McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)

Running more and more behind on this thing. Perhaps it was a good idea to quit, while I was a head. This months list features a bunch of covers, including one from David Bowie and one from the famed Joy Division. Likewise, some new softies from Purity Ring and Dirty Beaches. You have those limited release albums right? Thanks to some steady airplay on SiriusXM and some smart word of mouth via the twitter-verse, these bands have caught my ear and attention. I've added in a few oldies and standby acts, like the indie-cred Titus Andronicus and the upstart band Yuck, both of which have been searing my ears! Great takes on some stale rock. Now that you know what I have been up to, what have you been up to? Bonaroo? Travelling Circus? Interested to hear what you think and that is grabbing your ears and ripping them off? I am off to Vegas shortly and thereafter parts unknown (okay Texas), so I will be grabbing some shows and meeting the people. Remember to kiss them for me!

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2011)
01. LoftiCries - Purity Ring
02. Need You Now - Cut Copy
03. Whirring - The Joy Formidable
04. A More Perfect Union - Titus Andronicus
05. Operation - Yuck
06. You Might Think (The Cars) - Adam Duritz
07. King Of The Sea - Shannon And The Clams
08. Jean Genie (David Bowie Cover) - Ian Mcculloch
09. Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division Cover) - Dave Gahan
10. True Blue/Lord Knows Best - Dirty Beaches

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)

Man, what a lucky break to get so much solid music in one month. 2011 promises to drop a ton of new sounds and visits from old friends, from Cold Cave (more rock this time, less New Order) to The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and The Crystal Stilts. This February mix boats some rockabilly, electro, rock, and old fashioned indie success blasting out UR speakers. My new favorites The Vaccines from our UK friends, and Weekend, Dirty Beaches - make the list a whole lot better and more ecclectic. You can't find it over at Streelight, sucka. Likewise, I have decided to bring back Sash Suicide as my roll call girl - for the monthly mixes. She's all grows'd up but can still be found dishing on Suicide Girls blog or via her beau's site at Liquid Science. Someone hire this girl to do more shoots!!! Likewise photo appears courtesy of Liquid Science. I gotta fever and I need more cowbell... Also just bought my tickets to see Echo and The Bunnymen at the SF Warfield. They are touring and playing their first album "Crocodiles" and "Heaven up Here" back-t0-back. There will be a post on this show shortly. Now if someone could only find me the solo Ian Mcculloch show from the recent Cathedral appearance, I'd be happy. what other SF shows should I book while I am in town?

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2011)
01. Shake the Shackles - Crystal Stilts
02. Distance - Beach Fossils
03. Running Out Of You - Keep Shelly In Athens
04. Blow It Up - The Vaccines
05. Bad Girls - M.I.A.
06. Coma Summer - Weekend
07. The Great Pan Is Dead - Cold Cave
08. Bruises - MINKS
09. Belong - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
10. The Singer (Johnny Cash Cover) - Dirty Beaches

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McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)

Yeah, fuck man this blog has run it's course. Which is too bad, because I had like 9 posts in the barrel, ready to blast out for July and August. From Nine Inch Nails to Big Audio Dynamite, Echo & The Bunnymen - all the old class shit. I guess I grew bored of the take and the less than flattering posts - people bitching and asking for re-ups (you know the regular no-thanks and all take routine). I also applied to write for Pitchfork, but evidently they have better writers and more people dying to write about bands that may be a single flash-in-the-pan. I assume they passed, so I am passing on this blog. Besides I am up for writing about travel, titties, entertainment, humor, style and some other shit that just doesn't belong on McCrank's Juke. So for now, take this as the last post + sign-off - the July music mix from McCrank. Perhaps I will post another note to let yoou know where the new blog will be livin'. Enjoy the muzak - and try to contribute and share - people are bustin' hump to entertain, ya'll.

