Big Boi

Hope everyone's getting excited for Pitchfork this weekend. I'll be there Sunday -- I think Sunday has a killer lineup and one show I'm particularly pumped for is Big Boi. If you are a fan of Outkast you must get your hands on his new album ASAP.

Here is "Shutterbugg":

American Slang

I have Hugh to thank for getting me into The Gaslight Anthem. They are definitely reminiscent of Springsteen, but I always hear a little Replacements in there as well. Either way, they rock it out and make me feel like I should be driving a Chevy convertible somewhere along a dirty beach after a night at the pier carnival. Or maybe on my way to score Aerosmith tickets... Can't beat that, can you?

When you Say Wisconsin..

I have a soft spot in my heart from anything Wisconsin - people, sports teams, food, beer, etc. You name it, I'll probably give it more of a chance if it's from Wisconsin.

Bon Iver is a little different - I actually really liked them before I ever knew that Justin Vernon (the brain singer-songwriter behind Bon Iver) was from Wisconsin! At this point, they were obviously bumped up a notch higher.

Anyways, this is one of my favorite songs off of their original 2008 release album "For Emma, Forever Ago" -- 'Skinny Love':

Solid Ground

I came across Maps & Atlases when I saw them open for Frightened Rabbit at The Pabst in Milwaukee. I'd never heard of them before, but they certainly caught my attention. They have strange arrangements and their singer has a singularly unique voice. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did I was hooked. It's music that keeps you guessing and is full of surprises. "Solid Ground" is probably one of their most accessible songs, but I recommend checking out their other material.

Summer Vacation

Since I'm technically on summer vacation, I thought this song was appropriate. Beach Fossils is a band from Brooklyn, the bourgeoning hotbed of indie bands. I haven't listened to them too much, but came across this song and liked it for its simplicity and laid-back attitude...everything a summer song should have.

Bottled in Cork

Wishing it was still the weekend -- but -- it's not. BUT, this song will make you give you the same warm fuzzys the weekend hopefully provided. I've always been a Ted Leo fan but I've never gotten super into them. This song is off their latest album and I totally dig it:

Some Saturday Fun!

Just thought I'd share this sweet little set from Phoenix for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. Happy Weekend!!

Aw, Don't Get Mad; This is What Love Is.

Blogger hasn't been working for me all week, and I'm kinda pissed about it. Either that or nobody's voting, but I don't believe that... This week has obviously been a battle of the "who knows cooler bands?", but I'm going to end that right now by throwing in the towel and posting something not so obscure. You win Sammy, please don't side-tackle me and beat me up again; it wasn't fun the first time...