The South Rail ::: Music Blog

The South Rail Music Blog HAS MOVED

2011-01-18T23:08:00.004-05:00

If you've noticed, we haven't posted in a while... Due to copyright laws with Blogger, the blogging site had been shutting down music blogs last year without warning. This happened to many sites, see here...

Not wanting over a year of work down the drain, we've spent to the past couple months moving to our new site to a new platform... and while we were at it, we gave ourselves a makeover. Say 'hi' to the new South Rail!

Reset your web browsers to www.thesouthrail.com and thanks for following The South Rail Music Blog

– SR

Turbo Fruits' Jonas Stein Starts Record Label

2010-10-13T16:15:00.007-04:00

Turbo Fruits' founder Jonas Stein has recently launched his own record label, Turbo Time Records, with the roaster of Turbo Fruits (for course) and Nashville's PUJOL (who has recently released a 7" with Jack White's Third Man Records label ).... And Tuesday marked the release of the Turbo Time's first 2 releases: PUJOL's 'Alive At the Same Time' 7″ & Turbo Fruits’ 'Where the Stars Don’t Shine' 7″

Pick up both releases here, and check out the videos & downloads below:

Download: Turbo Fruits’ 'Where the Stars Don’t Shine'

Video: Turbo Fruits’ 'Where the Stars Don’t Shine'

Download: PUJOL's 'Buterflyknife'

Video: PUJOL's 'Buterflyknife'

Deer Tick Tour Bus Auction

2010-10-13T15:47:00.003-04:00

If you are in the market, there are a little less than 4 days left to make an eBay bid for Deer Tick's 2001 GMC Savana Schoolbus which was used as their tour bus for all of their 2009 U.S. tour. A portion of the money made from the bus, nicknamed "The Flagship," will go to benefit Pakistan flood victims via Oxfam America:

Place your bid here

Deer Tick is currently on tour... click here for full tour dates.

Warpaint: 'Undertow' Video & Download

2010-10-12T00:03:00.004-04:00

We have been VERY excited about Warpaint's debut LP 'The Fool,' which has been on high rotation here at the South Rail and drops 10/25 via Rough Trade. The all-female quartet from LA is giving us a free first taste from 'The Fool' with the album's first single 'Undertow.' The video premiered today (below) and if you like what you hear, just for the cost of an email address, download the track... and pre-order the album here:

Bear In Heaven on Daytrotter

2010-10-11T23:37:00.003-04:00

We just finished listening to today's Daytrotter session featuring one of our favorites, Bear In Heaven. 4 fantastic tracks available for free download that show why this band is a can't miss live act... Check it out for yourself. Read the full Daytrotter article and download/stream the session below:

Download: Bear In Heaven live on Daytrotter

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Mark Sultan This Thursday at JJ's Bohemia

2010-10-11T12:56:00.008-04:00

UPDATE: And we have a winner! The lucky reader has been contacted via email... Thanks to all who entered... SEE YOU AT TONIGHT'S SHOW!

This Thursday, Mark Sultan (aka BBQ) will be swinging by Chattanooga (JJ's Bohemia) touring for his latest solo LP '$,' and we have a PAIR OF TICKETS to give away to one lucky reader!

TO ENTER: Simply email us your favorite Mark Sultan song from any of his solo work or side projects to thesouthrail@gmail.com with the Subject "Mark Sultan Ticket Giveaway" by Thursday, October 14 at noon. See below for official rules. Good luck!

... And get there early, because this bill is fully loaded with 2 other great acts!!! Atlanta's Baby Dinosaurs vs Extinction and Chattanooga's own Black Painter (consisting of members from South Rail favorites Giant Tigers)... Also, check out the latest track from Mark Sultan's '$' below. WARNING: the video for 'Status' is NSFW:

Download: Mark Sultan 'Status'

Video: WARNING NSFW

Poster above by Young Monster

Contest Rules: Contest ends Thursday, 10/14/10 at midnight. One winner will be selected randomly and notified via email Thursday at noon (the day of the show). The winner's name (+ guest) will be at the the door the night of the show.

Brand New Yellow Bird Project T-shirt Designed by Beach House

2010-10-07T14:46:00.004-04:00

If you haven't heard of Yellow Bird Project, they are a Montreal-based non-profit that have put together many fantastic indie rock artists to design unique t-shirts whose sales benefit that band's charity of choice... Their latest masterpiece (shown above) was designed by Beach House and is available for $25 here. All proceeds go to House of Ruth, a Maryland based organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence. Great causes, great shirts!... what are you waiting for? Buy something!... Here's one of favorites.

Beach House is currently on tour and will be at the 40 Watt in Athens, GA October 16th!!

