What's so good?
By Jessica Deeken | July 21st, 2011
Everyone’s a critic at the intimately-meet-your-neighbors frenzy that is the Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party, and it just may be as big as it can get. The three-day festival takes over an intersection and block that regularly boasts eight music venues (not to mention local record stores, bookstores, restaurants, and four theaters) — plucking the various talents of Neumo’s, Vera Project, Caffé Vita, and KEXP to create one big drunken celebration of all that local pride.
This year the festival hosts over 75 acts from TV on the Radio and Ra Ra Riot to bands with a handful of shows under their belt (and after this weekend, a helluva swagger).
Nearly all the bands I’m excited to see are West Coast heroes, including some of the heaviest in hip hop, electro pop, shoegaze, folk, metal, and rock. Check out these samples so you don’t miss your next favorite band while running home to nap up for the big acts.
Pink Mountaintops - Execution
A side project of Vancouver's Black Mountain collective, this band is a must see for fans of psychedelic and shoegaze.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
My Goodness - Blackout Baby
Seattle's answer to the Black Keys, in the love-songs-with-swagger arena.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
SPORTS - Memory Museum
Seattle's newest electronic/synth pop band is already on rotation at KEXP. They lead a parade of synth pop highlights on Saturday. Check out a video
here.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Funny Friends
Probably the best score for the Block Party, I won't be surprised when their name sounds ironic.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Painted Palms - All Of Us
Touring with Of Montreal, it's safe to say we'll be hearing a lot more from these brothers. Chillwave. (There, I said it. Maybe the second time will go down easier.)
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Grynch - A Dream Deferred
Self described "feel-good hip-hop," Grynch raps about his Volvo and chemistry, and somehow sounds badass.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Reporter - Total Fascination
Like a young Blonde Redhead. Check them out
here.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
The Head and The Heart - Lost In My Mind
The Head and The Heart will be headlining national tour this fall -- stoked to see them at Capitol Hill!
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Grand Hallway - Wildfire
Packed with amazing harmonies, these guys have played together for years and are finally getting broader recognition.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
Handsome Furs - What About Us
Sound Kapital is entirely "post-guitar" -- the better to dance your heels off, darling.
Download from:
IndieShuffle (right click save as)
Note: In many cases we can't share a track for free. So, we either link to sites that can, or provide purchase links (e.g., iTunes).
