://www.starbeatmusic.net/p/artists.html

 

 

You can now get the gold version of the record at TUNES (225 Washington Street in Hoboken, NJ) and the black version at Mightier Than Sword's distro here: http://store.mtsrecords.com/products/15757 Mightier than Sword is a record label and merchandising service based in Brooklyn, NY, who do some awesome work. MTS screen printed the white skull b-sides for the black vinyl and they came out looking slick. If you live outside of the U.S., we recommend getting the record from MTS. Orders come with a digital download with a bonus song and a poster.

We've added two items to the big cartel store: a vinyl special ( the black and gold version of 'Fa Sol La' for $19) and the Marie Antoinette t-shirt for $10. We are running low on extra large (only 1 left) and medium (only 2 left). You can check out the store here: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com

The band also have some upcoming shows in NJ, CT, NY, PA, and MA. I'm especially excited about the Feb. 15 Tiny Giant Brooklyn Showcase with Brick + Mortar, The Nico Blues, and The Everymen. The show's at an all-ages, D.I.Y spot in Williamsburg - the drinks are cheap, the cover is $7, and the atmosphere is relaxed. By far, of my favorite NY venues.

I'd like to thank my label partner Jeff, Greg and Kyle at Merovee Records, R.J. and Jayme at Mightier Than Swords, TUNES, That Fellow Productions, United Record Pressing, Bags Unlimited, GDC Industries, everyone who has supported Star Beat Music and Adam, Rob, Tory, Kevin, and Jon, for giving me the opportunity to release a vinyl, it means so much to me that you believe in what we're doing and were the first band to join the label.

Those Mockingbirds Upcoming Shows:
2/02/12 - The Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ
2/9/12 - Webster Underground - Hartford, CT
2/10/12 - Olive's - Nyack, NY
2/12/12 - Vintage Theatre - Scranton, PA
2/15/12 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY
2/16/12 - Ralph's Diner - Worcester, MA

We'll be announcing a new band to our rooster in February, so stay tunes for that. Once again, thanks for supporting Star Beat Music, it means a lot.

Those Mockingbirds - Fa Sol La 12'' Pre-Orders Available 1/1/2012

Adam Bird of Those Mockingbirds
approves the test pressing

Last week we approved the gold vinyl test pressing for Those Mockingbird's EP Fa Sol La. The album will be released as a one-sided 12'' record, limited to 300 copies. Preorders will go up on our bigcartel page on January 1, 2012.

Two deluxe pre-order packages will be available. The first package will consist of a black record with a white screenprinted skull on the b-side plus an autographed poster, sticker, and a beer bottle cap keychain (made by Those Mockingbirds own Tory Daines). The second package will feature everything in package one plus an exclusive, limited edition t-shirt. Both packages will be limited to 25. A third item will be a limited edition gold vinyl. All record inserts will be hand-numbered by the band. Pre-orders will be up at http://starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com

You can listen to a stream of the EP at the band’s official website http://www.thosemockingbirds.com

A limited amount of records will be available at Those Mockingbirds vinyl release show on January 20, 2012 at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ with Shayfer James and Birdhand.

Star Beat Music to release Those Mockingbirds 12'' on 1/31/12

Happy Halloween, my fellow readers. It's release announcement day! I am pleased to announce that Star Beat Music's first release will be Montclair, NJ's Those Mockingbirds latest EP Fa Sol La on 12'' vinyl out Jan. 31, 2012. 

What's nice about Those Mockingbirds sound is that they keep their music exciting. Out splashes a hardrock song that's covered in so much melody you don't even realize how hard the song really is like on "Coast to Coast." The dual vocals of Adam Bird and Tory Daines match perfectly together, the melodies and guitar riffs soar, and the keyboard and violin adds a nice touch to the songs. They manage to craft together a classical melodic rock sound. I can listen to Fa Sol La all day and not get tired of it.

Vinyl seemed like the appropriate format to release Fa Sol La, given that three members collect vinyl and Star Beat Music loves vinyl. It's both our first time releasing vinyl, so it's a nice match.

“Vinyl is romantic for lack of another word,” Adam says. “When music exists on vinyl, it’s more real than any other state. I’ve had Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness on vinyl since I was 14-years-old. I want the whole experience. It’s a collector type thing. It’s the ultimate form because it’s more than just the music.”

