Download the Hooves on the Turf Northside Sampler (49.8mb).

It includes a song each from all bands playing our showcase, in the order of appearance.

1. “Karate” by Afuche
2. “Hatari” by tUnE-yArDs
3. “As April Is to May” by Luke Winslow-King
4. “Song that Grows Like a Vine (Live)” by Gracious Calamity
5. “Sosey & Dosey” by Drink Up Buttercup
6. “Mechanical Life” by Glass Ghost
7. “For You” by Sharon Van Etten
8. “Ain’t No Grave” by Adam Arcuragi
9. “Woolgathering” by Vandaveer
10. a song by our special guests

Since I wasn’t overawed by the Grizzly Bear show at the Town Hall, it probably means something terrible is up, like my expectations of new music is suffering from unreasonable pickiness, or something in my diet is having its toll on taste cells, or my brain is continuing down its degradation path; or maybe New York is once again appearing insignificant compared to the rest of world (woah). In short, it’s been a while since I heard anything new and exciting. I haven’t even managed to get through the St. Vincent album. Maybe it’s all the PR emails and the indie rock bubble overwhelming my senses. Maybe that album just isn’t all that. Maybe now is the time to not give a crap about St. Vincent. So for a change of scenery, here are three previously un-posted songs that I like. Is it troubling, though, that the first two are highly repetitious and catchy? Brain degradation!

Download “Harper” by What’s Up? (pictured above)
Download “Madame Shocking” by The Silent Years
Download “A Mobile Over Your Bed” by Lullatone

(use the gray arrows to switch between songs)

Have you witnessed the furor over L Magazine’s “8 NYC Bands You Need to Hear” list on Brooklyn Vegan? Spare yourself, I guess! With much love to all the bands who made it, especially The Beets, here’s my own the list. My exciting eight have been picked with much less consideration for obscurity, but all these bands are still in a position where they could gladly use more hype/love/praises.

Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten (pictured) is one bold woman. She wraps all her heartbreaks in a blanket and spreads ‘em out, all at once, with a devastating voice accompanied by just an acoustic guitar, in a place like New York City. Can you imagine the amount of guts that is required in this preferred activity of hers? A newly produced version of “Consolation Prize” will be available in Sharon’s upcoming debut, Because I Was in Love, out in May.

Download “Consolation Prize (Demo)“

Suckers

In a world where mediocre singers and drummers have it surprisingly easy, Suckers is strung along four very strong co-ordinates: Quinn Walker and Austin Fischer both have notable voices, and with help from drummer Brian Aiken and multi-instrumentalist Pan, the rhythms and melody constructions are refreshing. Despite their four-track EP, it’s still too early to say what kind of might they will bring to their recordings, but if you’re lucky enough to catch them at a decent venue, their live shows are a pleasure. Quinn’s voice is stellar not in the “he’s got amazing volume/control/range” way, but in the “he really knows what he wants” way. Here’s an interview I did with them for The Tripwire.

You should really listen to “Beach Queen”, which is the strongest off their EP, but I’m not allowed to post it and it’s not on their myspace either. I guess you’ll have to buy it.

Download “Easy Chairs (Demo)“

Callers

Any NYC emerging-band list that excludes Callers is an incomplete list. Sara Lucas’ voice is a marvel, and we should send her and Ryan Seaton weekly gifts of thanks for even deciding to move to this brutal place. “Rone” is taken from their album, Fortune (Buy it).

Download “Rone“

Harlem Shakes

Even though I don’t consider myself a huge Harlem Shakes fan, I find no good reason to deny, from any perspective, that this is a solid band showing all signs of having its shit together. Apart from the singer, who’s somewhat low key on stage, everyone in the band is well-versed in the art of rocking out, too.”Nothing But Change” is taken from their latest, Technicolor Health (Buy it).

Download “Nothing But Change“

Glass Ghost

Glass Ghost are Eliot Krimsky and Mike Johnson. It seems that Eliot is interested in sonic experiences in the physical landscape, and a lot of this comes through the music. The haunting timbre of his voice is apt for the style. Their full-length is in the works, and an EP is available for $5.50.

Download “Like a Diamond“

Motel Motel

Their sound isn’t quite breaking new grounds, but I’m enamored by the drumming and singing on their newest album, New Denver. You might hear some distant cousins of a band like Muse in there, but none of the big, leaping gasps of breath or the eternal sense of doom. The song structures feel harmonious and they come with a quirky sense of playfulness. Buy the album.

Download “Coffee“
Download “Harlem“

Telepathe

These two are label mates of Suckers (on I Am Sound Records), but that’s not the reason why the two bands are somewhat comparable. Fresh beats all around. “Lights Go Down” is taken from their Dance Mother (Buy it: CD or Vinyl).