McCrank's Juke - July Mix (2010)
01. I'll Know We'll Never - Rose Elinor Dougall
02. Outer Limits - SLEEP ∞ OVER
03. Young Silence - Echo Lake
04. Out of the Blue - Julian Casablancas
05. Change In The Neon Light - Veil Veil Vanish
06. Die In Bed - Frank (Just Frank)
07. Wasted Time - Blessure Grave
08. Memo - Frankie Rose & The Outs
09. Snowflakes - White Apple Tree
10. Are Fixed Gear Tricksters.. - High Castle
10. Not Afraid - Eminem

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Joe Strummer - Road To Rock N' Roll (Acoustic)

The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

I love me some of The Morning Benders. The Bedroom Covers project is something the boys did about two or three years ago, before the internet and Pitchfork and touring made them big music stars. Their second album "Big Echo" is a must have and oh, by the way, the band is from Berkeley, California the same place as another of my favorite bands - The Counting Crows. Now the bands don't sound alike and they don't even probably have the same fan base, but hey Adam, if you are listening - dump Augustana and shack up a tour with thed boys from The Morning Benders. They may give you back a little cred, you lost playing on the Shrek soundtrack. The Benders are an indie band that strums down garage drowse, on songs like "Promises" and "Excuses" - two of my favorites. They've toured with all the big bands of indie rock, but they deserve their own credit and heavy support. Go buy their records, lads. This older bootleg features covers by The Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Velvet Underground, Cardigans, and their previously posted Roy Orbison cover. Recorded in 2008, this probably was an early and more raw sounding band, as they vut their chops and worked their way up to the darlings they are now. If you are down with The Morning Benders, and you like some strange takes on bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths then go north young man, and download this killer bootleg.

The Morning Benders - Bedroom Covers EP (2010)

01. Caroline No (Remix)

02. Crying (Roy Orbison)

03. Dreams (Fleetwood Mac)

04. Fools Rush In

05. He's A Rebel (Crystals)

06. I Won't Share You (The Smiths)

07. Lovefool (Cardigans)

08. Marie (Randy Newman)

09. Mother and Child Reunion (Paul Simon)

10. Pull up The Roots (Talking Heads)

11. Temptation Inside Your Heart (Velvet Underground)

12. Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love (Ronettes)

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Big Audio Dynamite - First London Gig (1985)

Another gift from NUZZ PROWLING WOLF, a true anarchist and punk legend blog, whose ravings and mash-up art - I trust you'll visit. If you are a Net whore, it's a must see. We here at McCrank's Juke are ever thankful. This time Nuzz delivers a a true gritty rare live set from Mick Jone's very own Big Audio Dynamite. Mick Jones took inspiration from the 1985 New York Hip-Hop scene, and along with fellow cultural, musical, and artistical explorers Don Letts, Leo Williams, Greg Roberts and Dan Donovan set up Big Audio Dynamite, who became a groundbreaking musical force; mixing Hip Hop beats, Rap’d lyrics and samples from films with Rock’n’Roll guitars. Nuzz has delivered unto us, the debut gig in London @ The Kentish Town Forum on 28th Nov 1985. It features a cover (Prince's 1999) as well as hard to find tracks, never released like "She Beast", "Keep Off The Grass", and "Ex-Party". A big thanks to Nuzz and a true grit take for us fans. Thanks!

Big Audio Dynamite - First London Gig (1985)
01. Keep Off the Grass
02. Sudden Impact
03. B.A.D.
04. Medicine Show
05. Stone Thames
06. Ex-Party
07. E=MC2
08. Bottom Line
09. 1999
10. She Beast
11. Sony
12. B.A.D. (Reprise)

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The Smiths - The Early Demos

The Smiths - The Early Demos

Sometime the weird blob that has become the Net, manages to burb up some sweet-tasting goodness from god-knows-where. In this case it's stained McCrank's Juke and run all down his collar. The massive belch of sonic goodness in question is this rare gem from The Smiths. London's greatest living band, who produced some memorable hits, a couple of solo mega-stars and a whole host of gingly sing-along songs for the early-emo age. Featuring Morrissey on vocals and Johnny Marr on guitar (is there anyone better?) the band added Rourke and Joyce to round out the bunch. They then created some early demos which would go on to format their early direction and style/sound. This rare treat, swiped from the halls of Morrissey at http://www.morrissey-solo.com/ feature early workings of sweet Smith's singles like: Shoplifters Of The World, Rubber Ring, and Paint A Vulgar Picture. The buzz is that the below clips, especially Vulgar Picture are very rare, raw and re-worked. I wouldn't know, because I am not a person who is totally in with The Smiths, but I can buy into the buzz. Perhaps, you "everything-Smiths" people, like my friend Jenny can tell me exactly how prized and rare these really are. My guess is the album will be enough for you, if you're everyman like me.

