2010 was a dull year for discovering new bands; caught between over hype and under hype, the ripe atmosphere for discovery is quickly diminishing. The Cults signed to Columbia Records, Tennis played their first New York show at the large capacity Terminal 5, Blackberry got maximum coverage out of a Tune Yards song, Best Coast and Wavves annoyed the half of us with their money-friendly philosophy on selling out. So I stuck to, for the most part, old favorites who made great new releases. As far as releases go, that Future Islands put out their first proper full length, and that Lower Dens became a band, were probably the highlights for me. I wonder whatever happened to Yellow Fever’s release, though — their new songs seemed ready to go pretty early in the year! But here it is, the top 10.

Download this mix from MediaFire here.
Full list after the jump.

#10 The Books, The Way Out

#9 Thee Oh Sees, Warm Slime

#8 Callers, Life of Love

#7 Tony Castles, No Service

#6 Motel Motel, The Big Island

#5 Lower Dens, Twin-Hand Movement

#4 Dark Dark Dark, Wild Go

#3 Quiet Hooves, Saddle Up!

#2 Future Islands, In Evening Air

#1 The Tallest Man on Earth, The Wild Hunt

Download the mix

The day before filming, Timo Sullivan from Motel Motel told me that the Staten Island beach he wanted to takes us to was the same distance as Coney Island. That was entirely untrue. It was a while to get there. But it was the most fun we’ve ever had making a Secret Garden video, and his super secret spot was so worth the trip that I made sure he dropped a pin on my google map before we parted. To this day I only know it by this pin as the Motel Motel beach.

(Photo by Sahara)

Included in the video are stripped-down versions of four songs: “Harlem”, “Cowboy”, “Forest” and “Coffee”. Drummer Jeremy Duvall, owing to a day job, was absent.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out, especially the fabulous bands who played, and to Trophy Bar for hosting the whole madness. I know everyone I invited to play were some of my favorites, so of course I was thrilled more than anybody else to see them all at one place, but I was extra excited because they all played incredibly strong sets. A ton of pictures are posted here with helpful captions, and we filmed pretty much the whole thing, so video will come soon too! All pics were taken by me (Sarahana), except where noted.

Afuche

The Afuchitas – a feisty gang of interpretive dancers put together by our explosive opening act, Afuche.

Not only was there a lot of dancing, but quite a bit of synchronized screaming.

Afuche decided to go pick up their badges and free Kangaroos shoes after setting up. They played in their new shoes.

And they even sported the free Kangaroos shirts they got in their gift bag.

The amazing drummer of Afuche is clearly adored by his group of dancers.

tUnE-yArDs

Zach Condon’s crew was drinking outside and they all got up and rushed in as soon as we heard Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs testing her voice inside.

I’d asked her if she wanted to do an acoustic set, and she performed on a sole (tenor) ukulele. I had goose bumps throughout her set.

Pic below by Sahara

Zach Condon of Beirut, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, Ruben Sindo Acosta of Afuche hanging out in the backyard.

Luke Winslow-King trio

This was my dad’s favorite set at the show. When Luke Winslow-King’s most handsome trio in the world played their 20s inspired rag tunes, and given the Trophy Bar decor, I felt like we were sailing on a boat.

The washboard kills.

And look at this fabulous tuba.

Gracious Calamity

Ideally these girls from Gracious Calamity would play at your bonfire party or your porch. They played a quiet folk-y set that sounded like sweet lullabies.

Doesn’t this look very warm and fuzzy? It’s only missing a bonfire.

Glass Ghost

Glass Ghost provided just the bit of diversity we need in our line-up. Eliot Krimsky’s haunting voice, idiosyncratic rhythms, and awesome bass setup on the keyboard. I was so glad to have them on. I misplaced my camera during their set, so didn’t get to take pictures, sigh.

Pic below by New York Rock Market

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Sahara

I found my camera as the set ended. Here’s drummer Mike Johnson.

