Matthew Sweet - FREE EP download

Mark Bacino "Rarities" [EP] - free

From Mark Bacino and Pop Fair:

Free 'Rarities' EP Download
Mark Bacino was recently approached by pop music Blog, "Pop Fair" and asked if I might have any rare/unreleased tracks I might be willing to share with their readers. I thought it was a cool idea and a fun way to say thanks to all who have listened over the years so I decided to give the project a go.

Download your free ‘Rarities’ Digi-EP at Pop Fair
Read the EP's liner notes here.

Read our review of Mark's latest studio release, "Queens English", here.

Review: Abandon Kansas “Abandon Kansas” [EP] - FREE

Rock
Abandon Kansas is a modern rock quartet led by powerhouse rock vocalist Jeremy Spring, who sounds a bit like Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge) and Damon Johnson (Brother Cane). This new self-titled EP follows another one called “We’re All Going Somewhere”, and even contains two songs from it: “Months And Years” and “Close Your Eyes”. The first two songs, “Heaven Come My Way” and “The Golden State” are from their upcoming album, “Ad Astra Per Aspera” (due March 8).

I would describe the music of Abandon Kansas as moving rock and roll – reflective lyrics, soulful delivery, and thick hooks. “Heaven Come My Way” is an upbeat tune perfect to play to start your day on a positive and inspirational note. “The Golden State” is a slower premonition of a tune centered on California. For those who missed them on the previous EP, the final two tracks are also noteworthy modern rockers. This EP is currently available for FREE on Amazon.com – don’t abandon it.

Abandon Kansas on MySpace. Official site.

Listen to “Heaven Come My Way”

Happy Holidays from Green Light Go artists - free mp3s

A HUGE list of free mp3s from GREEN LIGHT GO artists, many of whom we've reviewed on BMF. Download, enjoy, and spread the word!

Lawrence & Leigh from Hills and Masts
Release Date: March 7, 2011
“Chelsea Nights”
Genre: Folk/Experimental/Indie Rock
For fans of: Joanna Newsom, Dirty Projectors, Fleet Foxes

The Handsome Family from Honey Money
“Just Like Tom Thumb Blues" (Bob Dylan Cover)
"Drinking Beer on the Roof" (bonus track)
Genre: Folk/Americana
For fans of: You should already be their fan!

Brian Huber from Imagination of Ourselves
Release Date: December 14, 2010
“Snuggies”
Genre: Power pop
Hometown: DC
For fans of: They Might Be Giants, Fountains of Wayne, Ben Folds

Gwyneth & Monko, From Gwyneth & Monko
Release Date: February 15, 2011
“Get in the Sun”
Genre: Americana/Roots Music/Alternative
For fans of: Emmy Lou Harris, Patty Griffin, Jenny Lewis

David Gergen, From The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became
Release Date: January 18, 2011
“Love Blues”
Genre: Alternative/Electroacoustic/Indie/Americana
For fans of: Nick Cave, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen

John Shipe, From Villain
Release Date: February 01, 2011
“Love Belongs to Everyone”
Genre: Acoustic/Indie/Rock
For fans of: Josh Ritter, Jonathan Rice and Elvis Costello

Enjoy Your Pumas, From Commonality
Release Date: February 01, 2011
“Wright of the Circles”
Genre: Alternative/Indie/Rock
For fans of: Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party

Seafarer, From Hiding Places
Release Date: January 18, 2011
“Noise Floor”
“The Archipelago”
Genre: Indie/Folk/Experimental
Hometown: Chicago
For fans of: Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Pavement

David Gergen, From The Nearer It Was... The Farther It Became
Release Date: January 18, 2011
“The Streets I’m Walkin’”
Genre: Americana
Hometown: Los Angeles
For fans of: Nick Cave, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen

Bridges & Powerlines, From Eve
Release Date: January 25, 2011
“Mirabell”
“Blue Sky”
Genre: Power pop
Hometown: Brooklyn
For fans of: Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, Guided By Voices

The Sleep-Ins, From Songs About Girls & Outer Space
Release Date: October 19, 2010
“Silver State”
Genre: indie rock
Hometown: Asheville, NC
For fans of: Pavement, Polvo, Pixies

Neil Nathan, From The Distance Calls Release Date: August 24, 2010
“California Run”
“Highways”
Genre: Powerpop
Hometown: New York
For fans of: Matthew Sweet, Cat Stevens, The Go, Marc Bolan