The Smiths - The Early Demos
01. The Click Track
02. Frankly, Mr. Shankly
03. Rubber Ring
04. Shoplifters Of The World Unite
05. Paint A Vulgar Picture
06. Suffer Little Children (Demo)
07. I Want A Boy For My Birthday (Live Clip)
08. What Do You See In Him?

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The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)

Here at McCrank's Juke, we like to zig, while others zag. If Pitchfork and the like are drooling over the recently remastered deluxe edition of The Cure's finest album "Disintegration" well then we're delivering the ultimate hipster bootleg of one of the Cure's least respected albums "Wild Mood Swings". Yes, it was the 10th studio album, made at a time (1996) when The Cure was on the brink of being disbanded and Robert Smith was on a bit of a slump. Created as a sequel to the famed "Wish" album, the poppy juxtaposition mocks the excessive lifestyle of the 90s club scene, even though it was far fleeting and vapid. Like they had styled the album after a fad and nothing more. Strange Attraction and Mint Car, The 13th would all be attempted singles that should have pulled some life off of the album, but alas the songs didn't mix - The Cure didn't have the mental willpower to get behind the album and it ended up being a dismal effort with few singles played live or on tour. Heven be, then the demos are here to correct this sad mistake! Rare tracks in stripped demo form (okay it sounds just like the album on some takes). Take a listen to see what had been planned verses what ended up being sold. Glad to know that they had to go through this pop shit in order to get to the ultra-payload of 200's Bloodflowers and the most recent and overlooked 4:13 Dream album (which you should own!). Take that you deluxe Disintegration album!

The Cure - Wild Mood Swings (Demos)
01. Want (Demo)
02. Club America (Demo)
03. This Is A Lie (Demo)
04. The 13th (Demo)
05. Strange Attraction (Demo)
06. Mint Car (Demo)
07. Jupiter Crash (Demo)
08. Round & Round & Round (Demo)
09. Gone! (Demo)
10. Numb (Demo)
11. Return (Demo)
12. Trap (Demo)
13. Treasure (Demo)
14. Bare (Demo)

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Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)

This short sweet indie pop EP from Tegan and Sara is 16MB of live material called "Live Saints" a tiny EP to remind us what the duo are doing and how they're progressing. I know I was a big fans when I heard their second and third albums (If It Was You, So Jealous) and kind of lost their sound once they got mixed up with Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie fame. The side step into electronica hasn't helped much either. I guess I preferred the garage and live performance stuff - less produced and more indie. The girl group dyamic and the voices, sold me not to mention their covers of Springsteen and Prince, earlier on. Now they've matured like a fine Stevie Nicks and the teen pop they sold us on just isn't cutting it now that they've hyped up the production and hit their mid-twenties. The EP of live tracks below are the best singles from their latest release "Sainthood" performed live. Since it's another Walla, album - I must admit I don't own it - but the earlier two albums are quite enough for me at this point, seeing this progression. Either way, the legit fans of Tegan and Sara will eat this up and love the honest and performance of each track. Like mother's milk.