Download: Beach House 'Norway'

Karen O: 'If You're Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough'

2010-10-07T13:54:00.005-04:00

Check out Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O take on Roger Alan Wade's 'If You're Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough,' a song which has also been the theme song to the past 2 Jackass movies. This version was recorded for the upcoming (Spike Jonze produced) movie Jackass 3D... Stream it below and also compare/contrast with the original... We think she definitely nails it and gives the song a nice refresh:

The Bohannons: Win Tickets to Tonight's CD Release Show + Their New Album

2010-10-02T13:55:00.005-04:00

The South Rail is pleased to announce that TONIGHT at JJ's Bohemia, Chattanooga locals, The Bohannons, will be celebrating their release of ‘Days of Echo.’ Also performing is Black Diamond Heavies', "heavy" blues musician, James Legg.

For only $10.00, you can celebrate with the band… and receive a ‘Days of Echo’ album! If you are wanting to party with the band, but don’t have $10.00… do not worry, The South Rail is giving away a pair of tickets and an album! Be the first one to mention The South Rail at the door, and you are IN for free (with an album in hand). COME OUT AND ENJOY LOCAL MUSIC!

The Parting Gifts: 'Keep Walkin'

2010-09-27T22:12:00.007-04:00

We were recently introduced to The Parting Gifts, a killer side project featuring songwriters Greg Cartwright (The Oblivians, Compulsive Gamblers, Reigning Sound) and Coco Hames (The Ettes, Coco Motion). Their debut LP (due this Nov via In The Red) began as a one-off 7" split but within no time evolved into a full-length album.

And if that wasn't enough, the album also features performances from The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and The Greehornes/The Raconteurs drummer Patrick Keeler!

'Strychnine Dandelion' hits the streeets November 9th. Check out and download the the first track of the 15 track album, 'Keep Walkin' below:

Download: The Parting Gifts 'Keep Walkin'

'Strychnine Dandelion' Tracklist:
1 Keep Walkin’
2 Bound To Let Me Down
3 Strange Disposition
4 My Mind’s Made Up
5 Shine
6 Born To Be Blue
7 Staring
8 Don’t Stop
9 My Baby Tonight
10 (Walking Through The) Sleepy City
11 Don’t Hurt Me Now
12 Hanna
13 I Don’t Want To Be Like This
14 Strychnine Dandelion
15 This House Ain’t A Home

WHITE DENIM: Download the New Album 'Last Day of Summer'

2010-09-23T20:23:00.004-04:00

We couldn't believe this was true, but White Denim dropped a new record today available to download for FREE! The 12 track album features older WD songs that have not been recorded before which were recorded while working on their third full length album. See full post below:

Download: White Denim 'Last Day of Summer'

Dig what you hear? Make a donation to the band here!

“we hope that you are doing well today. the band has been straight up busy in the studio this summer with a fairly large collection of songs. we are pleased to share a handful of them with you right now. this record is something we made as a little summer retreat from our ongoing work on the third full length. many of these tunes have been bouncing around since the formation of the band back in 06. we were super pumped to utilize a few fresh and casual musical approaches on this record. we hope that you find something that satisfies you within this body of work. if you enjoy the music and feel compelled to support the group, please notice the support button beneath the download link and the image. we are going to be heading out on the roads this october and would greatly appreciate anything that you would feel comfortable contributing.

i would also like to add that we are still hard at work on the as yet untitled third lp. we expect to be wrapping that record at the end of the month. we can’t wait to play loads of this new material for you folks this winter and next year. at the moment i am writing all of the album info on a limited run of cd copies of ‘last day of summer’ that will be lovingly hand packaged and available at our fall shows. can’t wait to see you soon!”

Video & Download: Delorean 'Real Love'

2010-09-20T20:48:00.005-04:00

The official video for Delorean's 'Real Love' was recently released to support of the single's 7 track remix album (available digitally or on 12" vinyl here)... Download 'Real Love' below and check out the video by Focus Creeps (also known for their videos for Girls, Harlem, and more... check'em out here):

Download: Delorean 'Real Love'

NOBUNNY: First Taste from 'First Blood'

2010-09-20T20:16:00.005-04:00

Nobunny's amazing follow-up to 2008's 'Love Visions' hits the stores tomorrow. The new album is called 'First Blood' (cover art above) and the LP's first single, 'Live It Up' premiered on Stereogum this afternoon. Download the track here and preview 7 of the 11 track album below compliments of Goner Records in Memphis... Pick up 'First Blood' via Goner Records here or here:

Download: Nobunny 'Live It Up'

'Live It Up'

'Pretty Please Me'

'Pretty Little Trouble'

'Breathe'

'Blow Dumb'

'Ain't It A Shame'

'(Do the) F**k Yourself'

