Following the Affair EP from 2010 and recently signed to Vagrant, the Chicagoan four-piece California Wives have put all the faves that we’ve heard (and a bunch we haven’t) in their highly anticipated debut: Art History. Working with producer Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol, Neon Indian, Wild Nothing), they’ve created an album that “comes from a relatable place of losing one’s youth”, according to frontman Jayson Kramer.

I can’t really express how much I’ve been looking forward to this release…. I’ve been waiting patiently for their full length record that I can just put on repeat.  Make sure to catch them on tour this fall…. maybe they will strike a chord with you as well.

Listen the the full album below, or pick it up on Amazon.

California Wives – Art History

Enjoy the latest track from the 5 piece group from Athens, GA.  The electro rockers upcoming debut LP Body Faucet is set to release May 1, and “Orifice Origami” joins the previous single “Sebastian” in what’s shaping up to be a great summertime record.  I’ll be catching them in Columbus, OH this weekend, along with The Naked and Famous, Walk the Moon, and The Features.  Yeah, it’s gonna suck.

Reptar – “Orifice Origami”

It’s been quite awhile since there has been a Chiddy Bang update around here, but that doesn’t mean the duo hasn’t stayed busy.  They’ve been performing at festivals around the country (see Bonnaroo) alongside players like Lil Wayne, Big Sean, and XV.  And after setting the world record for the longest freestyle, they’ve released the first single from their long awaited and upcoming debut album “Breakfast”.  With a catchy chorus and an energetic feel, the upbeat tune could catch some buzz in the pop world.  Check it out.

Chiddy Bang – “Mind Your Manners”

If you can’t wait until July 17th for “Breakfast”, snack on the latest full length mixtape “Peanut Butter and Swelly” available on their Bandcamp page, which includes a Matt & Kim sample and some nice work with Mac Miller.

Finally, some light at the end of the winter tunnel.  Pitchfork has announced the initial lineup for their highly anticipated annual festival in Chicago.  From July 15-17, thousands of music fans will be delighted to see fave bands and up-and-comers from across the nation.  It already looks like a stellar time, and it will only get better with other great additions in the coming months.

Tickets are $45/day or $110/3-day pass and go on sale at today at 1 pm EST.  The 3-day passes will most certainly sell out, so grab them HERE while they’re hot!

Friday, July 15:
– Animal Collective
– James Blake
– Das Racist
– Curren$y

Saturday, July 16:
– Fleet Foxes
– The Dismemberment Plan
– Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
– Woods
– Sun Airway
– Kylesa

Sunday, July 17:
– TV on the Radio
– Cut Copy
– Deerhunter
– Destroyer
– OFWGKTA
– Yuck

Here’s a pitchfork mini-preview from some past posts. Enjoy!

Das Racist – “rapping 2 u (ft. lakutis)”

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Sun Airway – “Waiting On You”

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Cut Copy – “Take Me Over”

Fav Track

If you haven’t heard of Ducktails, it is the brainchild, private experiment, and solo project of Matthew Mondanile, the guitarist for the New Jersey rooted psychedelic surf pop band: Real Estate.  Known for recording in tool sheds and his parent’s basement, listening is a prying look into the Ducktails psyche.  He easily bridges the gap between noise and pop music, with a dreamy drone sound and agreeable guitar riffs.  And it doesn’t hurt when you throw a Panda Bear into the mix.  Grab a listen.

Ducktails – “Killin the Vibe (ft. Panda Bear)”

Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics completes an LP trilogy and is set to release on Woodsist Records on January 18, 2011.  To get this Panda Bear bonus track, make sure  to grab it on iTunes or order the Vinyl.

New Artist

Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore’s path toward the formation of Tennis is an inspiring tale.  Dreaming of a life on the sea, the Denver-ite lovers set their minds towards purchasing a sail boat and made it happen through years of saving.  The self taught sailors embarked on a 7 month journey up the North American coastline, a 2500-mile trek oozing with the kind of minimalistic experiences most of us dream about.  After returning home and eventually signing with Fat Possum Records, we’re sure to hear some interesting stuff from them for some time.

“Seafarer” is the newest single from the upcoming album and is most certainly a direct product of their unique trip.  It expresses how love-filled months at sea should feel, the lo-fi sound points out the beauty in simplicity, and reminds of that retro prom you’ve always imagined.  Cape Dory will be released January 18, 2011 on Fat Possum Records.  Order a copy HERE.

Tennis has already hit the road, and will soon be setting sail for an extensive US tour, capping it off at SXSW.  Read more for the full itinerary.

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New Fav Track

Whenever a new remix is about to seep from my speakers, I find myself preparing to hear a butchered version of a song I already love.  But I should know better by now.  Remix Artist Collective (RAC) consistently provides unique perspective and interesting direction, not to mention high quality.  Check out their SITE, but more importantly, peruse their Portfolio on SoundCloud to see what they’re all about.

Nik and Alejandro of Psychic Powers have promised to release their first full length album Infinity by December 2010.  I haven’t heard anything drop yet, and the clock is ticking.  So keep your fingers crossed, and enjoy this upbeat remix of their newest single “Dreamboat”.  For more head over to RCRD LBL for free EP downloads.

EDIT: Psychic Powers has updated saying Infinity will be released in January 2011.

Psychic Powers – “Dreamboat (RAC Remix)”

Chris Stacey and Jack Glass AKA Bag Raiders are probably no strangers to most Aussies.  I’m betting any Sydney club-goers out there are very familiar with something that the BR’s have touched.  The duo’s self-titled album (released Oct 1, 2010), debuted at #7 on the Australian charts.  If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s worth a listen, you’ll find a few songs that get you tapping, nodding, or full fledged grooving.  Peep their cool SITE for more details, buy their album HERE.

Below is the new video for “Sunlight”, the second single on the aforementioned album.  All I can say is I’ve never envied a chimp so much.

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An amazing view from above the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2010. Go HD, full screen, volume up for optimal enjoyment.

Director: Sam O’Hare from Aero Film
Original music by Human
Composer: Matthew O’Malley
Music Producer/CD: Mike Jurasits
EP: Marc Altshuler