Tegan And Sara - Live Saints EP (2010)
01 - Alligator
02 - Hell
03 - The Cure
04 - On Directing

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McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)

It's really hard to nail down what ends up in these mix tapes from McCrank's Juke. The month will start off and you will get super hits, like the release from Crystal Castles, but then mid to late month the hits keep dropping and the list manages to stagger into a drunken phase with lots to choose from and new songs, videos, covers coming from Pitchfork, SPIN, and other outlets. It's mind-boggling and a bit of a pain to capture. The list for May features covers from Girl In A Coma and Crocodiles, respectively. There is also some 80's thrown in to help cook up the mixture, including INXS a Bowie cover, and Feeding Fingers - a band known for carrying on the legacy of goth rock left for dead by Bauhaus. The set is a bit on the moody side but picks up with Team Ghost and Small Black, two aspiring bands with a lot of fusion and soundz to pull at your ear buds. I am truly leaving this at top ten and could probably drop another ten songs from the likes of Hole, Dead Weather, and a new band from Santa Monica called Chief. They evidently didn't make the cut - but stand to be heard anyways. I have a few turds brewing in the upcoming posts - including another Bunnymen post, a Tegan and Sara limited EP, and a few other odds and ends. Frankly, it's been a stone throw to even get posts up in a decent timeframe. Google has sacked the shit out of this industry, making it even harder to find great rarities (which the record company consider unsellable scraps) unique live sets, and B-side studio demos. We'll see what the eye in the sky has left us to sort and post...

McCrank's Juke - May Mix (2010)
01. As The World Falls Down (David Bowie) - Girl In A Coma
02. Leave House - Caribou
03. Violent Dreams - Crystal Castles
04. Not Enough Time - INXS
05. Outlaw Blues (Bob Dylan) - Crocodiles

06. Sweet Dreams (Beyonce) - The Big Pink

07. Heaven On Fire - The Radio Dept.

08. A Glorious Time - Team Ghost

09. Kings of Animals - Small Black

10. She Hides Disease - Feeding Fingers

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The Cure - Delirious Night (‘Disintegration’ Demo)

Can't wait for the Disintegration Deluxe Edition.

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

It's been a busy April with a lot of fuckin' work and a whole crapload of music dumping out prior to the summer blista. New/Old bands like The National, Passions, LCD Soundsystem, and Shivaree are on my shuffle and on my radar for April. I would add that these fine tracks also, some appear on the playlist at KSCU, so it proves again they still have some taste left. This McCrank's Juke playlist is rife with new bands and hits for the April get down that has been happening. From rain and earthshakes to baseball, Coachella, the passing of jazzmatazz legend Guru, and the Echo & The Bunnymen tour. The new sounds from Passions, Sleigh Bells, The Films, Fang Island and the big hitters make music to my ears. Apart from that I am looking forward to a healthy and robust music May - with appearances locally of The Heavy and A Place To Bury Strangers. Critical albums should be popping up fresh, ready to delight the pre-summer and post-summer crowds. Until then as as things settle down a bit (and Google loosens the dog collar), here is the playlist, mix-tape and mashup of songs directly from McCrank's Jukebox. PS. I am looking for live audio from EATB Coachella and the live Fillmore show in SF. Holla if you wann 'em.

McCrank's Juke - April Mix (2010)

01. All I Want - LCD Soundsystem

02. Endless - Passions

03. Massage Situation - Flying Lotus

04. Crown On The Ground - Sleigh Bells

05. Lullabye For Roads and Miles - Frankie Rose & The Outs

06. Strange Hands - The Films

07. Very Busy People - The Limousines

08. Life Coach - Fang Island

09. Bloodbuzz Ohio - The National
10. I Will Go Quietly - Shivaree

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Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

Respect to the bands coming out of San Francisco that are really laying on that hip beach vibe - 60's wall-of-sound thing. Bands like Girls, who have managed to hit the indie web hard with their "Lust For Life" single and some solid garage rock almost spiritually inspiredby Brian Wilson. I know they have the Pitchfork audience and maybe made some change off the unrated videos, but these guys have managed to capture and revive a sound that was almost lost to all of our ears. This famous Paris "Black Session" is factually number #304 and recorded in the famed Studio 105 at the Maison De La Radio. Recorded 10/5/09 for radio broadcast, these selection of songs from Girls only album are performed loose and rustic. Including my favorite - "True Love Will Find You In The End" (Daniel Johnston) and "Morning Light" two tracks worthy of this France recording. The original recorder also included the banter and interview clips as part of the overall experience. This helps to give us some context as well as deliver a smattering of Girls related sonic sounds. Excellent sound quality from a band on the rise. We shall see what the latest EP holds, if the road influences their sound or if they mix it up and deliver another jangly indie pop record. Can't wait...