Neutral Uke Hotel
“King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1” (Neutral Milk Hotel Cover)
Genre: Indie rock, Cover song
Hometown: Montclair, NJ/Boston
For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel

Leopold and His Fiction, From the upcoming album TBA
“Golden Friends”
Hometown: San Francisco
Genre: Garage folk
For fans of: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Heartless Bastards

Urge Overkill - free mp3 download of new song

"In a span of about three years in the mid-'90s, Chicago rockers Urge Overkill dropped a hotly-tipped major label debut, 1993's Saturation; released a wildly popular cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon" on one of the decade's most beloved movie soundtracks, Pulp Fiction; then, on the verge of breakout success, flamed out and broke up. Now, fifteen years after their last album, they're back with a brand new album -- get a taste by downloading "Effigy" below!"

Story here. Free mp3 download here.

Free mp3 from The Genuine Fakes

THE GENUINE FAKES is the new hope of powerpop in Sweden. Over a three-year period they have worked on their debut album, which will be released in the fall of 2010. ”When Reality Hits You”, the band's second single from the album is being released on August 20 as a free download through the band's website. Shortly it will also be available on iTunes and Spotify.

The Genuine Fakes consists of four young men with moustaches from Stockholm, Sweden. Singer and guitarist Joey Fake, bassist Morty Fake, drummer Johnny Fake and keyboardist Tommy Fake. They are cousins and second cousins and grew up in the industrial town of Fagersta, where the future holds but three choices for most citizens: take a job at the steel plant, become a criminal or start a band. The boys decided to follow in the footsteps of town mates The Hives and formed a band. Merging influences from the Swedish ”swindie” era of the 90's containing bands such as Popsicle, The Wannadies and Atomic Swing, with American powerpop bands like The Posies, Fountains of Wayne, Weezer and Jellyfish they've managed to create a fresh sound for the 21st century.

A SWINGIN' POWERPOP SINGLE.
The song which is now being released is yet another indication of the quality of the upcoming album. While the first single was more of a rocking swindie-popper, now The Genuine Fakes have mixed elements of Weezer and Jellyfish to come up with this catchy mid-tempo powerpop tune. The hook in the chorus is highly contagious! Don't say we didn't warn you. Singer Joey Fake describes the song: ”It's about the constant search for your place in life. Every now and then you reach a certain point where you feel disillusioned and reality catches up with you. In those moments you have to make a new game plan and try something different in order to go on. But, there's also the fear that in the grand scheme of things everything is pointless anyway, so why bother? And then you make a run for it!” In collaboration with Pristine Music the song is released as a free download in the format of your choice via the band's website (see link below). Shortly it will also be made available for purchase through digital stores such as iTunes and also for streaming on Spotify (distributed by Record Union).

Go get the free mp3 here!

The Genuine Fakes on MySpace. Official site.

Free music from The Great Valley "Stripped" EP

Back in April, we were knocked off our feet by the "Wrecking Ball" EP released by Delaware band The Great Valley (review here). Now you can get acoustic versions of the title track as well as "Above The City" from that EP, along with a brand new track called "Don't Need Honesty". Yep - three great tunes from a great power pop and rock band for free! Go download them here.

The Great Valley on MySpace.

Rachel McGoye and Alex Band discuss "Ghetto Gloss" EP - free mp3

Press release:
"Since releasing her debut EP, "What Day is It?" in 2006, Rachel McGoye has spread her musical wings breaking new grounds on her latest EP, “Ghetto Gloss”. Sexy yet soulful, playful yet poignant, “Ghetto Gloss”, strikes a refreshing chord on love and relationships. Produced and co-written by Alex Band (formerly of The Calling), the melodies have a purpose; the sounds have a mission. From the catchy lyrics of her first single, "Ghetto Gloss," to the beautiful ballad, "Love Me Good," McGoye’s exceptional songwriting talent, earthy presence and rich, serene vocals are winning combinations. Rachel emits a creative energy that doesn’t go unnoticed onstage. Check out this exclusive performance and interview footage taken from her recent performance opening for Alex Band in San Diego, CA."



Interview with Rachel McGoye and Alex Band CLICK HERE

Check out our review of McGoye's EP here.

We also have permission to give you a free download of "Love Me Good" - click here!

