Transmissions :: Blur - Under The Westway

We're trying not to totally freak out about the arrival of brand new song from Blur, but as per the norm our attempts are futile . Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn performed the new track, Under The Westway at last weekends War Child Charity gig. This marks the second new track from the reunited brit pop legends and according to Graham Coxon, "there will definitely be another Blur album". We'll keep our collective fingers crossed that the new Blur LP will materialize later this year. Until then check out the performance of Under The Westway, above.

Reviewed :: Butterknife - Do The Needful

Late last month Massachusetts' rising power pop phenoms, Butterknife released Do The Needful. The album was recorded by Jim Theodore at Fido and was mastered by TW Walsh (The Soft Drugs) The new EP, features 5 superbly crafted pop songs filled with massive hooks and strong melodies. The EP kicks off with $100, arguably the sets finest track, certainly the most infectious. Aided by a throbbing base line, slashing chords, and an inventive stab at the songs about girls genre. Elsewhere June 4, which serves as the EP's centerpiece, struck us right between the eyes and our love of 90's guitar pop bands, an excellent piece of songwriting filled with subtleties and intelligent lyrics. Restless has it all ,in terms of razor sharp guitar pop songs, simply the kind of song that you must hear repeatedly at high volume. Do The Needful follows Butterknife's 2010 full length debut, onetworeadygo and finds the band forging ahead and delivering an EP of smart and engaing pop songs that you should probably tell your friends about.

Butterknife have decided to offer Do The Needful as free download via their Bandcamp and we've embedded the entire EP below, because you need this.

New Sounds Now :: Beach Fossils - Lessons

We've been a little distracted as of late, with our respective personal lives and various obligations, but on this snowy New England Saturday we feel it's a fine time to share some new music from Beach Fossils. The Brooklyn dream pop outfit will issue the Shallow b/w Lesson 7" on February 21st via Captured Tracks. Dustin Payseur and co. are currently recording their second full length LP, so this hold over single is a welcome find. Lessons is relegated to the forthcoming releases b-side, but we've found ourselves being drawn to it over the releases fine A side. It's 2 minutes and 30 seconds of peppy jangle pop complete with chilling layered vocals.

Beach Fossils - Lessons

This Weeks Short Bursts :: Winterpills, Ringo Deathstarr

On Valentines Day, Western, MA chamber pop stalwarts, Winterpills will release their 5th LP, All My Lovley Goners. The 13 track set was recorded at Boomerang Ranch with Philip Price. The band is currently raising funds for a vinyl release of the LP, that they hope to get out for Record Store Day in April. You can make a donation via the bands Kickstarter page, which will end on Thursday.

On Saturday February 25th Winterpills will celebrate the release of All My Lovely Goners at The Iron Horse in North Hampton.


On March 14th, Austin, TX shoegaze dynamos, Ringo Deathstarr will release the Shadow EP. Shadow features a few tracks that will also appear on the bands forthcoming second long player. The EP also features a cover of Just You (Twin Peaks Cover). Shadow was recorded last fall prior to the band touring Europe with The Smashing Pumpkins. Until the highly anticipated new LP arrives, we recommend ordering Shadow, immediately. The title track features guest vocals from Jason Reese of ..And You Will Know Us By Trail Of Dead. Sonic Unyon will issue the EP on limited edition cherry blossom scented vinyl.

Transmissions :: The Wedding Present - You Jane

In March, The Wedding Present will release their highly anticipated eighth LP, Valentina via their Scopitones imprint. The album was recorded last year in France, England, and California and features 11 tracks from England's legendary purveyors romantic pop. David Gedge and Co. will officially launch Valentina at SXSW, before arriving at The Brighton Music Hall on March 23rd.

This morning the albums opening track, You Jane arrived in video form and that's just cause for a small celebration. after all, it's not everyday we get new music The Wedding Present, in fact it's been four years.