Girls - Black Session #304 (2009)

01 – Intro

02 – Lust For Life

03 – Banter

04 – Laura

05 – Banter

06 – Ghost Mouth

07 – Banter

08 – God Damned

09 – Banter

10 – Headache

11 – Banter

12 – Big Bad Mean Motherfucker

13 – Banter

14 – Solitare

15 – Banter

16 – Substance

17 – Banter

18 – Summertime

19 – Darling

20 – Banter

21 – Hellhole Ratrace

22 – Morning Light

23 – Banter

24 – Lysandre

25 – Banter

26 – Allright

27 – True Love Will Find You In The End

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Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

These are the demos from the sessions which created the Echo & The Bunnymen's 'comeback' album from the '90s. The working titles of the tracks appear here and would be the basis for the hits "Nothing Lasts Forever" and "Don't Let It Get You Down". I had always heard about this bootleg in circulation, but I hadn't experienced much difference between the demos and the final cut songs off the "Evergreen" album. To me they were virtually the same and to my ear there was no difference between tracks. Well that must have been because I only had a rough cut or third generation of this boot. This version is clear and contains studio mp3@256 which is fantastic! The original demos even sound rough and more Electrafixion and less Echo & the Whineymen (Sorry The Fountain, is like that). I especially like the demos for "Crystal Ship" which happens to be "Empire State Halo", Antelope, and "I Will Fly Tonight". They all sound better here to me than on the finished album. This download is the best one this year. Superior quality, rough never before heard takes, and virtually none of the production - that usually kills an albums rough spirit. I wouldencourage you to download this and maybe send a special thank you to the T.U.B.E website - where it was originally offered. Many thanks!

Echo & The Bunnymen - Evergreen Demos (1997)

01 Antelope

02 Baseball Bill

03 Burt (I Want To Be There)

04 Crystal Ship (Empire State Halo)

05 Don't Let It Get You Down

06 Evergreen

07 I'll Fly Tonight (instrumental)

08 Never, Never, Never (Nothing Ever Lasts Forever)

09 Polly (instrumental)

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Siouxsie and the Banshees - Demos and Outtakes (1977 - 1981)

One of my current favorite bands is the ever classic Siouxsie and the Banshees. They were upstarts in the blooming British punk rock scene, behind the Sex Pistols and other jam bands from the late 70's and early 80's. The band quickly evolved to create "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation." The Times cited Siouxsie and the Banshees as "one of the most audacious and uncompromising musical adventurers of the post-punk era." I couldn't agree more, as they've managed to stay relevant, much like a great novel or Romantic master's painting. Now if only the record company could give us fans what we want (no not even those tacky $10 CDS). More demos, unreleased masters, B-sides, forgotten singles and remixes. In other words, everything Siouxsie. Well, we can't keep waiting, especially in this economy of downsizing. They won't even release the recent albums re-mastered??? Can you believe that? Well wait no more. This bootleg is a demos and outtakes session, full of singles in their rawest form. You get "Spellbound" and "Israel" and other rare singles and demos that will make you harken back to your goth early years. If you love some of the latest Cold Cave or The XX sounds, then this is the seed that got them here. Includes great takes on "Love In A Void" and "Psycho" - some singles that spark and deliver the new wave/punk/goth sounds. These demos may not be as solid as the recently released Peel Sessions, but the do deliver more rare Banshees. The outtakes cover the period from 1977 - 1981, but perhaps via the title you'd already gathered that. enjoy these rare tracks. Let me know your favorites...