Free Downloads: 4 New Songs from Cymbals Eat Guitars

2010-09-20T16:33:00.003-04:00

Cymbals Eat Guitars are giving away free MP3s featuring 4 brand new songs performed live on BBC Radio's 6 Music... All 4 songs will appear on the follow-up to their 2009 debut 'Why There Are Mountains.' Steam and/or download the tracks below and catch the band live this fall at a city near you:

Download: Cymbals Eat Guitars 'Wavelengths'

Download: Cymbals Eat Guitars 'Plainclothes'

Download: Cymbals Eat Guitars 'Tunguska'

Download: Cymbals Eat Guitars 'Definite Darkness'

Video: Sleigh Bells 'Infinity Guitars'

2010-09-20T16:08:00.004-04:00

The new video for Sleigh Bells' latest single 'Infinity Guitars' premiered today... Check it out below and pick up 'Treats,' available now:

Harlem! LIVE! Tonight in Chattanooga!

2010-09-07T09:59:00.003-04:00

Just recently coming off their tour opening for The Dead Weather in early August, Austin TX's Harlem will be in town tonight (9/7) here in Chattanooga at JJ's Bohemia... If you haven't seen them here before, BRING IT TONIGHT, cause this might be your last time to see this trio in such a small venue!

Their most recent release, 'Hippies,' is out now via Matador records and is a definite contender for The South Rail's top 10 albums in 2010... Check out the tracks below and see you tonight...

Download: Harlem 'Friendly Ghost'

Download: Harlem 'Gay Human Bones'

Video & Download: Dead Confederate 'Run From The Gun'

2010-08-26T10:03:00.004-04:00

'Run From The Gun' is the latest video from Dead Confederate's newest LP 'Sugar,' which just premiered this morning via The Huffington Post. It features vintage war footage from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War and incorporates with the song perfectly... Check out the video & download the track below... and pick up 'Sugar' available now!

Download: Dead Confederate 'Run From The Gun'

Breathe Owl Breathe: A Look Into 'Magic Central'

2010-08-26T09:44:00.005-04:00

Breathe Owl Breathe is a band from rural Michigan who were recently signed to Hometapes records this summer (which is also home of South Rail favorites Bear In Heaven). There latest LP, 'Magic Central,' won't be out till Sept 28th but Hometapes is already giving us a little peak into the album...

See below and download the tracks 'Swimming' and the LP's first single 'Own Stunts' which is also accompanied by an amazingly hunting video. Great song writing with a vibe that's perfect for Fall music listening... We're looking forward to hearing the rest... Let us know what-cha think and catch Breathe Owl Breathe on tour now:

Download: Breathe Owl Breathe 'Swimming'

Download: Breathe Owl Breathe 'Own Stunts'

'Magic Central' Tracklisting:
01. Own Stunts
02. Dogwalkers Of The New Age
03. Parrots In The Tropical Trees
04. Board Games
05. Dragon
06. House Of Gold
07. Icy Cave Dancers
08. Lake Light
09. Sidehill Gouger
10. Across The Loch
11. Swimming
12. Lions Jaw

Video: Secret Cities 'Pink City'

2010-08-24T22:23:00.004-04:00

Back in May, we gave you a sneak-peak of Secret Cities' debut album 'Pink Graffiti' which was released a couple of weeks ago (July 29th) via Western Vinyl. 'Pink City' is the latest video in support of that album, which was made from an old 1970s State of George Department of Educations video. Great stuff, check it:

And if you don't have 'Pink Graffiti' yet... What are you waiting for? Pick up your copy here and download the tracks 'Boyfriends' and 'Pink Graffiti Pt. 1' for free (compliments of Secret City) below:

Download: Secret Cities: 'Boyfriends'

Download: Secret Cities: 'Pink Graffiti Pt. 1'

Folsom Prison Gangstaz: Johnny Cash + Easy-E Mash-Up

2010-08-23T19:22:00.005-04:00

Johnny Cash and Easy-E mashed up... Yeah, we thought the same thing. "This is gonna sound like crap"... But it doesn't... It's actually AMAZING and available for download and streaming below... The track features Cash's 'Folsom Prison Blues' and E's 'Luv 4 Dem Gangstaz' mixed by DJ Topcat from Seattle, WA ... Oh, and you're welcome! (via TwentyFourBit)

Download: DJ Topcat 'Folsom Prison Gangstaz'

Heavy Cream Bring It To Chattanooga With Debut LP

2010-08-23T18:45:00.006-04:00

Nashville's Heavy Cream are set to release their first full-length, 'Danny,' which drops tomorrow via JEFF the Brotherhood's Infinity Cat label (see album art above)... And Chattanooga is the first stop on their LP release tour (not including their Nashville record release party at Billups Art w/ Those Darlins).

