The Clean – new album out September 8th
These New Zealanders have been rocking since 1979 and show no signs of slowing down. They release Mister Pop (Merge Records) on September 8th and you can download two tracks from the album over at RCRD LBL. Give them a listen below and get excited for an entire album full of sharply written pop jangles.
Double Rec: Herman Dune and CoCoComa
CoCoComa from Chicago
I received an email this morning from a long time PR contact. She use to be with Cornerstone way back and then moved to Vice Records for a long time where we constantly heard about this wild and crazy band called the Black Lips. The next move for her was to Pitchfork to help promote the launch of their new pitchfork.tv, which is quite fun to check out if you haven’t already. Now she’s moved on to write for one of my favorite online record labels, RCRD LBL. And thanks to her email, I would not have had the pleasure of learning about a great modern day Garage Rock band, CoCoComa.
I’ve been on a small kick for that dirty, garage rock sound as of late. It all started with the recommendation to download the Lyres self-titled album by a friend of mine. Lyres are an old Boston based garage rock band from the 70’s and that album just blows me away. (Read more here)
Christen Thomas of RCRD LBL has a write up on CoCoComa that you can read HERE.
I don’t promote too many Chicago based bands (I wish I did) so I’m happy to stumble upon this gem. Thanks Christen.
CoCoComa Links of Interest:
- Myspace
- Goner Records (their label)
- RCRD LBL Page
- eMusic subscribers, download their self-titled album HERE
- Everyone else, reach out to Amazon MP3
CoCoComa Downloads:
- “(Tryin’ to) Read my Mind” (Right click and save as)
- “Premonition” (Right click and save as)
Herman Dune
Part Paul Simon, part John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, part Johnathan Richman of The Modern Lovers, Herman Dune is a playful presence. The Paul Simon is not in the voice but rather in the backing music. Lots of rhythms and hand clapping going on. Has a very worldly sound mixed in with the alternative, indie rock vibe. The group is made up of two gentelman, David-ivar Herman Dune (guitar and leard vocals) and Neman Herman Dune (drums and backing vocals). They use to be a trio but Andrew Herman Dune, the former third member, left the band back in 2001. Since then it’s been David and Neman, however, they always bring along friends during their tours.
Another comparison I hear is that of Dan Bejar (aka. Destoyer). Which is interesting cause I don’t get Dan for some reason. I think it may be Herman’s playfulness and story telling capabilities that draws me to his pysch-folk / world sound. This is the strongest connection I think David-ivar Herman Dune, lead vocalist of the duo (formerly a trio) has when it comes to the great Johnathan Richman. The stories, just like Richman’s, are very innocent and childlike but are all stories that even as adults we can connect with. It’s similar to a solid Pixar film such as Ratatouille. You know, those movies that while are geared towards kids, us adults still get excited to see cause the story relates to all ages.
Herman Dune relatded links:
- Myspace
- Official Website
- Buy his music
- Watch Herman on La Blogotheque
- Download their Daytrotter session
- Watch video for “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” (Think Seasame Street should be calling Herman soon)
- Download Herman’s full set at Dublab HERE
- Everloving Records (his label)
About Editor
Name: Luke "Kip" Owen
Location: Boston, MA
Contact: kippy[AT]hip2besquare[DOT]net
Twitter: twitter.com/kipdog
Youtube: youtube.com/kipdog
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