The Martial Arts - download new song for free

Free download of new track by Glasgow indiepop/power pop band The Martial Arts, first new material since their acclaimed debut album, "Your Sinclair".

Download here!

The Martial Arts on MySpace.

Free mp3: 8mm "Bad Moon Rising"

Check out this stunning cover/reworking of CCR's classic, "Bad Moon Rising" by 8mm. The mp3 download is yours free, courtesy of Art of Broadcast - get it here.

Lots of free mp3 for your weekend

Free mp3 Friday! All of these are free and legal downloads, courtesy of Green Light Go.

Echo Orbiter, From "Euphonicmontage" Release Date: September 28, 2010
“Mouth of an Incomplete Twin”
“This Worm In Rigor Mortis”
Genre: Experimental
For fans of: Elephant 6, Elf Power

Alan Cohen Experience, From "Space & Time" due out August 31, 2010 (reviewed here).
“Arrows of Time”
“The Uncertainty Principle”
“Einstein”
Genre: Anti-folk/power pop
For fans of: Adam Green, Jeffrey Lewis

Sara Radle, From "Four" Release Date: September 14, 2010 (reviewed here)
“Song for Adam”
Genre: Powerpop
For fans of: Jenny Lewis, Regina Spektor, Dum Dum Girls

Neil Nathan, From "The Distance Calls" Release Date: August 24, 2010 (reviewed here)
“California Run” http://www.greenlightgopublicity.com/clients/content/neilnathan/audio/California_Run.mp3
“Highways” http://www.greenlightgopublicity.com/clients/content/neilnathan/audio/Highways.mp3
Genre: Powerpop
For fans of: Matthew Sweet, Cat Stevens, The Go, Marc Bolan

Neutral Uke Hotel“King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1” (Neutral Milk Hotel Cover)
Genre: Indie rock, Cover song
For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel

The White Ravens, From "Gargoyles and Weather Vanes" due out July 6, 2010
“Sparks”
“Tick Tock”
Genre: Garage rock
For fans of: The White Stripes, Fiery Furnaces

Gwyneth & Monko, From "Good Old Horse" due out July 20, 2010
“Good Old Horse”
“Lexington Ballad”
Genre: Americana/Folk
For fans of: Jenny Lewis, Gillian Welch

Leopold and His Fiction, From the upcoming album TBA
“Golden Friends”
Genre: Garage folk
For fans of: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Heartless Bastards

Review: Rachel McGoye "Ghetto Gloss" [EP] - free mp3

Rachel McGoye's latest EP, "Ghetto Gloss", is mostly melodic pop and mixed in with a little soul and R&B. It was produced and co-written by Alex Band (formerly of The Calling), who helps to bring a melodic rock edge to the forefront.

I was not overwhelmed by the title track to this EP, but it was evident from this tune that Rachel McGoye has a voice suited for light rock and soul - reminding me a little of Colbie Caillat. The contributions from Alex Band can be heard throughout these four tunes, which pop rockers will enjoy. Out of the four tracks on this EP I liked "Love Seed" the most, with "Oh My My" being a close second. "Love Seed" is a straight-up pop rock tune, and the acoustic guitars give "Oh My My" a light, breezy feel.

Rachel McGoye on MySpace. Official site.

Get the FREE mp3 of "Ghetto Gloss" right here.

Free mp3: See Green "Think Twice"

Now here is a really cool song by a female-fronted pop rock band called See Green. The track "Think Twice" can be downloaded here for free - it has a great 80s feel to it and just makes for a great summer tune.

See Green on MySpace.

Free album: Jonny Rumble "JR"

Rock Proper is excited to release one monster of an album, Jonny Rumble’s "JR" promises to be the anthem of the summer. You can pre-order the vinyl version here.

Go here to download the entire record for free.

Try as I might, I just can't get into this. The record has a cool sound - a rough and tumble roots rock with some quirky experimentation - but the hooks just aren't strong enough for me. My favorite track was "Handgun Blues".

Jonny Rumble: Official site.

Free mp3: Jeremy Toback

Free mp3: Marcy Playground "MP3"

MP3 is the name of this album, from the band that wrote the huge 1997 hit, "Sex and Candy." To get the album, you just send a blank email to mp3@marcyplayground.com.

