Music » Indie & Lo-Fi Music

The Morning Benders' debut EP, "Loose Change", consists of the five songs from their self-released demo along with an extra track and new artwork. Although only a debut release which was recorded on an 8-track, Loose Change is mature, consistent and demonstrates the talents these guys have for catchy pop influenced indie rock. We love these guys and you will too. Enjoy.

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English singer-songwriter David Gray recorded his fourth album, White Ladder, at home in 1998 and self-released it after three previous albums garnered critical acclaim and little else. Opening for the likes of Dave Matthews and Radiohead helped up his profile and led to Matthews choosing White Ladder as the U.S. debut for his new ATO label. It's not difficult to hear what attracted Matthews to Gray. There's a strong dose of romantic wanderlust to these tunes. "This Year's Love," with its somber piano notes, captures the drifter feel of earlier Gray work (such as the remarkable "A Gathering of Dust" from his debut)."Sail Away" is "Dock of the Bay" from another side of the shore. Gray clearly loves words, and the way he emphasizes them--spitting them out in contempt one minute, soulfully stretching a note out at other moments--lends his music drama. It's no wonder he's been compared to so heavy an improviser as Van Morrison. There's a spiritual connection there that this strong release makes only more obvious. --Rob O'Connor

Rare live recordings done in the KINK radio studio featuring Anna Nalick, Death Cab For Cutie, The Fray, KT Tunstall, Mat Kearney, Aqualung, Sia, Augustana, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Mullins, Tristan Prettyman, Jesse Colin Young, Nickel Creek, John Butler Trio, Brett Dennen, Toby Lightman, Ringside and Feist.

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I Believe In What You Do 2. Ceiling Fan - Por Ejemplo 3. Duraluxe - Ruled by Fear 4. Lona - Daydream 5. Jackpot City - One Who Knows 6. The Lures - What She Wants 7. Blue Stockings - Bruno 8. Dimes - Donut Shop 9. Rob Veal - A Job to Do 10. Japancakes - Now Wait for Last Year 11. Redneck Greece - Just As Soon As I Begin To Win 12. Barbara Cue - Find A fool 13. Flood City Shootout - You Don't Want Me 14. The Possibilities - God Thinks You're Dead 15. Squat - Chicken Skin 16. The Confidentials - Stay Away Baby!! 17. Deacon Brody- Claymore 18. Soundtrack Mind - Save Today 19. La Guano - My Knees 20. 8 Track Gorilla - Wild and Peaceful 21. Jack Logan - Goodbye Smokey

1996 debut from indie super group featuring members of Cibo Matto, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Skeleton Key. 1996 release. Gatefold sleeve.It's those Japanese girls from Cibo Matto being postmodern and surprisingly likable. They don't mention what happened to Butters 01 to 07, but somehow it doesn't matter. There's hip-hop and rap (hey, this is on Grand Royal, after all), some tasty rock & roll guitar, traces of disco, a little bit of funk, and lots of trashy '70s influences, all whipped up to make something pretty damned exciting. Of course, it's all a little bit arty and self-conscious, but you didn't expect to get out of here scot-free, did you? What we've got here, though, is a record that truly defies insidious pigeonholing (for once the hype is really true), and is an joy to listen to. In these listless days, the simple fact that it's not a bowwow is cause enough for celebration. --Chris Nickson

With valuable assistance from producer Rick Rubin, the Peppers find just the right blend of punk, funk, and hip-hop. Even with a running time of 74 minutes, this 1991 breakthrough has continuity and cohesion both within and across the 17 cuts. Riding Flea's surging bass, Anthony Kiedis delivers his explicit lyrics with a rapper's flair, extolling the virtues (and outlining the dangers) of sex and drugs. Plaintive ballads such as "Breaking the Girl," "I Could Have Lied," and the hit "Under the Bridge" give the album depth and provide contrast to the raw energy of "Mellowship Slinky in B Major," "Funky Monks," and "Give It Away." Rubin masterfully fuses John Frusciante's raunchy guitar with the irresistible grooves. --Marc Greilsamer

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1.Intro (:48) 2.Devil In Jersey City (4:47) 3.Delerium Trigger (5:16) 4.The Crowning (6:37) 5.Blood Red Summer (4:24) 6.Everything Evil (10:17)