So stop by Discoteca this Thursday, August 26th to check out Heavy Cream along with Gestapo & Khazi and pick up an LP... Here a track from 'Danny,' download it below:

Download: Heavy Cream 'Watusi'

... and if your not in Chatt or the following cities , pick up Heavy Cream's debut here.

Aug 24: Billups Art (w/special guest Those Darlins), Nashville, TN
Aug 26: Discotteca (w/Gestapo & Khazi), Chattanooga, TN
Aug 27: Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN
Aug 28: Snug Harbor, Charlotte, NC
Aug 30: The Box, Charlottesville, VA
Aug 31: Black Cat (w/Unnatural Helpers), Washington, DC
Sep 1: Union Pool (w/Boogie Boarder), Brooklyn, NY
Sep 2: Cake Shop (w/Unnatural Helpers), New York, NY
Sep 3: Flywheel, Easthampton, MA
Sep 4: Meat Locker, Montclair, NJ
Sep 6: Rock Shop (w/Pterodactyl), Brooklyn, NY
Sep 7: Death By Audio, Brooklyn, NY
Sep 8: Elf Parlor, North Adams, MA
Sep 14: The End (w/Harlem), Nashville, TN
Sep 23: Diesel (w/Ted Leo and the Pharmacists), Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 3: Cropped Out Festival, Louisville, KY
Oct 7: MTSU, Murfreesburo, TN
Oct 8: Hi-Tone Cafe, Memphis, TN

Those Darlins: Pre-Order the New 7" 'Nightjogger'

2010-08-23T12:29:00.006-04:00

UPDATE: Stream BOTH songs 'Nightjogger' AND 'Funstix Party' here

Available for pre-order today, Those Darlins are releasing the first track from their upcoming sophomore album on a 7" split with the band Funstix (a Jessi Darlin and drummer Linwood side project). The first single is called 'Nightjogger,' a killer song you have heard before if you've caught the band live in the past year... There are no audio samples of the recorded single yet, but check out a live version below...

The street date isn't until 9/14, but if you pre-order now, you can get your copy by early September... Pre-Order 'Nightjogger' here

Also, here is a little taste of some Funstix:

And catch Those Darlins at a city near you, who are touring hardcore this fall. Check out all the dates here.

Screaming Females: LIVE! This Tuesday + Video Premiere for 'I Don't Mind It'

2010-08-16T21:22:00.004-04:00

Last year, Screaming Females toured in support of their third album, 'Power Move,' landing them spots opening for Dinosaur Jr., Throwing Muses, and Jay Reatard, plus dates touring with Arctic Monkeys and the Dead Weather....

Now, catch Screaming Females in Chattanooga TOMORROW (Tuesday, August 17th) at JJ's Bohemia giving us a sneak peak of their upcoming album 'Castle Talk' which will be out September 14th via Don Glovanni Records... The first single is called 'I Don't Mind It' which premiered today via BlankTV. Check it out below and if you dig what-cha hear, download the track below:

Download: Screaming Females 'I Don't Mind It'

Screaming Females also added more tour dates, if you're not in the Chattanooga this Tuesday, catch them here:

8/16 - Gallery Five - Richmond, VA
 8/17 - JJ’s Bohemia - Chattanooga, TN
 8/18 - Grimey’s Records - Nashville, TN (early show) 
8/18 - Exit/ In - Nashville, TN 
8/19 - The Bishop - Bloomington, IN 
8/20 - F***ing Awesome Fest (Magic Stick) - Detroit, MI
 8/21 - Schuba’s Tavern - Chicago, IL 
8/22 - 7th St. Entry - Minneapolis, MN
 8/23 - BFG - Appleton, WI
 8/25 - Ski House - Carbondale, IL
 8/26 - Replay Lounge - Lawrence, KS 
8/27 - Hi Dive - Denver, CO
 8/29 - Red Room - Boise, ID
 8/30 - Backspace - Portland, OR 
8/31 - Healthy Times Fun Club - Seattle, WA 
9/2 - Holland Show Space - Reno, NV
 9/3 - Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA
 9/4 - FYF Fest - Los Angeles, CA
 9/5 - Awesome Fest 4 - San Diego, CA
 9/6 - Trunk Space - Phoenix, AZ
 9/8 - Mohawk - Austin, TX 
9/9 - Zeitgeist - New Orleans, LA
 9/10 - The Farside - Tallahassee, FL 
9/11 - The Atlantic - Gainsville, FL 
9/12 - Secret Squirrel - Athens, GA 
9/13 - Static Age Records - Asheville, NC 
9/14 - Black Cat - Washington, DC
 9/15 - Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY !
 9/16 - The Ox - Philadelphia, PA
 9/18 - TBA - Columbus, OH 
9/19 - Brew Not Bombs (Portage Theater) - Chicago, IL 
10/12 - Common Grounds Coffeehouse - Gainsville, FL $ 
10/13 - The Social - Orlando, FL $ 
10/14 - Cafe Eleven - Saint Augustine, FL $ 
10/15 - The Handlebar - Greenville, SC $
10/16 - THe Southern - Charlottesville, VA $

! = w/ Big Eyes and Shellshag
 $ = w/ Ted Leo & the Pharmacists

The Howlies: LIVE! TONIGHT in Chattanooga!

