Evan James Springsteen. Yup, Son Of The Boss.

Evan James is the son of some old dude from New Jersey that wrote a bunch of songs about how he hates/loves New Jersey, or something. Young Springsteen seems to like writing songs about New Jersey too, or so one is led to believe based on the two songs posted to his MySpace page. The music is akin to early Bruce but maybe even more akin to Dylan. I actually like the song "New York City" a lot and the other one is decent enough. Actually, I think I like "New York City" more than any song by his old man, but I've never been a fan of that dude so that's not saying much really. Give this kid a listen.

Link:

Evan James MySpace

Art Decade Is Ben Talmi's New Band And They're Totally Awesome (Free Download)

Ben Talmi has a new band called Art Decade and they just sent me some music. The music has moments where it's pretty heavy, bordering on metal, then all of a sudden it goes into MGMT territory and then some late 90's AFI type shit. That description would imply a clusterfuck but it works amazingly. I'm particularly impressed with the track "Weapon". The band will be in NYC on April 20th at Lit and there's no way I'm missing it. In the meantime you can fill out the form on their website and get a free MP3.

AgesandAges Are Pretty Good (Free Download)

Just got an email about some band from Portland called AgesandAges. While their name needs a little work the songs are pretty damn good. They're kinda folky but not in the annoying hippie way. Give them a listen (the songs in MP3 format are better than the tune in the video) and if you want to see them live they're in town on the 29th and 30th at the Knitting Factory and Mercury Lounge.

MP3:

So So Freely - AgesandAges

No Nostalgia - AgesandAges

The Two Tears Playing Beauty Bar Tonight + MP3 (Free Download)

I got an email about The Two Tears about a week ago and have been meaning to write something up about them. Today seemed like a good time for a post since they're playing at Beauty Bar Brooklyn tonight. The Two Tears play really well done garage rock. There are so many fucking garage rock bands these days it's almost impossible to stand out but this band manages to make a splash. I haven't seen them live but with tunes like this it just has to be a good time.

Link:

The Two Tears MySpace

MP3:

 The Two Tears - Eat People

The Two Tears, featuring KERRY DAVIS on guitar and vocals, Ryan Spoto (Des Roar) on bass and Justin Ennis (Mutilation Rites) on drums, combines pop influences and clever lyricism with elements that come straight from the garage. Davis started out in 90's LA girl group the RED AUNTS, who boasted producer credits by BRETT GUREWITZ and the much revered MICK COLLINS of GORIES and DIRTBOMBS fame. She went on to join Collins as drummer in the Screws (In The Red Records) and played in Beehive and theBarracudas (Flapping Jet, Swami), which feature San Diego's finest musicians, including former members of the Rocket from The Crypt and Hot Snakes.

Spirit Family Reunion Playing Tonight + MP3 (Free Download)

About a week ago I saw Spirit Family Reunion for the first time. They went from being completely off my radar to one of my favorite Brooklyn bands after only hearing one or two songs live. Tonight they're playing Zebulon in Brooklyn with Morgan O'Kane, who they played with last time. Morgan O'Kane is more than worth coming out for alone, the dude is brilliant on a banjo, so coupled with Spirit Family Reunion I don't think you can miss this shindig.

If you're a fan of Forest City, O'Death, The Goddamn Rattlesnake or any other Brooklyn band rooted in folk, bluegrass, country or any other Americana roots music you'll love this band. They have a way of taking you straight out of Brooklyn and bringing you right to Appalachia. Seeing Spirit Family Reunion live is like going on a 30-minute vacation to place where life is simple and sweet.

Link:

Spirit Family Reunion on MySpace

Morgan O'Kane & SFR @ Zebulon Event Page

MP3:

 Spirit Family Reunion - When My Name Is Spoken 

American Fangs (Free MP3)

I got an email about American Fangs a couple of weeks ago. I almost didn't listen because the logo and language gave a distinctly emo/screamo/pop punk kinda vibe. But the dudes in the band photo didn't really look like emo pussies so I gave it a go. Well, it turns out that while there are traces of pop punk, American Fangs are way more on par with a band like The Bronx. Like The Bronx, these dudes could easily share a stage with shitty Warped Tour bands but could also go the other way and open for, say, the Fucked Up's of the world.

American Fangs are in town on October 5th with Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years, who suck, but also with Comeback Kid, who are mostly awesome. See, basically this tour is exactly what I was saying.

Link:

American Fangs MySpace

MP3:

 American Fangs - Le Kick  

Young The Giant (MP3 + Video)

Young The Giant are a five piece indie band from California. They recently signed to Roadrunner Records and have a self-titled digital release coming out on October 26th.

Right now they only have one proper song to listen to, and an acoustic version of another, but from what I can tell they're pretty solid. The track is called "My Body" and it reminds me of the New York Howl (mostly the vocals), but more indie and less rootsy, if that makes sense. The track was #1 on Hype Machine already so you've probably heard it but if not you can download it on Brooklyn Ski Club. I'm looking forward to hearing more from these cats.

They're going to be in NYC on September 2nd at Webster Hall, which is cool but if I was booking the tour I'd slip in a Brooklyn show on that off date (9/4) ::hint hint::.

Link:

Young The Giant MySpace

MP3:

My Body - Young The Giant

 Young The Giant - My Body by BrooklynSkiClub 

Brooklyn Band: Jangula (Free MP3 Album)

The other day I got an email asking me when the next Brooklyn Ski Club show is and if I'd be interested in booking this band for it. I never heard of Jangula before but the email claimed they've been playing the house party circuit and since some of the best bands start out there I gave it a listen. It's pretty good stuff and while I have yet to see them in action they seem like they would be lotsa fun in a party setting. Brooklyn Ski Club won't be having any shows anytime soon but maybe you can book them for your next rager.

Link:

Jangula MySpace

(You can download their 4-song EP below the MySpace player)

MP3:
Genji Glove - Jangula

 Jangula - Genji Glove by BrooklynSkiClub 

Shows:

Aug. 21st (DJ SET) @ The McKibbin House (125 Manhattan Ave)

Aug 28th @ Bitter End