Download “Lights Go Down“

Bell

Though there aren’t many recordings to go by, I love Olga Bell’s voluminous voice; I’m tempted to call it busty. But from the little I’ve heard, it seems like she’s got the sensibility to keep things engaging, though some of it feels a little too constructed at times.

Download “Magic Tape“

While we’re on the topic of The Tallest Man on Earth, I’ve gathered a few other Swedish delights, plus more good stuff. But first, here’s another gem from Kristian Matsson, as performed live last night. I took the picture above after a Secret Garden shoot with him yesterday, so watch out for that loveliness.

Download “The Wild Hunt (Live at Bowery Ballroom)“

Swedish Delight #2: Francis

Sweden’s Francis is a drunkenly four-piece from a province called Dalarna, which they describe as “the darkest woods of Sweden”. They’ve just released a solid self-titled debut EP, which you can buy from here. “Beat, Beat, Beat” is pretty representative of the five songs you’ll find on it: strutting bluesy rhythms, a lovely soaring voice, wasted hearts, and all that good stuff. I can’t wait for this band to head to New York. Myspace

Download “Beat, Beat, Beat“

Swedish Delight #3: Hägga & the Thieves from the North

Hägga & the Thieves from the North is a howling outfit from Stockholm, Sweden. They’ve got some of the same free spirit you hear in Francis, but a lot less somber, with a dose of mischief and optimism replacing some of the wastedness. Their album Introducing The Thieves From the North was released earlier this year. Myspace

Download “In a Different Light”

Playing tomorrow: Floating Action

I’ve been admiring Floating Action’s self-titled debut ever since I got the first whiff of it. It comes out on April 21 (pre-order), though you should really come see them at Mercury Lounge tomorrow (Apr 17) if you want an advance listen. I’ve never seen them live and I’m very curious about how these recordings will be interpreted for the stage. Myspace

Download “Marie Claire“

Playing tonight: Afuche

Afuche is Brooklyn’s own, and be very proud. Their debut album I Made Dots… is an experimental bit of explosion, complete with shrieking horns and fairly-like prances tossed in with otherwise badass-like grooves. It’s all quite cinematic, and I’m very much excited to see them live. Their release party show is tonight at Bruar Falls with Tune Yards and Sister Suvi. You must wear black and white if you’re coming though, it’s Charlie Chaplin’s birthday. Myspace

Download “Karate“

Photographed: Eulogies

Los Angeles’ Eulogies is playing the Bell House on May 1 and Bowery Ballroom on May 4th in support of their newest, Here Anonymous, from which this track is taken. It features Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups. Here’s an interview they did with The Tripwire, for which I took a few photos. Myspace

Download “Two Can Play“

Farzad Houshiarnejad is from another band, and I wouldn’t call Captain Dum Dum his “solo project”—it’s more of a non-self-important moniker he’s adopted for a sketchbook of recordings he’s been keeping since he was 18, he thinks; something of a playground. I immediately liked the four songs he’s posted on his myspace, and asked him for a copy of his “debut album”, which he’s calling Escargot. It’s a collection of eight songs, and I shouldn’t even be surprised that I really love it; not just because a lot of it is whacky and funny, which it is, but because it’s filled with quality stuff: great melodies and singing, thoughtful piano lines, distinct and fully-realized mood for each song, and there’s nothing here that rings of self-conscious prodding; everything has a great, natural flow and ends up being a record of a thoughtful and sincere exploration of music. (More music after the jump).

Download “Bee Hive“

Of the eight, I’ve posted three songs here that you can listen to and describe for yourself. The ones not included are: “Dino Baby”, which draws on a tradition of Eastern Asian melodies, and is pretty dramatic with a low-pitched voice, the sound of thunder, and a steady stream of downbeats; “Don’t Stop the Beat” is 80’s-inspired layers of voice on piano, and it sounds like it could’ve been a duet with Tears for Fears; “Masters in the Making” is also all piano and singing, delicate and almost hymn-like; “We All Love Sex” features a quarrel between a British couple, presumably, as voiced by Farzad over a looping rhythm line on the piano; “What’s Up with Your Boy” is a rap number in which the author is irritated with a rich white boy’s adoption of a thug identity.

Download “Tiny Little Pumpkin“

Download “Fever“

20. Those Darlins

This is the sound I was looking for when I clicked on far too many terrible country bands from the SXSW official artist list. I’m sticking with Those Darlins instead.

Download “Wild One“

19. Hurray for the Riff Raff

When Walt McClements plays that accordion and Alynda Lee sings her sad songs, there’s no sense at all in leaving the room.
Watch their “Secret Garden” video.

Download “Grocery (Live at the Secret Garden)“

18. Fanfarlo

I really dislike the high synth lines in this particular song, and there’s one track in their album Reservoir that sounds a little too much like its arrangement was modeled after Beirut, but this voice is too good to resist.

