Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird's I Want to See the Bright Lights isn't quite an album or EP, but more of a classical piece or movement. A classical movement with an outstanding single at the heart of it. Numerous themes are returned to throughout the release. With the middle trio of songs "Logan's Loop"/"Pulaski at Night"/"Hover 1" exploring and morphing into one exquisite composition. "Logan's Loop" evokes a feeling of a train at night, with plucks of the violin quickly sinking away. "Pulaski at Night" is the star of the show as the single. It is the lone track with lyrics and one of the best pop songs of Andrew Bird's career. "Hover 1" finishes the filling of being on a train at night, exiting the city and continuing to speed away. "Ethio Invention No. 1" & "Ethio Invention No. 2" open and close the piece and feature almost raga style playing.

Bombay Bicycle Club

You'd be forgiven to think there were two bands going by the title of Bombay Bicycle Club. The quiet, pleasant folk band of mid-2000's has evolved into one of the most interesting pop-psych bands around. BBC has incorporated parts of electronic, psych, and experimental music to become leaders in a new emerging British scene. "Carry Me" features an off kilter beat, gauzy vocals, and synth parts that remind me of a quieter TNGHT. After the success of A Different Kind of Fix it is great to see the band is still exploring and evolving their sound. "Carry Me" is the first single from the forthcoming album out on Vagrant.

Paws

Paws played Brooklyn's Glasslands on Friday, November 15th. On record they sound a little light and flimsy. The songs are certainly enjoyable, but never fully captured my attention. Live they bring a focus and intensity to their songs that isn't always present on the debut album. Where the album is thin, in person they beef up the rhythm section and play classic pop punk. They sounded like a combination of Wavves and Frightened Rabbit.

Paws played most of Cokefloat plus a number of new songs. The new songs seemed to be even catchier, but with extra guitar jams. I am eager to hear what the new album will sound like. Also, these guys are hilarious. Some of the best stage banter I have heard in a long time. Definitely go check them out if you have the opportunity.

More Photos After the Jump!

Fuzz

Fuzz is the latest project from one man tornado Ty Segall and cohorts. Fuzz released its self titled debut just a couple months ago and now its back with a live album for Castle Face's Live in San Francisco series. Above is the appropriately heavy, jamming, and fuzzy take on debut highlight "You Won't See Me". It is three and half minutes of stoned out guitar rock. Fuzz's Live in San Francisco will be released December 2nd on Castle Face Records.

Joanna Gruesome

One of 2013's breakout noisy indie stars covering one noisy indie all time great bands best songs? Yeah, that works for me. Check out Joanna Gruesome's cover of Galaxie 500's "Tugboat". "Tugboat" is the b side for the "Sugarcrush" single out November 18th on Slumberland/Fortuna Pop!

Alvvays

If there is one thing that this site is a sucker for it is indie/garage pop with disinterested female vocals. If PR/Bands/Friends would just put that sentence in the title of the email, I think there would be almost 100% open rate. The latest and greatest band to join this group is Toronto's Alvvays.

First single "Adult Diversions" will generate comparison's to Best Coast, Vivian Girls, and other indie girl groups that work with jangly guitars and love sick lyrics. These comparisons are accurate, but miss the bigger point - this song is freaking infectious. It is one of those instantly repeatable pieces of ear candy that leaves you wanting more immediately. the "Adult Diversion" single is due out early 2014. Alvvays self titled debut album is due in 2014.

Dum Dum Girls

Dum Dum Girls latest single for up coming album on Sub Pop, Too True. "Lost Boys and Girls Club" picks up where "Coming Down" and End of Daze EP left off. "Lost Boys and Girls Club" has the same Chrissie Hynde inspired vocal flare, shoegaze guitars, but with very electronic drums. You can hear a greater Soft Cell & synthpop influence in this track compared to earlier releases. As with any Dum Dum Girls release, I am very excited and will be copping it immediately.

Painted Palms

Painted Palms are a pop group out of San Francisco signed to Polyvinyl Records. "Spinning Signs" is the first taste of their Polyvinyl debut, Forever, due out January 14, 2014. "Spinning Signs" has a vibe very reminiscent to bands like the Turtles or Lovin Spoonful meshed with 80s era power pop bands like Plimsouls or the Smithereens. I can't wait to hear more from Painted Palms.

Diane Coffee

Some mornings you need a little folk, psych jam on your way to the office. 2013 has been very good for those mornings with great new albums/singles from Woods, Fresh & Onlys, Foxygen, MGMT, and now Diane Coffee. Diane Coffee is the new project of Foxygen drummer Shaun Flemming.

Diane Coffee has a very 60's vibe with lush orchestration and ballad tempos. This is the kind of thing that would imagine soundtracking a lot of star crossed star children's first dates. "Gov T" sounds like a long lost collaboration between the Byrds and CCR. "Hymn" has a couple fun tempo changes throughout the song, going from choir backed ballad into Chuck Berry inspired Rock n Roll and back again. Diane Coffee's debut album, My Friend Fish, is out now on Western Vinyl.