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Demos and Outtakes (1977 - 1981)

01. Captain Scarlet

02. Scraphead

03. Psycho

04. 20th Century Boy

05. Love in a Void

06. Israel

07. Spellbound

08. Arabian Nights

09. Into the Night

10. Monitor

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McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

It's that time - where I drop my mix tape for the month of March. The McCrank's Juke line-up this month features a comeback, a couple of new bands, and a smattering of oldies to help tide you over till April. I really like the new stuff coming out from The National - that I am hearing on Jimmy Fallon, Twitter, and on Pitchfork. The sounds are legendary, making the last two albums look like warm-ups. Are these guys on the U2 / Coldplay train? Additionally new sounds from rap superstars and underground virtuosos - Diamond District lead off this set. I really like these guys and expect them to "massify" in 2010. I suspect that because they don't run with the likes of Ludacris or Jay Z - that they may still be legit and up germinating. Additionally, I have thrown in a 1984 rare B-side from original ska rockers General Public and a nod to The Smiths from Courtney Love and Hole. No ones said this blog would be easy, make sense, or evenbe coherent. The music mix collects the pieces and helps you to visualize some terrific musical textures. Rife with covers this list also, seems to capture the early half of March, with singles delivered from Fanfarlo, Wooden Shjips, and a killer video from Auf der Maur. The Areola Treat is an up and comer, with some strange vocals and killer pimp hooks. I suggest you go out, click the links, experiment with the sounds. You'll find something you like - I assure you!

McCrank's Juke - March Mix (2010)

01. Street's Won't Let Me Chill - Diamond District

02. Dishwasher (1984) - General Public

03. Out Of our Minds - Melissa Auf der Maur

04. Loos Lips - Wooden Shjips

05. Luna - Fanfarlo
06. Suffer Little Children (The Smiths Cover) - Hole

07. Roy Orbison Covers - Nina Diaz (Girl In A Coma)

08. The Daily Mail - Thom Yorke

09. Whole New Way - The Horrors

10. 100 Silhouettes - The Areola Treat

11. Vanderlylle Cry Baby - The National

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Fine Young Cannibals - B-sides

Now I know I will probably take a lot of heat for this one. I mean who listens to the Fine Young Cannibals in 2010? The band has all but dissolved, the guys don't hang out and play anymore - the greatest hits can only re-package "She Drives Me Crazy" so many times and possibly the greatest things these guys have done - are all in the past. Andy Cox and David Steele formerly of The Beat, are solid musicians with a lot to add to the bubbling pie of music, which they're doing now in the form of producing and sourcing talent. Roland Gift is acting, eating and hanging out in bars (I guess). The rub is this: that many of the best past fads and artists seem to cycle back, in some form or antoher. I guess our memories, demand it. Hence why I see Charro on VH1 reality shows, Mick Jones has a second-life now with his band Carbon Silicon, and comeback tours are the norm. If you lived through the eighties, you know how strong this band was and how radio literally "killed this radio star". Overplayed, over produced - the band didn't zig, when the industry zagged. We're left with a lot of bargain bin 12" mixes (another 80's casualty - when are those coming back?) and our memories of hits like "Good Thing" and "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)". Well, maybe we can settle for a remake of the classic Something Wild movie.

Below, these songs you won't find on either of their two albums. In fact, a different mix of the song "Love For Sale" was later released on the charity album Red Hot + Blue. They're all here for you to sample, for those wishers and die-hard fans alike.

Fine Young Cannibals - B-sides

01.Wade In the Water (B-side of Blue)

02. Motherless Child (B-side of Funny How Love Is)

03. Love For Sale (Cole Porter cover; B-side 12" Blue)

04. Social Security (B-side of Good Thing)

05. You Never Know (B-side of Don't Look Back)

06. Pull the Sucker Off (B-side of She Drives Me Crazy)

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McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)

You'll have to excuse the dark mix that has shaped up to be February on McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010). #McCranksJuke - It must be the winter chill or the bleak look into the future, I see. From winter favorites "Black Celebration" to the first glimmer look at Peter Hook's Freebase UK (now re-branded The Light). This mix tape, includes mostly the old favorites from the 80's mixed with the electronic induced throw-back bands, like Yacht, Cold Cave, and Apparatjik (featuring members of ColdPlay and A-Ha, no really). I find I really like The Soft Pack and up and coming band Small Black. Both indie bands flavor a bit of punk and a dip of the synth and hail from San Diego and Brooklyn, respectively. What indie and garage soundz are supposed to be, raw - rthym, and fookin' fresh, not over-hyped and over-produced (yet). Let me know if these guys appear at SXSW this year. Lastly, check out Houdini's Last Act - another favorite, but more rock/blues dust-up that sounds like Sun, Kill, Moon. Fookin' sounds for February, dust-up and get to UR record store/download site ad grab up some of these to explore (including the new one from Xiu Xiu). PS. Yeah the barfing shocked me too, so once is enough video wise.