Download “Harold T. Wilkins“

17. Liz Green

What a hauntingly magnificent voice. In her live performances she is joined by the fabulous Gus Fairbairn and John Fairhurst (whose solo set itself is sure to be awesome). Liz doesn’t have any unofficial shows planned as of now, but you can follow my twitter if you’re interested in keeping up with any last-minute performances and/or house shows she’s sure to play.

Download “Midnight Blues“

16. Sharon Van Etten

One of a kind, and best paired with whiskey. She’s only playing unofficial shows.
Watch her “Secret Garden” video.

Download “It’s Not Like“

15. Left Lane Cruiser

This just sounds like an enormous amount of fun.

Download “Big Momma“

14. Cotton Jones

Paranoid Cocoon is a fine album, and Cotton Jones is one of the most graceful bands today.

Download “Blood Sentimental Blues“

13. Motel Motel

Motel Motel is easily one of the more interesting bands to have recently come out of Brooklyn.

Download “Coffee“

12. Dark Dark Dark

Their sea-bound traveling songs are always a treat. They’re only playing unofficial shows.
Watch their “Secret Garden” video.

Download “New York Song“

11. Adam Arcuragi

I love Adam’s wholesome voice; there’s just the right combination of swagger and heartbreak in it. He’s only playing unofficial shows.
Watch a video of him playing with his friends from These United States.

Download “The Bottom of the River (Live at IOTA)“

10. Lonnie Walker

It doesn’t look like there’s been much recorded, yet there’s an unmistakable and likable personality that comes through in the few songs available.

Download “Compass Comforts“

9. Micachu

This is probably the band in this list that intrigues me the most.

Download “Golden Phone“

8. Callers

When Sara Lucas sings, you can be sure that it’s to your benefit. It probably even makes your heart healthier. Callers is from Brooklyn.
Watch their “Secret Garden” video.

Download “More Than Right“

7. Suckers

Suckers is equipped with a great drummer and a fantastic combination of two very distinct voices; hopefully Quinn Walker has recovered his by now, after losing it temporarily. Suckers is also from Brooklyn.

Download “Afterthoughts and TV (Demo)“

6. Drink Up Buttercup

These guys seem to deliver engaging shows without a fail; probably because they’re some of the most confident and assertive performers I’ve ever seen, and they’re totally bent on making the shows fun for themselves.
Watch their “Secret Garden” video.

Download “Sosey Dosey (Live at Earfarm’s CMJ show)“

5. Floating Action

My favorite new band. Their upcoming self-titled is already one of my best-loved of the year.

Download “50 Lashes“

4. The Tallest Man on Earth

I guess Kristian Matsson must lead at least two lives, because he most certainly leads one in my dreams!

Download “The Gardener“

3. These United States

It’s a good thing These United States plays so many shows so very often, because I’m pretty close to becoming dependent on seeing them perform every now and then. I’d like to think that I’ve seen many great bands who are brilliant on stage, but not all of them have the dangerous effect of acting like a magnetic field to what you consider important and what you don’t. In your life, I mean.
Watch their “Secret Garden” video.

Download “Honor Amongst Thieves“

2. Tune Yards

Some of the most important songs I’ve heard recently are from Tune Yards’ album, Bird-Brains. Merrill Garbus, the woman behind it, is a rare jewel; her songs have nine lives, and her voice is their overarching, irreplaceable mother-ship. You’re gonna have to be driven if you want to catch her though: I was told she’ll most definitely be playing only one show, that being the Force Field PR + Asthmatic Kitty party. I’m guessing her other band Sister Suvi’s multiple-show schedule has something to do with it.
Watch her “Secret Garden” video.

Download “Hatari“

1. White Denim

Badass! Their album Exposion is one of my absolute favorites from the last two years, but I’ve never seen them play before. I’m on a high-priority mission to catch at least one White Denim show while in Austin this week.

Download “Don’t Look That Way at It“

On a side note, there will be no Secret Garden shows for the next two Tuesdays, but there will be daily updates from Austin, and there will be new videos after I return. If any of the twenty artists listed here interest you, you should follow me on Twitter.

Where I count you down through new songs and new ventures to old songs and golden voices.

(Photo credit: Uknown; if you took it, email me)

#5 “The Mountain” by Heartless Bastards

Erika Wennerstrom’s voice will lend gravity to anything she sings. If she sang “Happy Birthday”, it’d probably sound like something your own ghost would sing when it stands atop a mossy hill to raise its flagstaff and pierce your head with it. Woah.

Download “The Mountain“

#4 “Sammy Ghetz” by The Armchairs

From the upcoming full-length, Fishtown Lock and Gun, here’s a rough mix of “Sammy Ghetz”. You hear in the outro, “I don’t think we played that right”–I love it. This one’s a pretty basic track, but it’s done well: nice voice, warm tones in the guitar and keys, details in the drumming, and all of that spunky groove throughout. They’re playing the Annex on Feb 27.