Drink Up Buttercup

I’ve seen Drink Up Buttercup a bunch of times, but this was the best set I’ve seen from them, period. Drunken sailors all around. Can’t thank them enough.

They played a song about penises and another one about “female anatomy”.

Consulting a last-minute set list they’d made on their iPhone.

Jim had to kneel cause he was using the one little mic we had for his guitar. It was his birthday eve.

Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten started off by saying she didn’t have any songs about penises.

And that she was wearing her mom’s shoes (with holes).

She was stellar, of course. I don’t even need to mention that.

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Jessi Bautista

Pic below by Jessi Bautista

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Sahara

Mark Charles of Vandaveer laughs at Sharon’s jokes.

Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs watching Sharon perform.

Adam Arcuragi

Adam Arcuragi arrived with a crew he put together in the last minute. It included a saw player, and plenty of clapping and stomping.

This man changed his plans to be in Chicago to come play here instead. He’s crazy like that. He’s moving to New York soon and you should be on the look out for backyard performances.

When they discovered there was only one mic, they improvised plenty of things.

Vandaveer

Vandaveer started indoors, but after an issue with the mic levels, they yelled, “Who wants to go outside?” and we all poured into the backyard.

It was a fine call! The light rain had cleared just in time.

It was very French, really.

Rose Guerin of Vandaveer strikes a pose.

Mark Charles climbs a table. La Strada looks on.

Motel Motel

People kept asking me who our secret guests were. I had to clarify that it wasn’t a secret at all, but just that Motel Motel is very special. I’d asked them to play a set that would be a “Secret Garden” set and I’m amazed by how much these guys grasp the idea of the Secret Garden without me having to explain anything at all.

Bassist Timo Sullivan and drummer Jeremy Duvall played a guitar case and a banjo case instead.

Look at Mickey Theis. Doesn’t he look like a very handsome man from the 50s?

Eric Engel doesn’t really need the mic at all.

They played “Harlem” the same way they played it for our Secret Garden video (coming soon): a capella, backed up by a recording on a tape. Erik Gundel and Mickey Theis provided gorgeous harmonies.

Timo Sullivan taking a break from his exhausting guitar-case-playing session.

Delicious kebab rolls my mom sold in the backyard.

Thanks everyone! Seriously, it was the best party I’ve been to!

Apart from the awesome bands and their awesome managers, and supportive friends in general, notable thanks to Sahara (my sister and trusty helping hand), Kevin Eder and China Kirk (both devoted friends and moral supporters), Ray of Ray Concepcion (he filmed the whole thing!), and my mom for staying up all night to make the delicious food.

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

Hooves on the Turf’s Northside Festival showcase
at Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11211

FREE / 21+ / June 13, 2009 / 1PM Onwards

2:00 Afuche
2:30 tUnE-yArDs
3:00 Luke Winslow-King
3:30 Gracious Calamity
4:00 Drink Up Buttercup
4:30 Glass Ghost
5:00 Sharon Van Etten
5:30 Adam Arcuragi
6:00 Vandaveer
6:30 Special Guests (oh my!)

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

It includes a song each from all 10 bands.

darling don’t be shy with me
my days on earth are numbering
so hold me before my bones freeze
the angels see my body floating

Last week we went on a fabulous day trip with Motel Motel, and I can’t wait to post the amazing performances we shot with them, even though drummer Jeremy Duvall wasn’t around since he had to be at work. Obsessed with their song “Arvada” all day today (lyrics excerpt above), I re-read some of the positive things I’ve written about this band so far, and it feels like I’ve been too careful in not over-hyping them; as a result, I’ve been terribly underselling them. Truth is, I listened to their album New Denver on repeat on my flight to Austin and back, but what’s more, singer Eric Engel’s voice sounds absolutely divine in person.

Here’s the tune stuck in my head. For the full song, buy their album.

Download “Arvada (Sample Clip)“

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“

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.