2010-08-14T13:17:00.013-04:00

The Howlies, a band that embraces all genres of music, mixing old school R&B with 70’s style punk and throwing in a bit of “honest” humor... is honoring Chattanooga once again, performing at Discoteca TONIGHT!!!

You don’t wanna miss this show... come out and sweat your pants off... its worth the sweatin’

Poster above by Young Monster

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010: Full Lineup Revealed!

2010-08-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

The full lineup for this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest have just been released this afternoon (as well their Early Bird ticket sales)... The lineup includes: Wavves, Man Man, Dirty Projectors, Bad Religion, Monotonix, Best Coast, Magic Kids, Dum Dum Girls, GWAR, Slick Rick, Toro Y Moi, MGMT and many many more... We'll keep ya posted on any event details.

Check out the full lineup here

Video & Download: Jaill 'The Stroller'

2010-07-28T16:31:00.005-04:00

Straight-outta Milwaukee, Jaill's debut with Sub Pop Records, 'That's How We Burn,' hit the shelves yesterday! And to celebrate, they just released the offical video the that LP's first single 'The Stroller' along with the track for free download... Pick up 'That's How We Burn' available NOW and stream the entire album below!

Download: Jaill 'The Stroller'

J. Tillman: Download the New Track 'Three Sisters'

2010-07-26T22:45:00.004-04:00

J. Tillman (solo artist and known for his work as the drummer for Fleet Foxes) is prepping the release of his 7th full-lenth LP which was recorded in 3 days in February this year by Steven Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago. The LP is titled 'Singing Ax' and will be released Sept 14th via Western Vinyl.

Track 1 from that album is titled 'Three Sisters' and The South Rail is getting an exclusive first look!!! Download the track below and let us know what ya think:

Download: J. Tillman 'Three Sisters'

J. Tillman's tour starts tomorrow with Phosphorescent tomorrow, catch'em at a city near you:

Jul 27 - Troubadour - Los Angles, CA 
Jul 28 - Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA
 Jul 30 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR  
Jul 31 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA  
Aug 3 - Cedar Cultural Centre - Minneapolis, MN
 Aug 4 - Mad Planet - Milwaukee, WI  
Aug 5 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL  
Aug 6 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN  
Aug 7 - Grog Shop - Cleveland Heights, OH  
Aug 9 - Black Cat - Washington DC  
Aug 10 - Sonar - Baltimore, MD  
Aug 14 - Club Hell - Providence, RI
 Aug 15 - Middle East Downstairs - Cambridge, MA

Video: Tobacco 'Grape Aerosmith' featuring Beck

2010-07-26T22:15:00.003-04:00

'Grape Aerosmith' is the latest video from Tobacco's sophomore solo album 'Maniac Meat' and is the second track off the album that features vocals from Beck. Great track, crazy low-fi video in usual Tobacco fashion. Check it:

... Dig whatcha hear? Download the LP's first single 'Sweatmother' here and pick up 'Manic Meat,' available via Anticon now

Ticket Giveaway: 2 Free Tickets for Tonight's Show at JJ's Bohemia

2010-07-24T17:31:00.006-04:00

The show is just a few hours, but we have a last minute pair of tickets to give away for tonight's show at JJ's Bohemia featuring Jack Oblivian, John Paul Keith, The Bohannons and Ghettobird

The FIRST TWO PEOPLE to arrive at JJ's for this Saturday's show that mentions "The South Rail Music Blog" at the front door receive free admission!... It's that easy, so BRING IT!

Poster above by Young Monster

Arcade Fire: Preview 'The Suburbs' in 8 Minutes

2010-07-22T20:39:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: The below previews have been taken down

It doesn't hit stores till August 3rd (pre-order here), but get a first taste of the new Arcade Fire LP 'The Suburbs' now! 16 song in 8 minutes, which basically comes down to a 30 second sample of each song (via MOKB)... ENJOY:

Tennis Limited 7" Available For Pre-Order

2010-07-22T16:53:00.003-04:00

We have been diggin' on Denver, Colorado's Tennis lately, who are getting ready to release another 7" but this time via Underwater Peoples records. The self-titled Tennis limited 7" is available for pre-order now and ships July 31st featuring 3 songs:

A1: Baltimore
A2: Cape Dory
B1: Marathon

Check out the 2 of those 3 tracks below and Pre-order your copy now! -- but ACT FAST! Their last 7" 'South Carolina,' via Fire Talk records sold out QUICK (limited to 300 copies):

Tennis - Baltimore

Tennis - Marathon

Also, check out the video for 'South Carolina' from their 1st 7"

Marnie Stern: New Album and Single 'For Ash'

2010-07-22T12:09:00.006-04:00

Marnie Stern has just announced the follow-up to her 2008 sophmore album 'This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That,' which is an album SO good it's STILL in our weekly play rotation... Her third LP will be self-titled 'Marnie Stern' and hits stores October 5th via Kill Rock Stars Records.

