Portugal. The Man - Tour Sampler

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Portugal. The Man have been a favourite of mine since their Fearless Records years. They never stop touring, and yet still manage to release a new album annually. Their unique indie style is all their own, and their dedication to their fans unmatched. This meaty tour sampler includes Portugal as well as a couple of their touring mates, and is certainly worth checking out.

Portugal. The Man - Tour Sampler (also includes Port O'Brien and The Dig)

Download the Album From the Band

Big Plans Ahead...

This blog will be given new life sometime in the future. I'll still post here in the mean time, but expect big things sometime down the line... Yes, this was a teaser post.

:D

Hostage Life - The Centre of the Universe

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Ontario's Hostage Life released their full length debut on September 30, 2009. They then proceeded to play their last show on November 20th, 2009. What a shame. This album is chalk full of sloppy anthems and fantastic hooks. These guys will be missed for what could have been.

Hostage Life - The Centre of the Universe

Download the Album From Juicebox Records

Donate Through Juicebox (include "Hostage Life" in the subject)

Robin Grey - Strangers With Shoes

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When it comes to articulately narrated folk, Robin Grey is without a doubt one of the finest front runner in the Creative Commons revolution. His pseudo-spoken word style approach feels entirely unique, authentic, and his own. With his latest album, Strangers With Shoes, adds draws on an array of other musicians as well, including talented accordionist/violinist Barabra Bartz. This is Robin's finest hour yet, and that is an hour that certainly should not be missed.

Robin Grey - Strangers With Shoes

Download the Album From Jamendo

or Buy the Album From Bandcamp

Lame Drivers - Two Albums

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When a band has "it," they just have "it." It isn't easy to define, but when everything comes together, "it" is a pleasing result. I say this very vaguely because today's post is about New York punk/pop/rock group Lame Drivers. They have a very loose, very sloppy style, but it all comes across very tightly and just sounds right. Anyway, they have both of their album's up for download via donation based LCMR Records, so give'm a shot.

Lame Drivers - Let them Eat Tape

Download the Album From LCMR Records

Lame Drivers - The Captain Amazing EP

Download the Album From LCMR Records

The Decay - This Month's Rent

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The Decay are a good old fashioned punk group from Ontario. Nothing more, nothing less. Their melodies are catchy, and delivery rough around the edges. I can only imagine good things coming from these guys. Check 'em out.

The Decay - This Month's Rent

Download the Album From Juicebox

Stolen Parts - Self Titled

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Stolen Parts have crafted a particularly hard hitting little EP with their self titled release. If you like the sloppy but gruff pop-punk tendencies of bands like Dear Landlord then there's something for you here. Donations of course, will likely encourage the band to see a full length through.

Stolen Parts - Self Titled

Download the Album From ifyoumakeit

Cheap Girls - Live From WKDU

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Cheap Girls have become a favourite in the noisy power-pop genre over the past few years. They're a nasally and a little annoying, but still pretty easy to get into. It's only free for the next 24 hours, so reward yourself if you checked this blog today and get it fast!

Cheap Girls - Live From WKDU

Download the Album From Paper and Plastick (January 13th only)

Dirty Projectors - Ascending Melody 7"

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Dirty Projectors were pretty big in 2009. In celebration they're giving away a couple songs on their latest 7", Ascending Melody. It's pretty abstract indie, but if tht's your thing then go right ahead.

Dirty Projectors - Ascending Melody 7"

Download the Album From the Band's Main Page

For Serious This Time - When You're In It

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Yet another great ifyoumakeit release, this time by a band who can't help make a meaningful contribution to that ever-evolving Look Mexico type genre. Odd time signatures and twinkly guitars against a foreground of sloppy vocals make for a unique product. And of course you can donate right to the band if you feel like supporting their innovations.

For Serious This Time - When You're In It

Download the Album From ifyoumakeit

Straynard - Cut And Paste

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If you've enjoyed ifyoumakeit releases up until this point then you'll love Straynard. They're a sloppy pop-punk band who fit right in with current underground trends. If you like 'em you can donate.

Spraynard - Cut And Paste

Download the album from ifyoumakeit

Angus Wallace - Distant Star

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Here's a little bluesy acoustic indie to start off the year.  I ran across it over at the emusic forums a few days back and was surprised at the apparent quality. 

Angus Wallace - Distant Star

Download the Album From Angus Wallace

2009 in Review

2009 was a busy year in many respects.  It was the year I became a certified teacher (and now have two BAs), proposed to my now finance, and started reviewing for The Punk Site.  Bring on 2010!

Check out my top 20 albums of the year, favourite live show, and what I'm anticipating in 2010.