The Walrus is a Philadelphia-based music blog written by Michael. You may send me stuff through the send a tip page or email me. All mp3s should be sent as links. NO ATTACHMENTS, PLEASE. If I like your music, chances are I will write about it.
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mp3s on this site are for promotional purposes only. If you wish to have an mp3 removed please contact me.
When it comes to classic, “lo-fi” pop genius, look no further than late ’80s/early ’90s Scottish wunderkinds The Vaselines. Adored by Kurt Cobain (Nirvana covered “Son of a Gun”, “Molly Lips” and “Jesus Don’t Want Me For a Sunbeam”) and many other musicians, the duo wrote super-catchy pop gems that have, for the most part, gone overlooked. Now Sub Pop is re-releasing a new triple LP called Enter the Vaselines, which features remasters of most of their studio stuff and a bunch of live tracks. Awesome!
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I have recently been discovering the myth and the music of the mysterious Jandek–a man who has released over 50 albums of ghostly folk, rock and roll, blues and spoken word since 1978 without ever revealing his true identity. He has only done one successful interview and it was with Spin Magazine in 1985. His very first live show was in 2004(!) and the gigs he has played since then have been limited and random.
For those who have followed Jandek for a long time and typically thought he was a deeply troubled freak with very few friends–may i introduce you to the new Jandek. He may be whiter than your bed sheets, but he’s got soul…and yes, if there were ever a time to make-out it was during this:
LA’s HEALTH is always doing something interesting and progressive, and their new 7″ is no exception. More beat-driven and robotic than tracks on their debut (save for “Glitter Pills”), “Die Slow” has the sound of dying androids being dragged into heaven.
Rainbow Arabia are definitely a band to look out for this year and this bizarre new video for their single “Omar K” is solid proof. I won’t give too much away (the picture above says plenty). Just watch:
Bishop Allen stopped by the awesome Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction store in Philly last month to do a live in-store session. The stripped down set featured new tunes “Shanghaied” and “True or False”, as well as and older classic “Penitentiary Bound”. All of them are awesome, but my favorite would have to be “Shanghaied”. Check it out:
Sin Fang Bous‘ “Nothings”, taken from the excellent new Morr Music two-disc, three LP comp Not Given Lightly: A Tribute To The Giant Golden Book Of New Zealand’s Alternative Music Scene which I will be reviewing soon, is a perfect blend of ’60s psych pop and ’80s jangle from New Zealand. Fitting, since one half of the comp is a tribute to some of the greats of that latter scene. (mp3 via Fader)
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Jay Reatard is re-launching his label Shattered Records with a new, nicely designed and conveniently comprehensive website that includes his blog, an online store, singles club and a new comp, Greatest Messes, that features his favorite tracks from his previous bands. Stream that below:
He is also giving away a new track for free if you sign up to his mailing list. On first listen “You’re Gonna Lose” reminds me of late Flying Nun-era pop–and since that’s what I have been listening to a lot lately, I’m digging it. Have a listen then grab it here.
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