This news debuted this morning via Pitchfork, who is giving the album's first single, 'For Ash,' away for free download... Download it below and ENJOY:

Download: Marnie Stern 'For Ash'

Marnie Stern 'Marnie Stern' Tracklist:
1 For Ash 

2 Nothing Left 

3 Transparency Is the New Mystery 

4 Risky Biz 

5 Her Confidence 

6 Female Guitar Players Are the New Black 

7 Gimme 

8 Cinco de Mayo 

9 Building a Body 

10 The Things You Notice

Also, check out some of our Marnie Stern favorites:

Mahjonng: 'Miami Knights'

2010-07-22T11:42:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since we've heard from Chicago's Mahjonng, who released their latest LP, 'The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger,' this week via K Records. The last time we saw these guys live was back in 2004 while touring for their debut LP 'Machinegong.' Their line-up has changed slightly since then, but they are a fantastic act to see live and their past albums never let us down...

Check out this latest album's first single, 'Miami Knights' below:

Download: Mahjonng 'Miami Knights'

These United States: New Album + Download 'The Great Rivers'

2010-07-21T16:57:00.005-04:00

Just releasing their 4th studio LP in just a little over 2 years, These United States are one busy band. 'What Lasts' just hit shelves yesterday via United Interests Records and to celebrate, the band is giving us a little taste of the new album. Download the LP's first single 'The Great Rivers' and let us know what-cha think:

Download: These United States 'The Great Rivers'

Also, swing by TUS's Vimeo account, where they are 29 videos into '44 Videos in 44 Days,' featuring videos, interviews, live performances and much more.

For complete These United States tour dats, visit their MySpace here

Here's our favorite TUS jam:

Jack White: 'Mother Nature's Son' Live at the White House

2010-07-21T14:36:00.001-04:00

During a tribute concert in honor of Paul McCartney featuring Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, and many others, check out Jack White singing 'Mother Nature's Son' in front of President Obama, McCartney and others at the White House. Pretty cool stuff:

Watch the full episode. See more In Performance at The White House.

Delorean: 'Real Love' Download & Remixes

2010-07-21T11:45:00.003-04:00

Definitely one of our favorite live acts from this year's Pitchfork festival, Delorean does not let down live or in the studio. Check out the track 'Real Love' from their killer debut LP 'Subiza,' which is also their second single from the LP and is available in 6 different remixes digitally or on 12"... The 12" is limited to 500 hand-numbered while labels and is available here

Download the track 'Real Love' below and stream and/or pick up the remixes, available now:

Download: Delorean 'Real Love'

Also, check out the track live from PMF10, great stuff:

Back From Chicago: 2010 Pitchfork Festival Review

2010-07-20T22:40:00.009-04:00

The 2010 Pitchfork Music Festival has now passed us by and we are just getting back to things here in Chattanooga from our Chicago trip. With 45 fantastic acts (and catching most of them), it's very hard to pick our favorites, so here are just some of The South Rail's 'best-of' highlights from our PMF10 experience (with our infamous cell phone pics):

Bear In Heaven
Neon Indian
Delorean
Local Natives
Sleigh Bells
Girls
Reakwon
Sonny & the Sunsets
Free Energy

Ticket Giveaway: Jonny Corndawg Coming To Chattanooga This Friday!

2010-07-14T22:56:00.005-04:00

You heard us right, Jonny Corndawg will be at JJ's Bohemia THIS FRIDAY (July 16th) with Cary Ann Hearst and The Bohannons .... and we have TWO TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!

The FIRST TWO PEOPLE to arrive at JJ's for this Friday's show that mentions "The South Rail Music Blog" at the front door receive free admission!... It's that easy! So bring it to JJ's this Friday and come early...

... oh, and please make sure to bring some CA$$$H because Mr. Corndawg has some KILLER stuff to sell ya! One-of-a-kind air brushed tees (examples below), leather work, vinyl and more!!!

Beach Fossils Needs New Guitarist

2010-07-14T18:37:00.003-04:00

Brooklyn's Beach Fossils announced yesterday that their guitarist, Sennott Burke, has left the band. He will be helping finish the current leg of the tour pending replacement, but Beach Fossils are currently looking for some as ASAP!

