REVISIT: Panther

Since I had the pleasure of catching another live Panther show last night, along with the excellent E*Rock and Ratatat, I figured it was topical to post some here. This song has seeped into my weekly spin list, and it comes from a couple different spots: a compilation released by the esteemed label States Rights Records (where you can get the whole double CD for only $10) and a self-released 2007 Tour CD. The track's got a nice lounge feel to it, which I appreciate.

::: Panther - Taxes

AND, as if I wouldn't mention it, we've got a few copies left of the limited edition Panther 7-inch over here at Gold Robot Records. Check it out here, and get one for yourself (and a friend).

::: Panther - How Well Can You Swim

You can catch the Ratatat/Panther/E*Rock tour (and I suggest you do just that) as they dance across the states and into Europe. See here for the dates/venues/etc.

[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to DB007.]

Tags: mp3, music, panther, states rights records, ratatat, vinyl, erock

MUSIC: Man/Miracle

I posted on these guys a while back, when Man/Miracle was known as Bear on Bear. While the name has changed, the talent certainly still remains. This Bay Area band crafts some damn fine jams, with the A-side single "Pushing and Shoving" for an upcoming release features some hand-clapping, sng-alonging, and break-neck pacing. I love how it teeters on destruction and desperation, but never seems to slip over the line. While already posted by more reputable sites, I thought I'd pass this along to the loyal Macktronic readers in case you missed it.

::: Man/Miracle - Pushing and Shoving

You can pre-order the single on either vinyl 7" or CD. The covers are hand-screened and pretty nice, if I do say so myself.

[Man/Miracle on myspace.]
[Man/Miracle official website.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to smoochka.]

Tags: mp3, music, bay area, man miracle, vinyl, indie

RELEASE: Lady Genius

The rumors are true, Gold Robot Records has another new release! Coming on the heels of the already-sold-out Bonnie Prince Billy vinyl single, we're proud to present the first 10-inch record of GRR's brief history. San Francisco's very own Lady Genius offer up this 6-song gem of an EP, featuring stunning artwork and red colored vinyl in a limited pressing of 500 copies. Details and a full tracklist can be found here.

Buy your very own copy of the beautiful EP here. Each vinyl purchase includes a digital download code for the entire album. (If you're a digital-only kind of person, it's already up on iTunes, eMusic, and many other fine digital retailers.) Also, cruise on over to the esteemed Deli SF and cast a vote for Lady Genius is their "Band of the Month" poll.

Free MP3 sample to boot!
::: Lady Genius - New York Through York

[Lady Genius on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records home.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, lady genius, san francisco, gold robot records, vinyl, limited

RELEASE: Bonnie Prince Billy

Gold Robot Records is extremely (!!!) happy to announce the release of a new single by Bonnie Prince Billy. This 2-song 45RPM vinyl record features two unreleased tracks. Here's the pertinent information:

Title: Notes For Future Lovers
Format: 7-inch colored vinyl (translucent blue)
Run: 500 (individually numbered)
Release Date: July 29, 2008

Tracklist:
A1 - Notes For Future Lovers
B1 - Donde Esta Prufrock

Details:
Music/Vocals: Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Lyrics: John Harmon
Recorded: Tusi
Cover Art: Hunter Mack
Rear Photograph: WCM
Design/Layout: Ian Umlauf

There's only 500 of these things, so it'll run out pretty quick.

Buy it here.

[Gold Robot Records home.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

RELEASE: Railcars

Gold Robot Records is please to announce another new release, this time by San Francisco's very own Railcars. Crashing and wonderful, this 5 track 7-inch vinyl is sure to make your day. Here's the blurb on the EP, titled Cities vs Submarines:

Recorded in the kitchen of Xiu Xiu frontman Jamie Stewart, cities vs submarines is a ten minute journey into Aria Jalali's most vivid, reoccurring dreams. Railcars is an attempt to bring the images that have haunted Aria's mind to life using drum boxes, synths, and noise pedals with sentiments recreated in lyrical form. The current four member lineup for railcars' live performances was established by Jalali when asked to play some shows with Handsome Furs in April 2008, however Aria Jalali has also performed railcars sets by himself, with only a laptop, guitar and pedal effects.

And the Tracklist:

A1 - There Is Ice; It Is Blue
A2 - Saints Are Waiting For Me, Outside My Door
B1 - Concrete Buildings
B2 - Through The Trees Lay Smokestacks
B3 - Bohemia Is Without A Sea

::: Railcars - There is Ice; It is Blue

Pre-Order the vinyl EP!
(Each vinyl comes with a digital download code for the entire EP)

[Railcars on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records home.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to qsySue.]

