A Quick Word from the Author:
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As I mentioned in week 25, EARMILK is currently in the gradual and delicate process of refining our features, aiming to provide more than just lists of tracks, but solid editorials. A big part of this process is creating a feature that tailors to you, the fans, and your needs. We've implemented some more changes to the Sabbath, mainly categorizing the sets by the 'feel' of the music, if you will, as well as implementing a few more visuals and tracking back to the Straight From the Teet features.
In the comment section below, we'd love to hear some feedback on what you think we're missing from our Features (use the Sabbath as your template). This could be anything from a News section, to more editorial content. Give us your suggestions – we'll consider them all.
In addition, we're always keen to submissions for the Sabbath. If you're an Indie artist who would like your NEW content to be up for consideration, submit it to me and I'll give it a gander. Please only submit tracks that are current (no more than a week old, preferably), and free to download. SUBMIT YOUR WORK
The Indie Sabbath is back, with new specs and some major changes. First off, it's on Thursdays now "SABBATH on a Thursday?? That makes no sense!" Yeah, well, get over it. Traditionally, we've used the Sabbath to feature the best new [free] Indie music around the web each week — and that isn't changing. But we've added a few things, including a Video of the Week, Album of the Week, and a brief recap of the best Indie posts featured here on EARMILK every seven days. Our goal is to provide more than just a list, leaving our readers with not only new music, but visuals, information and albums to explore with friends. That being said, let's get on to the eclectic array of Indie excellence.
THE INDIE GIFT BASKET
As you'll see below, we've added a few changes to the Sabbath. Mainly, we organized the gift basket according to product. Instead of getting your presents scrambed, you can now skip to a section depending on your mood.
- The Pasture covers the basics, from Folk to Rock to Pop, and will now serve as the hub for the tracks perfect for any occasion.
- The Chicken Dance is a hodge podge of tracks that you could be excused for doing the, err… Chicken Dance to. Although hese aren't simply Dance tracks, they're all good to whip your hair around to.
- Lastly, The Tryptophan is built for those relaxed moments, where you're winding down with the aid of something herbal — or even for a time where you might just want some background atmospherics to doze off to.
As usual, we've ventured into the pastures of the Indie realm and have come back with some deliciously satisfying results. The new categories aren't changing that, so dive into some samples of that milky goodness, ripe for the picking. The day held strong and the night is young — Milk away, my fine-haired friends.
The Pasture
The Pasture is your home for the best of Indie for every occasion. Whether you're stuck in an elevator and need to sooth your companions, or in an argument with the ex and need to calm them down — these tracks are your answer. Highlights on the fresh dairy from Zulu Winter, Thad Kopec, The Lighthouse and the Whaler, and Bravestation.
The Chicken Dance
If you're like me, your dancing skills are at best similar to an epileptic seizure — and that's on a good night. As a result of our less than impressive abilities, we often simply revert to the stupid moves that anyone can do, comforted with the knowledge that while we may look a bit odd, we won't look like a total jackass. My personal favorite is the Chicken Dance, something that I found myself doing to each of these tracks. Highlights on the fresh dairy from Purity Ring, AbedeCaf, and Saint Motel.
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The Tryptophan
Relax. Take a deep breath, press play and shut your eyes — these tracks will take you somewhere. Herbal stimulation recommended. Highlights on the dank dairy from Silica People, White Blush, and Get People.
MILKY FRESH
The Indie Sabbath isn't the only place you'll find the best new Indie on EAMRILK. We have a wonderful staff of talented writers churning out great tracks everyday. Here's a three track flashback of the best in Indie this week on EARMILK. Take a sip, and enjoy the dishes — these are certified fresh.
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"Infectious sun-filled pop-rock which may not win points for originality but is certain to stir up everyone's inner dance urges" (Original Post)
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"'Little Comets at their most reflective, showcasing the diversity of their songwriting and lead singer Rob Coles’ incredible vocals." (Original Post)
"Led by David Byrne's vocals, "Who" incorporates stylistic input from both artists–the funk inspired sensibility of mid-years Talking Heads and the crunchy guitar work of St. Vincent." (Original Post)
VIDEO OF THE WEEK:
Twin Shadow – "Five Seconds"
Twin Shadow continues to exceed expectations. As if their single "Five Seconds" wasn't brilliant enough, they've tossed out a video for it. It's a narrative. It's entertaining. It's artistic excellence. There's not much else I can say, you'll have to judge for yourself.
RECORD OF THE WEEK:
This past week was more or less… lame, for lack of a better word. The year has been fruitful thus far, but the last two weeks haven't been too compelling. That being said, thankfully Zulu Winter rose to the occasion and brought up a fat
Zulu Winter – Language
Fastened together by a collection of signature sweeping vocals and an ethereal folk/electronic sound, Indie sweethearts Zulu Winter's album Language finds itself answering the bands need for a consistent sound and voice. The album is remarkably user friendly, perfect for a variety of occasions while not staying too ordinary to bore the pretentious. Long time favorites here on EARMILK, Zulu Winter has struck gold with the release, conjuring a set of tracks that crosses multiple genres seamlessly, maintaing relevance despite a variety of concepts. Full review this monday on EARMILK's Straight From the Teet. Purchase it on iTunes here.
Other Noteworthy Albums:
Morning Parade – Morning Parade
Josh Gilligan – Flesh and Blood
XXYYXX – Dolor
DELIVERIES FROM THE TEET
Each Monday two things get me through the day — Mashup Mondays and Straight From The Teet — the latter of which has become a very important piece of the Indie scene here on EARMILK. Earmilk author Connecticutter has been slaving through the madness and producing a compilation of album reviews unlike any other — and he's done this for a good while. While the longevity of his work is impressive, the volume and quality is the reason it stands alone as the best review compilation on the internet. An honest Op/Ed that strays away from the pretentious, Strait From The Teet offers and inside look into seven new albums each week, spoiling their plots brilliantly. Below is the collection of tracks and a links to the corresponding albums, and you can check out the entire post HERE.
MONDAY: Hot Chip – In Our Heads
TUESDAY: Metric – Synthetica
WEDNESDAY: 2:54 – 2:54
THURSDAY: Lights Out Asia – Hy-Brasil
FRIDAY: POP ETC. – POP ETC.
SATURDAY: Whirr – Pipe Dreams
SUNDAY: Wintersleep – Hello Hum
THROWBACK: Porcupine Tree – Deadwing (2005)
WANT MORE INDIE SABBATH?
There's plenty more where this came from. Click the link above to check out the rest of the Sabbaths, and stay tuned in for more of the best in Indie as well as everything else, right here on EARMILK.
Upon this day, I declare that Indie music is leaps and bounds more pure than anything else, and the term "Indie" means not that a band isn't mainstream, but that a band has been able to hold on to its roots, even through fame and fortune. While the wonderful thumps and womps of other genres get me grooving, it will always be the sui generis of Indie that guides me to the homeland. And for that — I both thank it and applaud it — for it has brought me great pleasure in the past and will so in the future.