It's been an amazing experience thus far preparing for this release, from learning about how vinyl is made, researching pressing plants, putting together financial plans, coordinating with the band, coordinating with Jeff Lambert (who has been a great help in pushing this release forward), and getting me back into the spirit of writing about music. The entire effort really highlights my love for music, this band, vinyl. Five months ago I didn't think would actually happen because of my incredibly time consuming work schedule and also, because I felt unprepared for what I was getting myself into. But what I learned is that when you want to do something, you find a way to go through with it. Two months ago my buddy Jeff, who used to play guitar for Exit She Calls contacted me about being interested in starting a label. We touched base, I sent him Those Mockingbirds EP, and he was on board. Next thing you know we're releasing a vinyl!

The 12’’ will be pressed as a one-sided, limited edition of 300 vinyl records on color and black vinyl with a white b-sided screenprint. All records will be hand numbered. You can listen to a stream for the album at the band’s official website and receive a free download of the EP, including a cover of “Break the Chain” by Fleetwood Mac.”

Download: www.thosemockingbirds.com
Stream: http://soundcloud.com/thosemockingbirds/sets/fa-sol-la

Review: Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''

Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''
Montclair, NJ
Indie / Rock / Chamber-Pop
Released: April 16, 2011
Self Released

There is something breathtaking about the music of Bern & the Brights. With their new vinyl release single "Starchild," Bern & the Brights has solidified their place in my heart as one of the best bands around today. The songwriting, groove, and lyrics on this song are top notch. It's a mesmerizing song about the one you love. I don't know exactly who they are referring to, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what it means to me, to you, to us, together. 

The release of this single was well-thought out by the band. They chose to release the single in time for Record Store Day, which was on April 16, to celebrate their love of vinyl and to showcase one of their best songs that they have been playing live for quite some time. They chose to do the artwork themselves. They chose to finance the release themselves. No kickstarter campaign, no label support. They used their own cash, impeccable talent, and music community to release it. They worked at Home Front Studios with Matt Ryan of The Defending Champions, who contributed a fitting trombone on the single. I respect that Bern & the Brights in true D.I.Y. aesthetic worked on the artwork and design of the record by themselves and financed it themselves, too.

The New & Very Welcome covers The Saddest Landscape on new 7''

If you've ever wondered what a heavy emotive band would sound like acoustic, then I've got a real treat for you. The New & Very Welcome just released a 3-song covers album of The Saddest Landscape. If you never heard of The Saddest Landscape or The New & Very Welcome, then you will soon know what it's like for a musician to wear their heart on their sleeve, or in their music, I guess you can say. When you listen to Jessica sing these songs, they are somehow just as grippingly emotional as when Andy from The Saddest Landscape screams them--because the words are the same exposed, poetic bittersweet beauty telling love. The TNVW achieves a sense of rawness through holding notes and in some instances screaming herself toward the end of "A Statute of A Girl," for instance. She brings the songs down in a way that allows you to really hear the words coming to life. Listening through I think, shit, The Saddest Landscape's lyrics are beautiful--something that might be overshadowed by heavy instrumentation of their music.

You can listen to these acoustic interpretations over at Pure Volume--that's right good 'ol PV--cause you know how MySpace has gone to shit. The release, Bouquet of Traffic Lights, is out and available on 7'' white vinyl with a gatefold cover and limited to 300 copies. Nerd alert. I'm excited to get this one in my collection soon.

Have a look at the lyrics for "The Temptation That Is You":

I just want you to stick around long enough to realize that I'm worth all of the trouble I cause because I'm sure that I will fuck this all up somehow so don't let me getaway 

Flesh to flesh, heart to heart I will never let this go
 I swear that I would love you forever

How amazing is that? If someone ever felt like that toward me, then life would probably be complete.

Side A
1. We Wanted The Sky
2.  A Statue Of A Girl (May 15th)

Side B
1. The Temptation That Is You

http://www.purevolume.com/thenewandverywelcome

Bern & the Brights to release 7'', upcoming shows w/ Amy Klein and Melissa Ferrick

I'm happy to announce that one of my favorite New Jersey bands, Bern & the Brights is releasing a 7'' on Record Store Day, April 16th. The single will feature the wonderful "Starchild" on the a-side and a new song called "Lost in the Sea" on the b-side. This will be the band's second physical release, but first time pressing on vinyl. 

As always Bern & the Brights are busy recording, working on artwork for the 7'', and playing shows in true D.I.Y. form. Some exciting shows include 2/16 in Brooklyn with Amy Klein and Delta Hotel and 4/1 in Teaneck with Melissa Ferrick! 