Tags: mp3, music, railcars, gold robot records, vinyl, xiu xiu

MUSIC: Sweetie

Time for another release from Gold Robot Records, this time from San Francisco's very own Sweetie. The 4 song EP, titled Saturdays, will officially drop on May 27th. It is being released on red colored vinyl in a limited run of 500 copies with hand-screened covers. See more details here. Jen Chochinov of Wiretap sums up Sweetie's sound nicely:

"To me Sweetie is the quintessential Indie pop/rock band. Catchy, catchy guitar & synth hooks with really sweet, laid back vocals. Omar's vocals remind me of a slightly softer and more soothing Ira Kaplan (of Yo La Tengo), and I was bobbing my head in total joy.
Their brand of indie rock is the kind I can listen to non-stop – it was like that feeling when you're on a road trip and you chance upon an awesome college radio station that is playing everything you want to hear exactly how you want to hear it. Sweetie brought back the joy of new band discovery for me, and for that I say thank you."

Here's a free track off of the Saturdays EP (get a copy for yourself pronto).

::: Sweetie - Killing the Crown

Pre-order the vinyl EP for only 5 bucks. Each purchase also receives a digital download code for mp3's of the entire release.

[Sweetie on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to falcos11.]

CONTEST: Hot Chip 12-inch

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Congratulations to Andrew from Albuquerque and Siobhan from Toronto! Thanks to Hot Chip for making this possible.

More vinyl is always a good thing. Up for grabs in the newest macktronic contest is a pair of 12-inch singles (for the track "Ready for the Floor") from Hot Chip. Scope the details below.

"Ready for the Floor" Tracklist:

1. Extended Mix

2. Soulwax Dub

3. Jesse Rose Mix

4. Shake a Fist (Diplo Mix)

Also, in cooperation with Zune as their "Ignition" artist of the month, Hot Chip is releasing an exclusive track through the Zune marketplace along with loads of HC-related content. Visit their ZM social page for more information. Here's a track off their upcoming album titled Made in the Dark. You can order the album in either CD or LP format.

::: Hot Chip - Made In The Dark

To enter the contest, simply send an email to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "HOT CHIP VINYL" including your mailing address in the body of the email. Two Winners will be chosen at random on Monday March 10th. Good luck!

[Official Hot Chip website.]
[Hot Chip on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to nix222.]

FRIDAY: Ratatat

It's always a good day to listen to some Ratatat, with this track coming off the 9 Beats CD. You can find the whole thing online fairly easy; good luck finding a hard copy.

::: Ratatat - Track 07

Recently, E*Vax (half of Ratatat) has collaborated on a single-sided 7" record on Mold Recordings with Craig Wedren. (The flip side is etched). Limited to only 300 copies and shipped from Japan. You can listen to a sample of the track and order your own copy here.

[Official Ratatat site.]
[Current Macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to germany_as.]

Tags: ratatat, mp3, music, e*vax, mold recordings, vinyl

CONTEST: FADER 51 7-inch (Dirty Projectors b/w White Williams)

UPDATE: This contest has ended, congratulations to Eric of Brooklyn!!! You can always find a direct link to the latest contest using the "current contest" link found in the sidebar.

Fader Mag have dropped another limited edition (500) split 7-inch single (in cooperation with Southern Comfort) coinciding with the release of FADER 51 (articles on Santogold among others). The vinyl features The Dirty Projectors and White Williams (cover art by Matt Furie). Already hyped on the interweb, Macktronic is happy to give away one of these fine records.

Here's some free downloads:
Download FADER 51 for free
FADER 51 audio mix MP3

To enter the contest, simply send an email to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "FADER 51 CONTEST" including your mailing address in the body of the email. Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday January 29th. Good luck!

While we're obviously fans of free stuff, we're also fans of both featured artists. Check out these tracks.

::: Dirty Projectors - Six Pack
::: Dirty Projectors - Spray Paint (The Walls)
::: White Williams - Route to Palm
::: White Williams - New Violence

You can buy albums by these artists (or any other for that matter) from Insound. If you place the order by January 21st, you can use the following discount codes:
"vampire10" for 10% off your entire order
"vampire15" for 15% off an order of $50 or more

[Dirty Projectors on myspace.]
[White Williams on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Cover art by Matt Furie.]