McCrank's Juke - February Mix (2010)
01. Black Celebration - Depeche Mode

02. Release The Kracken - The Daysleepers

03. Plan B Vocoder Vox - Freebass UK
04. Answer To Yourself - The Soft Pack
05. So Post All 'Em (Remix) - Yacht

06. Youth and Lust - Cold Cave
07. Somewhereanywhere - Houdini's Last Act
08. Dear God, I Hate Myself - Xiu Xiu

09. Frozen Fingers - Apparatjik

10. Despicable Dogs - Small Black

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Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)

Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)

Now that the ignition switch has been turned on, McCrank's has another few spurts of juice left to share with loyal readers. All 4 of them. It could be said = I do - because I love. Another thing I love is the graveyard dance music inspired by the 2008 sensation the Crystal Stilts. This band is superb and one band I plan to see live as time dictates. Plenty of driving 50's guitar coupled with spook rock vocals and drums. If girl-groups met up with Ian Curtis at a holloween party, I would imagine they'd make out to these types of songs.

Thus, courtesy of Daytrotter, McCrank presents the whole package. The Crystal Stilts recorded this famed Daytrotter session and played two unreleased songs, back in Apr 7, 2009. They played the songs 'Through the Floor' and 'Sycamore Tree' - which are great additions to the band's "Velvet Underground + Joy Division with too much reverb" cannon. They are explain the righteous song 'Sycamore Tree' as: "There's definitely a Silver Apples/Bo Diddley/early Pink Floyd/Q65 thing going on if I had to cite references." Great make-up if you ask me. You should check out each band and learn the context - so sayeth McCrank! Additionally, the band performed two live songs from their debut album, which is a must have. Thanks to both Daytrotter and Cats Are Grey blogs for the links and the true tunes.

Crystal Stilts - DayTrotter Sessions (2009)
01. Through the Floor
02. Sycamore Tree
03. Shattered Shine
04. The Dazzled
05. BONUS: Through The Floor (Demo)


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McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)

McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)

This almost seems like my John Hughes tribute list. From the Prince written beats of 1985 and up to the 2009 Islands release - this list delivers the synth and drum machines like nothing else. This list jams the retro-80's and indie hits into a bonus 12 song list for September. Chairlift is busy scoring and exploding all over the place thanks to a clever Nano tie-in, while the experiment over at Beck's website with the "Beck Record Club" are just too good not to mention. I am excited about XX and the band The Big Pink (send the album my way could you?) along with The Mary Onettes, who crank up the Hughes meter with their throwback sounds. Like Michael McDonald but way more trippy and crank'd. I could be way off on that actually. Tell me what you think? Either way September is a gateway to the upcoming record release spigot which will feature new albums by The Beastie Boys, Echo & The Bunnymen and others. Gearing up for the holiday season, I am sure. Nothing new here, just to say there is some slickness out thereand you should do your best to get out and have a listen. Explore all of these bands, buy their EPs and releases -- go to a show and support indie cred musicians. Blast off!

McCrank's Juke - September Mix (2009)
01. Fools - The Dodos
02. Ceiling Wax - Chairlift
03. Suffication - White Ring
04. Haunted Mealtimes - Elbows Like Swords
05. Feel It All Around - Washed Out
05. No You Don't - Islands
06. European Son - Beck
07. Stars - The XX
08. Velvet - The Big Pink
09. Transparence - Asobi Seksu
10. Run, Run - Those Dancing Days
11. Void - The Mary Onettes
12. Screams Of Passion - The Family

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