Download “Sammy Ghetz“

#3 “Coriander” by Pomegranates

Of the variety that lingers mid-air, in a never-ending fall, in a bottomless world. From Everybody, Come Outside!, which comes out April 14th. Why that band name, though? It’s a cool fruit and all, but still.

Download “Coriander“

#2 “Valentine” by Festival

I’m a little late on posting this, but it arrived in the inbox only a few days ago. If you happen to be male and you catch a glimpse of this song by the river bank, you’d be intruding; go away. And mind the sweetness, consume in moderation.

Download “Valentine“

#1 “Long Black Veil” by Vandaveer

And now I present some of my favorite boys. Vandaveer is Mark Charles, whose voice will melt your iron keys. Seriously. That big one hanging by your neck? Watch out. This song appears in Splice Today’s awesome compilation of “original recordings of traditional folk music”. They released it last week, and you can download the whole thing for free if you register on their site. Here are three of my favorites (the audio player has a “next arrow” to toggle between songs).

Download “Long Black Veil” by Vandaveer

Download “Ain’t No Grave” by Adam Arcuragi

Download “Twelve Gates to the City” by These United States

Someone commission these three to cover every song in the history of American folk music. Preferably, together.

Where I take a 10-minute break from everything else and bring you three fine bands. Pictured above is view from my window seat on the way to DC.

“As April Is to May” by Luke Winslow-King

Last Friday I met with Luke Winslow-King and his friends for another installment of Brutal Winter in the Secret Garden. It was a challenging morning but eventually a lot of fun. The performances will come soon. For now here’s a song off Luke’s latest, Old / New Baby. Pictured is that morning’s line-up in a warm kitchen in Brooklyn after the shoot.

“Brother John” by Middle Distance Runner

Apparently this song’s used in a Harley-Davidson commercial I’ve yet to see. Pretty different from the last song I posted of them. Pictured are two members of the band lounging at a lobby after playing Sixth and I Historic Synagogue in Washington DC.

“Blood Red Sentimental Blues” by Cotton Jones

I’ve been listening to their upcoming album, Paranoid Cocoon, from which this song is taken, and it sounds so fabulous. I love it! Pictured is the band playing CMJ last year, and this one was taken by Kashish.

Speaking of sharing:

Joe and I also bought the two albums available from “These United States” since we were both so impressed by their performance. The lead singer was awesome when we talked to him, too. When Joe decided to get a CD, I figured I’d get one too. Joe got the newest album and I was going to follow suit, but the dude said “Why don’t you get the other one then you can burn each other a copy? Go for it, man.”

Where I open the treasure box of goodies that come via email. This time around, three delicate songs, one good-feel, one spunk’d.

“Blanket” by eagleowl

From Edinburgh, Scotland, a song to play for a relentless seedling, destined to sprout, out in the abandoned junkyard. Just like in Wall-E. You know, for all the fragile bits we build our weighty worlds on. The EP’s called For the Thoughts You Never Had.

“Gypsy Curse” by Tom Thumb

A lone traveler’s song where the gypsy might as well be riding the wind and the stars might as well be pirates. Andy Arch’s voice is a pretty sweet match for the crisp banjo that plays over the steady bass drum. From The Taxidermist.

“Take Me Home” by Team Genius

Stirring pop with a little bit of spunk, Team Genius is an ensemble of seven from Brooklyn. This one’s from their self-titled self-released.

“Up the Long Tracks” by Beatbeat Whisper

Of the songs I’ve heard from their upcoming Wonder Continental, this one’s probably the least ambitious. But it’s also the one where the singing’s just so good, “like a morning slipping away”. There’s more over at Daytrotter.

“Meet Me in the Garden” by Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele

What a lovestruck soft boy in Mississippi sounds like when he spends too much time with his magnificent ukulele, I guess. From the upcoming album, aptly titled, The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele.

Websites: eagleowl, Tom Thumb, Team Genius, Beatbeat Whisper, Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele

Over the holidays I’ll be posting a small amount of leftovers and other unused material that will serve as my holiday gifts to you. This is the first of them, Bon Iver’s cover of The Outfield’s “Your Love”, as performed at Music Hall of Williamsburg on December 12, 2008, as taped by me (it’s not the same recording as the You Tube video that’s floating around). Also included is “Beach Baby”, as performed at the same show. It’s off the forthcoming EP, Blood Bank, which comes out January 20 and is available for pre-order.

Download “Your Love (The Outfield cover)” by Bon Iver
Download “Beach Baby” by Bon Iver

If you post these mp3s, please credit and link back to this page, or else I will think of you as unworthy of this gift and put a massive Bon Iver curse on you. Massive.

As previously posted:
Download “King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth