[MP3 Premiere] Monster Rally: Blame

In the avalanche of material that burst forth in the years following Panda Bear’s Person Pitch — an era of bubbly tropicalia, summery loops and sample-heavy beach pop — few have been as steadfast and prolific as Monster Rally. Beyond The Sea is the new full-length record, his second in three years, offering another wild collection of chopped ‘n screwed summer jams. I’ve been listening to the record all day — and while it’s not for everyone, it’s certainly perfect for a lazy, record-spinning, chaise-lounging, dog-dangling afternoon.

Monster Rally – Blame

Limited to 500 copies on “lava red vinyl”. Preorder via Gold Robot here »

Previously: “Splash Talk” MP3 | Free Download of Coral II Remix LP

Kindness Band Music Video [Video] Kindness: House

This jam is near the top of my list for favorite songs of the year. It’s melodic, layered, and passionate enough to pull at your heartstrings ever so slightly. Really though, you know you’ve got a winner when it can double as a good falling in love song and a breakup song at the same time (mood pending?). The video accompanying “House” is a clever mix of Adam Bainbridge talking about pop music then finding out which of his instruments sounds better to a younger kid. I’ve got to hand it to the lil’ guy, he’s got good ears and even better dance moves although I’d still wipe the floor with him in a Dougie-off. Don’t ask.

Click here to watch the video »

 [MP3] Collages: Grow

Little is out there about Chicago-based bedroom psych-pop project Collages… but after prodding away on an Animal Collective fan forum, I heard his cover for “A Long Time Ago”, apparently from the upcoming AC album Centipede Hz (listen here). A bit more poking around lead to a bandcamp page where most of Collages’ output lives, including the lovely opening track “Grow” from new LP Maya:

Collages – Grow

Maya can be downloaded for free here »

Directed by Pomp & Clout, the same dudes who did the Prism promo video and Nicolas Jaar’s tour visuals.

Thanks to Gorilla vs Bear // Discobelle for the tip.

my great ghost band [MP3] My Great Ghost: Plain Sight + Deerhunter Cover

Case of the Mondays can be solved by a few things, not limited to dramatically increasing coffee intake and watching the Bangles play “Manic Monday” over-and-over again on YouTube. Also new electronic music from new outfit My Great Ghost has been helping. They’ve prepared an EP that jumps across a few different genres, tying elements of pop, alternative, and gazey experimental overtones into one electronic package. There’s some interesting things going on here, “Plain Sight” containing flavor sounding like a more accessible Nico Jaar. Check it out below and then take the jump into an interesting take on Deerhunter’s “Helicopter”.

My Great Ghost – Plain Sight