The Rakes return with Ten New Messages, almost a concept album about London life after the 7/7 bombings. Intact is the post-punk leanings of debut Capture/Release, with the tempo knob turned down ever so slightly. All the better to showcase Alan Donohoe's growing songwriting ability. "Suspicious Eyes" is one of the album's stand-out tracks, featuring a cast of vocalist's soundtracking the events of that fateful day in July 2005.The Rakes, "Suspicious Eyes"
Rosie Thomas calls upon friends Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer to help her out on These Friends Of Mine. Featuring covers of R.E.M. and Fleetwood Mac next original material, Thomas and co. make a mellowed out folk noise that can disappear into your subconscious brain and come back to you when you least expect it. Rainy day music for rainy days when you want to feel something warm and toasty but you're out of Bailey's and hot chocolate. On a related, and yet absolutely trivial note, "Say Hello" is the FIRST QBiM download to EVER feature Sufjan Stevens. I'm not sure if that's something to be proud of or not.Rosie Thomas, "Say Hello"
Bear Colony's Vince Griffin mixes electronic beats and traditional instrumentation to craft a unique and intoxicating sound. While on paper that sounds all too Radiohead-like, don't be deceived; Bear Colony has a warmth and passion that's the antithesis of Amnesiac. You'll be pleasantly surprised by just how rich his voice is, and how melodious the songs are. We Came Here To Die is going to be an album that will feature highly on many top ten lists by the end of 2007.Bear Colony, "Hospital Rooms Aren't for Lovers"
Andrew Bird (yes, him again! I'm loving him, so sue me!) added "Self-Torture" as an exclusive download-only track oneMusic this week, along with Armchair Apocrypha. It's sadly beautiful and beautifully arranged; it quite possibly betters most of the work on Armchair... Whistling is the new piano, you heard it here first. "Self-Torture" is a less dense, less poppy track than the album, and can easily stand on it's own; which is just fine, since its delicate beauty would have been a bit out of place on Armchair Apocrypha.Andrew Bird, "Self-Torture"
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