Young Money! - Massive Rock Auction

Got money? Love rock memorabilia?  Check out Gotta Have Rock & Roll.com to bid on some pretty cool shit from rock legends including the Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, U2, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and so on.  If I was a rich dude (HA!) I'd consider dropping a few bills on the following: 

signed copy of Nirvana's Nevermind - minimum bid - $2,000

 

Bob Dylan Signed "Woody Guthrie" Album - minimum bid $4,000

Jimi Hendrix "Room Full of Mirrors" Signed and Inscribed Personal Studio Outtakes Reel To Reel Tape - minimum bid $8,000

 

Bob Dylan Signed Stage Used Harmonica - minimum bid - $1,000

 

(bitten from USA Today.)

Freelance Whales...Cue the Banjos!

Loving Freelance Whales' debut "Weathervanes". Just gave it a listen on LaLa and I haven't heard such an upbeat happy album in a while.  A fairly new group, founded in 2008 in Queens; the Whales create flawless indie folk/pop utilizing everything from banjos, glockenspiel, synthesizers, guitars, bass, drums, and waterphones (what is a waterphone?). I'm checking them out when they come to Boston in April along with Cymbals Eat Guitars and Bear in Heaven, it should be a most excellent show.  A few reviews out there are noting the comparison between the singer of Freelance to Owl City (not cool) and I admit, there's something about this guy's voice that's very Owl City-esque...but the music backing him pardons this easily dismissible and forgivable comparison.  Give this album a listen and I guarantee you'll be smiling every time you hear the twang of a banjo, tap of the glockenspiel, or the overpoweringly catchy and calming harmonic hooks.

Sounds Like: "Somebody wired their heart to a synthesizer"

Check out "Starring", "Kilojoules", "Hannah", and "Generator ^ Second Floor".

Freelance Whales - Weathervane...

 

 

Album of the Day: The Soft Pack

 

(artist support: image links to iTunes store)

The self titled full length debut from The Soft Pack (formally "The Muslims") was released earlier this month.  I had heard their stuff before and was definitely looking forward to giving their 10 track LP a listen.  Simplistic in its ways, but consitently upbeat and fun.  Fast tempos make for a quick enjoyable listen.  Surf rock inspired guitar riffs blend well with verby rythms.  Singer/guitarist Matt Lamkin sounds somewhat emotionless on some tracks, but it works very well with their overall melodic yet punky sound.  I detect a bit of Strokes influence on a number of tracks.  Expect to hear a lot more from this foursome from San Diego in the near future.

You should sign up (free) for LaLa if you haven't already.  Best site out there for streaming tunes!

Check out "C'Mon", "Answer to Yourself", & "Tides of Time".

The Soft Pack - The Soft Pack