Would like to play guitar for Beach Fossils? They'd love to hear from you...

Get in touch with the band via email: beachfossils@gmail.com -- and be ready to start very soon. They are currently on tour supporting bands like Here We Go Magic, Small Black, Neon Indian and many others and are hopping to fill the spot in the next week or two.

Download: Beach Fossils 'Youth'

M.I.A: 'Born Free' on Letterman

2010-07-14T13:30:00.006-04:00

M.I.A was on Letterman last night... WOW:

M.I.A's 'MAYA' -- spelled /\/\ /\ Y /\ -- hit stores yesterday... GET IT!

Video & Download: Chief 'Night & Day'

2010-07-14T13:13:00.002-04:00

Check out the premiere of Chief's brand new video for 'Night & Day' which is the first single off of their debut album 'Modern Rituals,' due out Aug 17th (US) & Sept. 20th (UK/Europe) via Domino Records... Learn more about Chief here:

Download: Chief 'Night & Day'

Free Download: Best Coast, Kid Cudi, Vampire Weekend Collaboration

2010-07-08T11:55:00.005-04:00

UPDATE: The single now has a video, watch it below...

Converse recently put some $$$$ together to get Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, Kid Cudi and Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij in the same studio together... The results? The killer single 'All Summer,' which is available for FREE download here... Check it:

Download: 'All Summer'

Dawes Live on Daytrotter

2010-07-08T11:11:00.004-04:00

We just finished listening to today's Daytrotter session featuring Dawes. This is Dawes second session with DT and is definitely worth checking out!... All 4 tracks are available to stream or for free download here and featuure 3 UNRELEASED TRACKS, plus North Hills' 'God Rest My Soul.'

Download: Dawes 'Daytrotter July 8th Session'

Also check out & download last year's Dawes' Daytrotter session here and catch Dawes currently on tour -- See full tour dates

DEAD CONFEDERATE: Ticket Giveaway + New Track Download

2010-07-07T22:00:00.005-04:00

Athens, Georgia's Dead Confederate have been hard at work on their new album, 'Sugar,' which hits shelves next month on August 24th... and if the album is anything like their first single 'Giving It All Away' and the making-of video below, then we are in-store for an AMAZING album!!! Download the track 'Giving It All Away' (for trade of your email address) below and let us know what-cha think...

On top of that, in a sort-of pre-'Sugar' celebration, we are GIVING AWAY A PAIR OF TICKETS to one lucky reader for their Chattanooga, TN show this Saturday, July 10th at Rhythm and Brews with openers The Bohannons!!!... Dead Confederate are also throwing in a CD and T-shirt into the mix... Want to win this killer package? This is all you need to do...

TO ENTER: Simply email us your favorite Dead Confederate song to thesouthrail@gmail.com with the Subject as "Dead Confederate Ticket Giveaway" by Friday, 7/9 at midnight. See below for official rules. Good luck!!!

... And if you don't win, still come out. This is definitely a CAN'T MISS SHOW. Pick up your tickets here.

Contest Rules: Contest ends Friday, 7/9 at midnight. One winner will be selected randomly and notified via email Saturday morning (the day of the show). The winner's name (+ guest) will be at the the door the night of the show. Please note we will NOT be shipping the CD or T-shirt. The winner must claim their prizes on Saturday night after the show at the merchandise booth (7/10 @ Rhythm and Brews, Chattanooga, TN).

Cee-Lo Covers Band of Horses 'No One's Gonna Love You'

2010-07-01T13:43:00.004-04:00

The headline says it all, check out Cee-Lo covering Band of Horses 'No One's Gonna Love You,' The single premiered today on BBC Radio 1 calling it "the hottest record in the world." The song will appear on the new Cee-Lo album 'The Lady Killer.' Check it:

... and the original:

Full Album Stream: Wavves 'King of The Beach'

2010-06-30T22:45:00.004-04:00

This is easily a contender for album of the year!... Check out Wavves 'King of the Beach,' available to stream in its entirety here... Due to a internet leak, the album hits digitally this week via iTunes July 1st and other stores by July 13th (and CD/LP August 3rd).