1. Spoonfed
2. Blood In Alphabet Soup
3. No One's Boy
4. Hotter Than The Sun
5. Rock And Roll Heroes
6. Jesse Went To War
7. Flag And Finger
8. Deadly Handsome Man
9. Punk Rock Superstar
10. Paper Dolls
11. Death Of A Cheerleader
12. Brand New Day
13. Sleepy Eyes
14. Barfly

Original posting here.

Review: Alan Cohen Experience "Space and Time"

If anyone can turn Stephen Hawking's bestselling book, "A Brief History of Time", into a musical opus, it is Alan Cohen. Undertaking a project as innovative as this could only be pulled off by one of pop's most offbeat artists. Each song on "Space and Time" was inspired by a chapter in Hawking's masterpiece - this even includes quotes from JFK and Hawking himself as an introduction and conclusion, respectively. Highlights include the catchy "Uncertainty Principle", the hauntingly infectious ballad "Black Hole", and the charming lullaby "Dreaming".

Alan Cohen, a genuine one-man band, is by far and away one of the most original artists out there today. And when I say out there, I mean "out there" - otherworldly! Putting on a record by the Alan Cohen Experience is always an adventure and "Space and Time" is no exception. But "Space and Time" does more, reminding us of our Physics 101 with songs revolving around Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, and the complex inner-workings of the atom. You can't help but to walk away from "Space and Time" without a feeling of humility and a deeper appreciation of the vast unknown that lies beyond our naked eye universe.

Alan Cohen Experience has released a remarkably fresh album that dares to be different but strives to remain musically accessible. "Space and Time" should be adored by physicists just as quirky as Alan Cohen, but is it anything more than a space oddity to the rest of us? Only time will tell...

Alan Cohen Experience on MySpace. Official site.

Here are two free mp3s for your listening pleasure:

News: New free mp3 from THE EELS

Download "Looking Up" from the upcoming EELS "TOMORROW MORNING" album (out August 24) for free, right now, right here: http://www.eelstheband.com.

(And if you're already on the EELS mailing list, don't worry, submitting your address for the free download won't result in getting multiple emails.)

News: New Abandoned Pools - free mp3

Tommy Walter began his career in 1995 as a founding member of the critically acclaimed band Eels. They toured the world and released the album "Beautiful Freak" which has sold well over a million copies. In 2001, Tommy released the album "Humanistic" on Extasy/Warner Brothers under the moniker Abandoned Pools and followed that up in 2005 with "Armed to the Teeth" on Universal.

Says Walter, "After a five year hiatus it's great to be back making an Abandoned Pools album. I've had a lot of encouragement from fans over the years and I'm especially grateful for that. They've helped me realize that this is what I should be doing."

Here is the lead single, "Legionnaire" - free for you to download.

News: Tim Be Told video and free mp3

News from Tim Be Told (read our review of their EP "From The Inside"):

Tim Be Told Releases “Analyze” Music Video and Announces Free Music Download

On May 5, 2010, Tim Be Told released a brand new music video for their song, “Analyze,” off the critically acclaimed “From the Inside” EP. Watch the video now at http://www.timbetold.com/, where you can download the single for free and visit the newly relaunched Tim Be Told store. Using real people rather than actors, “Analyze” highlights the internal struggles we all face and the battles waged between discouragement and hope. The video, directed by Jonathan Moy, projects the band’s positive outlook, with hope winning in the end. Tim Be Told’s uplifting music has earned them a legion of fans across the country. They have been touring relentlessly as a client of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and, in between the dates, the band is spending some time in the studio working on a new record!



For those of you that want to see Tim Be Told perform at your university next year, the band has a limited number of shows that it will be playing at college campuses. Therefore, send a booking email request ASAP to booking@timbetold.com to reserve a spot. Don’t miss out!

See the band on tour live in a city near you and stay tuned to http://www.timbetold.com for the latest news and updates:

May 6 - Columbus, OH - BoMA
May 7 - Cincinnati, OH - Mainstay Rock Bar
May 8 - Los Angeles, CA - Panel at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
May 12 - Denver, CO - University of Denver
May 18 - Campbell, CA - World Mission Baptist Church
May 22 - Seattle, WA - APA Heritage Bash @ Ibiza Nightclub
May 28 - Wheaton, IL - WCAC Church
June 25 - Mineral City, OH - Alive Festival
June 26 - Nashville, TN - Lipscomb University