Bern & the Brights Shows:

2/15 @ Montclair Public Library, Montclair, NJ (6pm)
2/16 @ Bruar Falls, Brooklyn, NY w/ Amy Klein (of Titus Andronicus) and Delta Hotel (8pm) 21+
2/24 @ Norther Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
2/25 @ Burlap and Bean, Newtown Sq, PA (8pm)
3/5 @ Tierney's Tavern, Montclair, NJ (9pm)
3/8 @ The Grape Room, Philadelphia, PA (8pm)
3/22 @ Van Gogh's Ear Cafe, Union, NJ (9pm)
3/24 @ Northern Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
4/1 @ Mexicali Live, Teaneck, NJ w/ Melissa Ferrick (8pm)

The New and Very Welcome to release Saddest Landscape covers 7''

Boston musician Jessica McDermott known as The New and Very Welcome is releasing a Saddest Landscape cover songs gate-fold 7''. It will contain all home recorded acoustic (sans one electric guitar line) covers of 3 older Saddest Landscape songs. McDermott said the following of the release:

The songs were all recorded in the Fall of 2010 in various houses at various times.  The record has been bubbling and "in the works" for somewhere along the lines of a year.  Inspired by my first spur of the moment drop of a dime cover of We Wanted The Sky which I preformed at the Boston Saddest Landscape reunion show February 2009 before their set and the positive reaction it got online.  

Side A

1. We Wanted The Sky

2.  A Statue Of A Girl (May 15th)

Side B

1. The Temptation That Is You

It is a self release with Listen to Aylin Records from Norway. It will be released as a limited, one time only pressing of 300 white vinyl records. 150 will be available in the U.S. and 150 in Europe. The record is expected to be out mid-late February.

In the meanwhile, check out her original recordings here: http://thenewandverywelcome.bandcamp.com/

Lemuria post new song, new 7'' out 11/23

Buffalo, NY's Lemuria posted the new song, Chautauqua County, on their MySpace! This track is available on the synonymous forthcoming 7inch EP, which will officially be available November 23rd from Bridge Nine. The Chautauqua County EP also features the unreleased b-side "They Are Who I Say They Are".[via Bridge Nine]

The new 7'' along with some t-shirts are available for order here: http://www.b9store.com/lemuria The full-length, Pebble, is out on Jan. 11, 2010.

Review: football, etc- Away Game 7''

football, etc- Away Game 7''

Count Your Lucky Stars Records, strictly no capital letters records, and Keep it Together Records

Released: August 2010

Houston, TX

for fans of: Rainer Maria, Mineral, Sunny Day Real Estate

Side A: Away Game

Side B: XXL

football, etc (ex-Tin Kitchen from New Brunswick, NJ and For Those Who Know from Austin, TX) lace their music with a sprawling, audible bass line, over jangly guitar, and drawn out vocals to create a nice, albeit typical indie emo rock sound on their new 7''. The Houston trio keep their music in pace with a rhythmic pulse that makes the music pleasant. This is a record you listen to with your eyes closed, so you can pay attention to every wonderful sound. When Lindsay Minton sings you get drawn in. She closes "XXL" singing "what were," and with a small pause continues, "you thinking."

Cheap Girls release new split w/ Above Them, playing Brooklyn on 10/23

Lansing, Michigan's '90s influenced indie-pop rock band Cheap Girls have a new split 7'' out with UK's Above Them. The release features two songs from each band pressed on white vinyl. Available here.

Additionally, Cheap Girls performs at Club Europa in Brooklyn on Oct. 23 with Bomb the Music Industry! and Laura Stevenson and the Cans. All Ages. 5pm. $8. Tickets available here.

Track Listing
1. Cheap Girls - Dim Lights
2. Cheap Girls - Sunnyside (original)
3. Above Them - These Long Days
4. Above Them - The Take

Free Energy/ Titus Andronicus covers split available on tour

Free Energy has been confirmed as support for all dates on Titus Andronicus' upcoming headlining tour. The band who recently played a free show with Best Coast at South Street Seaport, will play a now sold out show at Maxwells on Aug. 19 and Webster Hall on Sept. 25.

For the tour, a special split 7'' featuring a cover song from each band will be available. 

Side A: Titus Andronicus- Anxiety Block (Television Personalities)

Side B: Free Energy- I'm Going Down (Bruce Sprigsteen)