MP3: “Pigs” by Black Dice

After seeing Eric Copeland open up for Avey Tare late last year at Johnny Brenda’s, the new Black Dice album is something we’ve been greatly anticipating. The record will be called Mr. Impossible and releases on April 10 via Ribbon Music. In the meantime, the New York based trio provide a taste of the new album with “Pigs.” You can stream and download “Pigs” by Black Dice (click down arrow for download) below:

Black Dice – Pigs by Ribbon Music

Also, check out the self-produced video for the track below:

MP3: “Oraculum” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross + Full Details on TGWTDT Soundtrack!

Trent Reznor previously teased about an announcement that would come today. And it’s here. Full details concerning his and Atticus Ross’ soundtrack release for David Fincher’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo are finally here. Trent will self-release the US versions and let Mute Records handle the international release. The official note from Trent is on NIN.com. Fans can pre-order the entire 3+ hour soundtrack in various formats, including digital, CD, and a deluxe package that features six LPs and a bunch of other goodies. The deluxe editions are limited to 3000 copies and will sell for $300. You can also get a free download of a six-song sampler that Trent and company made available on their Null Corporation outfit here.

Need a taste of the soundtrack right now? Download “Oraculum” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross here or stream it below:

Also, check out the full version of Trent and Atticus’ collaboration with Karen O on a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” (the opening track on the soundtrack) below:

And here’s the second full trailer for the film, which hits theaters on December 21st:

MP3s: More Unheard Elliott Smith Recordings Unearthed

After last week’s surprise of Elliott Smith’s previously unreleased “Misery Let Me Down” from the WMUC lost library of his late 90′s in-studio performance, there is more. David Taylor, record librarian for WMUC, posted this update on the WMUC tumblr page:

I have spent the last couple days digitizing the MiniDisc containing Elliott Smith’s ‘96/’97(?) live performance at WMUC. It’s done and the tracks are now available for download.  However, it is my regret to inform you that the MiniDisc is not the original source, nor does not contain the full performance. The new recording clocks in at around 18 minutes, 6 minutes less than the previous CD version. Furthermore, the multiple takes of “Say Yes” and “Division Day,” including “Misery Let Me Down,” are entirely missing.

There is some good news. The MiniDisc contains two tracks that are unavailable on the CD, “The Morning After” and “The Biggest Lie.” And the other tracks are now presented in higher audio quality.

We will not have a definitive version of Smith’s WMUC performance until we can find the original ADAT that it was recorded on.

Download MP3s of the 18-minute set here or get the FLAC version here. You can also stream the first song, “The Morning After,” below:

MP3: “Strawbear” by Keaton Henson

Keaton Henson is a reclusive artist and musician who barely leaves the confines of his room. He self-released his first album last year with no record deal, management or promotion. Since then, droves of fans from all over the world have expressed their adoration for his music. A proper release of Dear … will be released next February now that Henson has been signed to Motive Sounds Recordings. The first single from that album, “You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are,” might be my favorite track of 2011. Listen to the accompanying track, “Strawbear,” here or stream it below:

MP3: “Zoo Station (U2 Cover)” by Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails may be on temporary hiatus, but a sober Trent Reznor seems to have found time to make a contribution to Q Magazine’s 20th anniversary tribute compilation of U2′s Achtung Baby between an upcoming full-length How To Destroy Angels record and the score to David Fincher’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (due in December). The track is mellow, atmospheric and features an impressive vocal delivery from Trent (yes, really). Atticuss Ross co-produced and programmed the track. Download “Zoo Station (U2 Cover)” by Nine Inch Nails here or stream it below:

Jeff Mangum Says “Fuck, Wall Street!”

Jeff Mangum expressed his support of the Occupy Wall Street protest with a “Fuck, Wall Street” reaction to an audience member’s exclamation last night during his Monday night Paramount Theater performance in Asbury Park. Less than an hour ago, Mangum surprised protesters and the Global Revolution LiveStream feed with a 30-minute set! When his set concluded, Jeff told those in attendance, “You’re doing a beautiful fucking thing.” Check out the archived video from Livestream below:

MP3s: “Oh Sister” and “Ferris Wheel on Fire” by Neutral Milk Hotel

Beginning November 22, 15 previously unreleased Neutral Milk Hotel tracks will be made available on their brand new site WalkingWallofWords.com. The band will distribute the never-before-heard tracks using the pay-what-you-want sales model using Bandcamp. The site includes some other goodies, including an incredibly-complete, all-vinyl box set for $88 and some original Jeff Mangum prints, which are already sold out. If you are on the fence about buying a box set, know that $1 of every purchase goes towards the Children of the Blue Sky charity. If you can’t wait until November 22 for the new NMH tracks, there are two already streaming on the site. You can download Neutral Milk Hotel’s “Oh Sister” here and “Ferris Wheel on Fire” here or stream them both below:

Don’t forget to support Jeff on his upcoming tour.

New Neutral Milk Hotel Website Breaks the Intrawebs

All Tomorrow’s Parties shared news of a new Neutral Milk Hotel website that showcases previously unheard recordings, a brand new box set, and a new podcast series by none other than Jeff Mangum! Unsurprisingly, the site underestimated the aftershock of such an announcement and launch. If you attempt to go to www.walkingwallofwords.com, you will get the following error message: “the server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.” We’re patiently waiting for the web servers to go back up and those responsible to get things back in order. Sign me up for a box set, please!

Update: The site is now up again. And you can listen to two previously unreleased studio tracks right away!

MP3: “Revival” by Talkdemonic

Portland-based Instrumental post-rock duo Talkdemonic are releasing their fourth album, Ruins, October 4th, 2011 on Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace Recordings. According to the press release, Ruins is “the most cohesive and exploratory Talkdemonic album to date. Building on a near-decades worth of partnership and collaboration, the pair have achieved an incredible set of instrumental tracks that slide dynamically from fluttering grooves to full on landscapes of sound. Armed with a new arsenal of processing pedals, Lisa’s viola parts teem with vibrant textures and surge from serene tenderness to wild cataclysmic intensity. Kevin expertly paces each song out, augmenting spaces with live drum beats and coloring the canvas with an array of deftly employed synth and acoustic guitar flourishes.”

Stream and download “Revival” by Talkdemonic below (click down arrow for download):

Revival by Talkdemonic by PMA

MP3: “The Same Thing” by Cass McCombs

Cass McCombs is set to release his second album of the year on November 8 via Domino. According to the Domino press release, Humor Risk is perhaps Cass’ most upbeat album yet, showing Cass in a more optimistic mood, and could be seen as the happier, more hopeful sister record to WIT’S END. The lyrics are as interesting and wry as ever, the arrangements as beautiful as those on its predecessors, but here Cass’ vocals are higher, the rhythm faster and the melodies more infectious than ever before.

You can pre-order the album here and even get a discounted bundle package that includes both records. If you can’t wait until November, we have our first taste of the new album in “The Same Thing.” Download “The Same Thing” by Cass McCombs here or stream it below:

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