vinyl rip: Cave Singers "After the Baptism"

"The Sky Won't Mind"
(photo by Jonny Leather)
Since their first rumblings after the disbandment of Pretty Girls Make Graves, I've been enamored with the old world folk sound of Seattle's The Cave Singers. While their full length Invitation Songs is an enchanting pastoral relic of days gone by, their first release, a limited edition 7" for Seeds of Night b/w After the Baptism, is what keeps me coming back to the sylvan trio. While "Seeds of Night" was an obvious choice for a single, it's b-side, "After the Baptism", which does not appear on Invitation Songs and cannot be purchased digitally, sums up everything I love about the Cave Singers; lush finger picking, canyon harmonies and a thousand years of history wrapped up in a single vocal melody.

The trio is in NY this week for shows at Brooklyn's Union Hall on Wednesday and the Mercury Lounge on Thursday.

The Cave Singers- After the Baptism

video: The Acorn- Flood Pt.1

"You lick your lips and paddle for the levee"

It's no secret that we're big fans of Ottawa's The Acorn and the new video, courtesy of MTV (say what?!?!), does nothing but reinforce our fandom. " After we saw them at the Mercury Lounge, we knew the band was special and this video for Glory Hope Mountain standout "Flood Pt.1" is just another reminder that The Acorn aren't just your everyday Canadian indie band, they're exemplary. We can't wait for them come back our way in early May, especially for the show with The Cave Singers. Until then, get your animated video on.

comp: New Matador Compilation...FREE!

"I am a cold son"

Matador has always been one of, if not, my favorite label(s). Not only do they consistently release some of the best independent music in the world, they're also really freakin' kind to their fans. Back in the day they sold the super rad 2-disc compilation What's Up Matador for a mere $5, which single handedly turned me on to Cat Power, Bettie Servert, Chavez and Spoon. Unlike the major labels, Matador has embraced technology in an extremely progressive manner. Whether it's through their Buy it Early, Get it Now-Executive Package series, or the countless videos, embeddable widgets and free tracks they give away on the Matablog, the NYC label is always hooking the kids up with chronic jams.

Case in point, the Intended 2008 playlist, a .zip file of 12 tracks from Matador's hottest records of '08. With the exception of the Cave Singer's "Helen" (released in Sept. 2007), every song on this collection is as fresh as the organic lettuce at your local co-op (some haven't even been released yet!). Did we mention it's free?

Intended Play 2008 (zip file)

Track listing:

1. Jay Reatard Always Wanting More (from 7″ #3, due out June 17)
2. Times New Viking DROP-OUT (from Rip It Off, released January 22)
3. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Cold Son (from Real Emotional Trash, released March 4)
4. Shearwater Leviathan, Bound (from Rook, due out June 3)
5. Cat Power Metal Heart (from Jukebox, released January 22)
6. Matmos Polychords (from Supreme Balloon, due out May 6)
7. Mission Of Burma That’s How I Escaped My Certain Fate (from Vs.: The Definitive Edition, released today, March 18)
8. Jaguar Love Bats Over The Pacific Ocean (from Take Me To The Sea, due out this summer)
9. The Cave Singers Helen (from Invitation Songs, released last September)
10. Dead Meadow I’m Gone (from Old Growth, released February 5)
11. The New Pornographers All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth (live) (from Live From Soho (iTunes Exclusive), released March 11)
12. Earles & Jensen Bleachy Is Back In Town, Look Out (from Just Farr A Laugh Vols. 1 & 2: The Greatest Prank Phone Calls Ever!, due out April 22)

If this mix makes you want to buy the entire Matador back catalog, and it should, check out the Mid-Price Classics series, which offers classic albums like Cornelius' Fantasma and Belle & Sebastian's Tigermilk for as low as $8. A great way to build your collection without breaking your bank account.