Tags: mp3, music, fader, vinyl, contest, free, dirty projectors, white williams

RELEASE: The Parish (Storm Driven Bird EP)

Gold Robot Records is pleased to announce the newest addition (GRR004) to their catalog. This vinyl/digital release is an EP by The Parish (out of Oakland) titled Storm Driven Bird. Here's the stats:

+ limited edition (500)
+ 33RPM 7-inch record (pilsner colored translucent vinyl)
+ officially drops on December 18th, but you can pre-order it now.
+ all artwork done by Ian Umlauf (Brooklyn, NY)

Venerable online mag Deli SF recently described their sound: "The Parish have an interesting blend of new(er) and old, that feels familiar but never photocopied". And, of course, this is their strongest release yet.

Tracklist:
A1 - Through the Boughs
A2 - Humboldt County Line [stream]
B1 - Wishbook [stream]
B2 - Dummy in Trouble [stream]

And here's a free MP3, courtesy of the band.

::: The Parish - Dummy in Trouble (f/ Storm Driven Bird EP)

Pre-order the album now. Each 7-inch vinyl includes a digital download code for the entire release. I promise you'll love it.

Also, don't forget that Gold Robot Records has screened some new t-shirts! Limited to 30 total, it features the GRR logo (designed by DJG) in two-color (yellow and black) hand-placed. These hand-screened shirts are on American Apparel Athletic Grey Tri-blend Tees in both men's and women's sizes (see here for a picture). Order one for only 13 bucks here.

[The Parish Official Website.]
[The Parish on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records official website.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, the parish, oakland, vinyl, limited, edition, new release, indie rock, americana

CONTEST: Split 7-inch Vinyl (Manchester Orchestra & Annuals)

UPDATE: This contest has ended, congratulations to Ricky of Brooklyn and Aleece of Santa Rosa, CA!!! You can always find a direct link to the latest contest using the "current contest" link found in the sidebar.

Ahhh, contest time! Up for grabs this time is a copy of the brand spanking new tour-only split 7-inch released by Manchester Orchestra and Annuals in celebration of their co-headlining tour (here's a list of the dates). Each artist covers a song by the other on it (great trend), and they've been kind enough to provide mp3's of the tracks.

::: Annuals - Where Have You Been (Manchester Orchestra cover)
::: Manchester Orchestra - Brother (Annuals cover)

I've actually got TWO copies to give away! To win one of the records, simply send an email to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "SPLIT VINYL CONTEST" including your mailing address in the body of the email. Winners will be chosen at random on Friday November 9th. Good luck!

[Manchester Orchestra website.]
[Annuals website.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to madradjessica.]

Tags: mp3, music, cover, manchester orchestra, annuals, tour, contest, vinyl, free

CONTEST: FADER 7-inch #4 (Busy P & DJ Blaqstarr)

UPDATE: This contest has ended, congratulations to Joshua of Encinitas, CA!!! You can always find a direct link to the latest contest using the "current contest" link found in the sidebar.

Contest time again! This go around features the 4th edition of the super limited 7-inch series by the folks at FADER w/ Southern Comfort (artwork shown above). On it are two tracks: "Pedrophilia" by Busy P and "I Can Feel It In The Air" by DJ Blaqstarr. Here's the press release:

Pedro Winter AKA Busy P kicks off the 45 with "Pedrophilia." In true Parisian fashion, the track's electrophonic attitude sways with a sleek haute couture. The beat's solid three-minute rhythmic soundscape pulsates with a heavy kick countered by the track's only lyric: "BUSY P" stitching together form and function. Flipping the wax gives way to DJ Blaqstarr with his dance ready "I Can Feel It In The Air." Driving beats and a thumping kick give rise to the to self proclaimed "King of ROQ's" club-bumping trademark. Rounding out the record Southern Comfort and The FADER enlisted Japanese artist Tomoe Hamaya to ninjafy the cover.

In order to win this contest, simply send an email to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "FADER 4 CONTEST" including your mailing address in the body of the email. A winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday Sep 26th. Good luck!

Here are some sample tracks for these amazing artists.

::: Blaqstarr - I Can Feel It In The Air
::: Blaqstarr - Check Me Out Like
::: Busy P - Rainbow
::: Kraftwerk - It's More Fun To Compute (Busy P Remix)

Download the FADER 48 podcast and issue for free!

