The Music Minute

Last month brothers Roberto and Nathaniel Aguilar (aka Dish) released their first full-length album, Ma Raison De Vivre Ton Amour. These brothers grew up surrounded by music, and let it slowly brew in their own ways. Now they come together, they discovered music together, and the pairing of Roberto’s organic, genre-busting singing and guitar work with Nathaniel’s junk-gypsy found percussion has been a decade in the making. What is most remarkable is the energy that fills their live performances and surprisingly translates on this recording.

Listen to: This Ain’t Livin’ (mp3)

When I think of Bakersfield, CA I think of dreaming melodies floating over rhythmic acoustic guitar. I think of warm breezes and a subtle twang of Western thoughts. The Grizzly Owls have all that one would associate with a gentle West Coast sound, and a quirky vocalist named Jenny Andreotti as well. Jenny has a gentle voice, but sings in a way that always leaves you thinking she may be onto something bigger. She knows something you don't, and likes it. The band recently self-released their latest EP The People Have All Gone.

This past week, Philly's New Madrid Faults released their debut full-length Concerning Small Town Aberration. It is a good example of jangle-pop, but there are softer and more orchestrated moments. It's somewhere between Spoon, Page France and Sufjan Stevens. It might not be ambitious, but it is fun and perfect for a warming Spring day.

Listen to: Little Bullets (mp3)

I could never figure out why I enjoyed Atom and His Package (aka Adam Goren ) so much, but in the late '90's there was something refreshing about his attitude and style. He was able to release 12 albums/ep between '97 and '01, but never really got the proper amount of attention. That is until Hartless Hind Records step up with a surprising tribute album. Finally, the "chubby kid with a high voice on stage armed with nothing but a musical synthesizer and a good sense of humor " will get his day. Showing the breadth and width of his influences, artists such as Adult Swim's mcchris, German rock band Locas in Love, the originator of post-punk laptop rap MC Lars, Aussie punk band Yidcore, and hockey rock band The Zambonisall recorded tracks specifically for this tribute. All these artists come together with one common goal, to share their love for Atom and His Package. A portion of the album's proceeds are going to the American Diabetes Association, to fight the disease that forced Atom to retire from music. You can get more details here.

It can't possibly be true that a small DIY band can have their musical path altered or somehow brighten by a positive review from Pitchfork. Well, Deleted Scenes have been banging around DC for a while and released their debut album Birdseed Shirt over four months ago. However, this month Pitchfork gave their album an 8.0 and suddenly the world listens! Well, I hope it was bound to happen anyway, or at least I will say that. Birdseed Shirt is a brilliant album, filled those catchy shout-sing, echoing vocals (i.e. Yeasayer), and diverse instrumentation. Whatever it takes, I'm glad the world took notice.

Listen to: Ithaca (mp3)

I know Wolfmother is big time, and a little more commercial than my normal fare, but first, they do rock and second they are trying to raise money for a cause. Instead for charging for downloads of their brand new single, they ask that you donate the $0.99 to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal. However, if this is not a charity that hits home with you then pick one of your choosing. It is great idea from a truly great band.

Listen to: Back Round (mp3)