Air Traffic Controller - You Know Me

This is the first I've heard of Air Traffic Controller. But that means nothing because apparently they've been around since 1993. Shows how much this guy knows. Anyways, they're from Nova Scotia, and I'm really loving this track.

California Wives - Purple

Is Tropical - South Pacific

Is Tropical and Crystal Fighters played Music Hall of Williamsburg last night. In what was the most out of left field and surprisingly awesome show of the year so far, both bands completely slayed it. The house was packed for Is Tropical and they brought it from the start. I was unsure how their sound would translate live. Well, they quickly answered that question. They sounded awesome. Give them a listen. For a while I thought that Crystal Fighters had their work cut out for them, which they did. But they were up to the challenge as well. Bringing their own brand of weird energy and awesome vibes, with their Jesus like front man and shirtless guitarist. They killed it too. I cannot stress how fun both of them were. Check them out.

Ladyhawke - Sunday Drive

Not sure how I missed this leak. Ladyhawke's got an album coming out May 29th. I was pretty taken aback with her debut album back in 2009. She's got a great and unique sound. I am excited to hear what her follow album has in store. For some reason I don't think it will disappoint.

Ghost Beach - Miracle

Another solid tune from the Ghost Beach boys. Josh Ocean and Eric Mendelsohn continue to take it to eleven. They are playing this weekend at Spike Hill in Williamsburg if you're around. Well, they're playing whether or not you're around. But if you are, you have no excuse not to go. These guys are one of the most talented bands I have come across in quite some time and I look forward to watching their meteoric rise to the top. Take a listen won't you?

The Knocks - Learn To Fly

Passion Pit - Take A Walk

It's been a while since we heard anything out of the Passion Pit camp. To be honest, I sort of forgot they existed. I'll be curious to see if they can back up their ridiculously successful and catchy album "Manners" with their forthcoming one. Due out in July. What do you think?

The Cast of Cheers - Animals

The propulsive singles “Family” and “Animals” have already stormed the radio airwaves and hooked listeners, and now, Irish quartet The Cast of Cheers are getting ready to unleash their first proper album, released June 18th on School Boy Error/ Co-operative Music. Ahead of the release of their first proper debut album later in the year, the band are releasing “Animals”, a rousing, raucous monster of a track which nimbly hopscotches between delirious guitar loops, jackhammer synths and anthemic vocals to create a white knuckled rollercoaster of a ride in its sweet but succinct running time.

Reptar - Sebastian

Miike Snow - Paddling Out

Tracklist:

01 Enter the Jokers Lair
02 The Wave
03 Devil’s Work
04 Vase
05 God Help This Divorce
06 Bavarian #1 (say you will)
07 Pretender
08 Archipelago
09 Black Tin Box [ft. Lykke Li]
10 Paddling Out

Gemini Club - By Surprise

And so our experiment continues: How many bands will use the word club in their name? Too many to count on one hand at this point. But all jokes aside. I like this track. It's fun and bubbly. Tough to not be in a good mood and move your ass when you listen to it. I like the Madonna synth thats featured throughout too.

Nada Surf - Clear Eye Clouded Mind

So Nada Surf has definitely been on our radar lately. The new album is some of their best work since Let Go. I highly recommend picking it up. Each song holds its own weight and it's a good album to sit and listen in one sitting. The best kind. This is one of the stronger track off the album. Check it out!

Free Nada Surf Single

There was a time when all I could listen to was Nada Surf. It was about 10 years ago, and it was shortly after they released an album called Let Go. It was a watershed moment in my life. Ted Brugman told me about Nada Surf and their new album. I owe Ted a thank you for re-introducing me to a band that I had deemed dead years before. And life has never been the same since. Yes we've all heard of them from their "Popular" single that came out in 1996. I'm not sure a band could be more misinterpreted by those who cast them in the light. Let Go is one of those albums that needs to be listened to from start to finish. Preferably on a rainy day or a long drive. In one sitting. No rewind, no fast forward, just as is. As it was meant to be heard. It takes a certain type of person to get Nada Surf; but those that do, I will share a beer with any day. Most people don't and that's OK too. I just think everyone should be aware that they exist. Take some time and listen to Let Go and if you honestly don't like it, you're probably crazy.

Nada Surf - Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode Cover)

Nada Surf played the Bowery Ballroom last night to celebrate their latest release: The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy. It was a sold out show. They were tight and on point. They have definitely gotten better with age. Matthew Caws had an energy about him that was evident throughout the show. Ira Elliot was absolutely spot on on the drums. It was evident that they were genuinely happy to be back and playing in New York as they took time between each song to mention so. They played a lot of the new album, which, I guess is the point of an album release party. But I would have liked to have seen them play more off Let Go which is without question their best album. That is not to take away from their show, they were on point. I'm just being picky.

The highlight of the night for me was their amazing cover of Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence. I was completely taken aback by the originality of it and how full it sounded. I was melting in utter bliss and disbelief.

The new album sounds very happy and upbeat. I would say it is the closest they have come to Let Go since releasing Let Go. It has the same kind of energy and feel to it. Sounds like it could have been written by a 44 year old man or a 17 year old boy. Story of my life really. It should be a good one. Go get it. It came out yesterday.

Edit this setlist | More Nada Surf setlists

The Jezabels - Trycolour

The Jezabels are from Sydney. And lord knows I love girls from Sydney. The accent just kills me. Anyway, they've been around since 2007 and clearly are making their way on up. I'm getting a little Debbie Harry / Joan Jett kind of vibe here too. That's bonus points.

Phantogram - Don't Move

 Phantogram - Don't Move by vibetothis

Portugal. The Man - Sleep Forever

We saw these guys last week at Terminal 5 which was as they deemed it their biggest show to date. They nailed it. Homeboy can sing too. Got that fantastic falsetto. Like an angel really. If you haven't checked them out, this is a good time to do so. They are about to blow up.

Starfucker - Hungry Ghost

Not new, but this came on my ipod on shuffle today. And more people need to know about Starfucker. The band with a rather unfortunate name. Names aside, their album Reptilians is top shelf and worth a full download. We've featured them on TMD before. But sometimes, you need to dig back into the crates and give the people some more. A great song for a rainy Friday morning. Enjoy.

Holy Ghost! - Hold My Breath

Hold My Breath - Holy Ghost! from DFA Records on Vimeo.

Rostam - Wood

 ROSTAM - Wood by ROSTAM