[Blaqstarr on myspace.]
[Busy P on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, contest, free, seven inch, vinyl, fader, southern comfort, busy p, blaqstarr, kraftwerk, remix

NEW RELEASE: Meanest Man Contest

Gold Robot Records is pleased to announce the newest release, out officially on September 1st. It features the hip-hop stylings of Meanest Man Contest and includes a remix by COPY. This limited edition (500, individually numbered) 4-song vinyl EP is a collection of 3 previously unreleased tracks, plus an a cappella version of "They Do" (from their split LP with Languis). Trackilist:

A1 - Meanest Man Contest - Throwing Away Broken Electronics [mp3]
A2 - Meanest Man Contest - We Wouldn't Want It Any Other Way
B1 - Meanest Man Contest - Throwing Away Broken Electronics (COPY Remix)
B2 - Meanest Man Contest - They Do (A Cappella)

Other details include:
Cover artwork by San Francisco's Casey Jex Smith.
Tracks A1/B1 feature guest vocals by Marchelle Bradanini (Bedtime For Toys)
Track B2 features guest vocals by Kaia Wong (Mixel Pixel)
Two cover versions: gray and green
more info here

Each EP will include a download code for a digital download of all songs.
Additionally, uncompressed versions of the "They Do" a cappella track will be released for a remix contest in the near future. Stay tuned for details on that.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW

Here's some bonus tracks from the amazing artists involved in this project.

::: Meanest Man Contest & Languis - Sneakmove Split Sampler
::: COPY - This Is Promotional
::: Bedtime For Toys - Cold Fever (more on myspace)
::: Mixel Pixel - You're The Kind Of Girl (more here)

[MMC on myspace.]
[COPY on myspace.]
[GRR on myspace.]

[Current Macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; free 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, gold robot records, meanest man contest, copy, mixel pixel, bedtime for toys, casey jex smith, vinyl, independent, label

CONTEST: Arctic Monkeys Vinyl (FREE)

UPDATE: This contest has ended, congratulations to Sharon of San Francisco!!! You can always find a direct link to the latest contest using the "current contest" link found in the sidebar.

Alright, new contest! If you'd like to get your hands on the new 12" single for the Arctic Monkey's "Brianstorm" for free then you're in luck. Just send an email with the subject line "ARCTIC MONKEYS CONTEST" to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com and include your mailing address. A winner will be chosen at random. Here's the tracklist for the 12" vinyl single which includes 3 tracks not on the CD.

track 1 - if you found this it's probably too late

track 2 - brianstorm

track 3 - temptation greets you like your naughty friend

track 4 - what if you were right the first time?

Buy the Arctic Monkey's new release Favourite Worst Nightmare here. It's a good listen. And here are a couple tracks for your listening pleasure.

::: Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm [zShare] [divShare]
::: Arctic Monkeys - Do Me A Favour [zShare] [divShare]

[Official Arctic Monkeys website.]
[Arctic Monkeys on myspace.]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]

Tags: mp3, music, free, contest, arctic monkeys, vinyl

MUSIC: Isaac Brock / Modest Mouse / Ugly Casanova

The new Rolling Stone has a Q&A with Isaac Brock, of whom I'm a huge fan. I don't quite know what it is, but everything he says cracks me up. I think he's just a smart, tortured, honest fellow and that makes for an excellent songwriter. Here's an excerpt from the article which includes an awesome use of name calling, but the whole thing is worth a read.

"There's a new, unauthorized biography of Modest Mouse. Have you read any of it?"
"No. I don't know how you'd write a biography about a band without talking to any of the players or their families. I think it's written on speculation, from magazine articles and shit. I think the guy who wrote it is a fuckin' ass and an asshole."

In addition to doing fun interviews, Isaac does awesome side projects. My favorite 45 of late is the sub pop singles club release by Ugly Casanova. I wonder if we'll ever see new material from these guys, but for now we'll have to make do with 2002's Sharpen Your Teeth, which isn't a bad thing since it's brilliant. Here's a track off that album.

::: Ugly Casanova - Hotcha Girls

The new album by Modest Mouse titled We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank comes out on March 20. If you pre-order the album through Insound, you'll receive a limited edition 7" record which includes the single "Fire It Up" and an unreleased track, "King Rat". Now that's a hot deal. The album is available in CD and Deluxe CD formats. Here's one of the many leaked tracks, but it's my favorite.

::: Modest Mouse - Florida

(Side note: Modest Mouse have quite possibly performed the most exciting concert in my life as well as the most disappointing. The first time I saw these guys was at Clunk Records Hall in Fayetteville, Arkansas and they blew my mind. Then, I saw them here in Berkeley a couple years ago and it was incredibly flat. I've since been reaffirmed of their live chops, but that concert hurt my feelings.)

[Official Modest Mouse website.]
[Modest Mouse on myspace.]
[Current Macktronic contest (Free Stuff!)]
[Gold Robot Records on myspace.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to clumsy bird.]

Tags: mp3, music, modest mouse, vinyl, ugly casanova, indie, rock, promotion, isaac brock