CD and LP are only $10 each from Fat Possum (pre-order here)

Download the LP's first single 'Post Acid' here

The Kills Cover Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes'

2010-06-29T13:29:00.006-04:00

While in the studio recording their next LP, The Kills found time to cut a track for Levi's Pioneer Sessions performing Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes.'... Stream the track below, check out the making of video and if you dig what-cha hear, download the track here. Our guess is to expect a new album from the Kills this winter! (after The Dead Weather wrap up the second leg of their tour):

Download: The Kills 'Pale Blue Eyes'

The Kills - Pale Blue Eyes by raulramone_file

Best Coast: 'Boyfriend'

2010-06-28T23:21:00.005-04:00

It's getting closer to the drop date for Best Coast's debut LP, 'Crazy For You,' which is out July 27th via Mexican Summer Records. Known for their 7" releases, we were still surprised the single 'When I'm With You' didn't make the cut on the LP (which will be a bonus track only for the CD and digital versions)... reguardless, this should be a great album. Stream and download the first single, 'Boyfriend,' below:

New Music and Free Download From Of Montreal

2010-06-28T23:01:00.003-04:00

Of Montreal have just wrapped-up in the studio and are giving us a little taste from their latest album, 'False Priest'! Download their new single 'Conquet Coquette' here (for the cost of an email) or just stream it below... False Priest won't hit stores till September 14th via Polyvinyl but you can pre-order now directly from their label here. Act fast and pre-order the limited edition Red 2xLP (pressing of only 2,000).

False Priest Tracklist:
1 I Feel Ya' Strutter
2 Our Riotous Defects [ft. Janelle Monáe]
3 Coquet Coquette
4 Godly Intersex
5 Enemy Gene [ft. Janelle Monáe]
6 Hydra Fancies
7 Like a Tourist
8 Sex Karma [ft. Solange Knowles]
9 Girl Named Hello
10 Famine Affair
11 Casualty of You
12 Around the Way
13 You Do Mutilate?

Video: Turbo Fruits 'Get Up Get On Down (Tonite)

2010-06-24T13:51:00.004-04:00

Turbo Fruits have recently uploaded a new video from their 'Echo Kid' LP for the single 'Get Up Get On Down (Tonite).' The video originally premiered on NME a couple of weeks ago and is finally available to embed...soooooo, check it out below, great stuff.

Also, don't forget to catch Turbo Fruits with Those Darlins out tour this fall... check out the tour dates here.

New Music From Autolux + New Album Details

2010-06-23T16:19:00.006-04:00

Hey, do you remember Autolux? If not, well, we don't blame you. It has been since 2004's 'Future Perfect' since we've heard from these guys (and girl). Now, close to 6 years later, the L.A trio is dropping their second LP, 'Transit Transit' (see cover art above) August 3rd via TBA Records. They premiered the first track from this 10 track album today via Stereogum... it's called 'Supertoys.' Check it out below:

...Also, to catch up you, check out one of our favorite tracks from 2004's 'Future Perfect,' 'Turnstile Blues':

'Transit Transit' track list:

1. Transit Transit
2. Census
3. Highchair
4. Supertoys
5. Spots
6. The Bouncing Wall
7. Audience No. 2
8. Kissproof
9. Headless Sky
10. The Science of Imaginary Solutions

Sonny and the Sunsets: 'Too Young To Burn'

2010-06-23T16:02:00.003-04:00

At first we were bummed to hear jj had bailed out of the Pitchfork Music Festival next month... but when we found out Sonny and the Sunsets were taking their place on-stage, it helped fill that void AND THEN SOME!

Get ready to hear a lot more from this San Francisco 4-piece who recently were signed to Fat Possum Records. Their most recent LP, 'Tomorrow is Alright,' which was released from their previous label, Soft Abuse, will be re-released by Fat Possum in August... Check out and/or download a track from that LP, 'Too Young To Burn.' Definitely one of our favs:

Download: Sonny and the Sunsets 'Too Young To Burn'

Harlem: 'Tila and I' + Dead Weather Tour

2010-06-22T10:48:00.004-04:00

While Harlem was on the Europe leg of their tour, the Austin boys stopped by Amsterdam Acoustics to shoot a great acoustic set of 'Tila and I.' They're back in the states currently touring the west coast, but get ready to catch them later this summer opening up for The Dead Weather in the following cities below... Congrats guys!

Jun 25: Plush, Tuscon, AZ
Jun 26: The Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa, CA
Jun 29: The Independent, San Francisco, CA
Jul 2: Sunset Tavern, Seattle, WA
Jul 3: 917 Main, Vancouver, BC
Jul 4 : East End, Portland, Oregon
Jul 9 2: Echo, Los Angeles, CA
Jul 10: Bar Pink, San Diego, CA
#Jul 13: 9:30 Club, Washington DC
#Jul 14: House of Blues, Boston, MA
Jul 17: Village Voice Siren Music Festival
#Jul 19: House of Blues, San Diego, CA
#Jul 21: Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA
#Jul 22: Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA
#Jul 24: Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
#Jul 26: Babcock Theatre, Billings, MT
#Jul 28: First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
#Jul 29 2010 8:00P The Rave, Milwaukee, WI
#Jul 30: The Congress Theatre, Chicago, IL
#Jul 31: The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI
# Aug 2 : Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD
#Aug 3: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Aug 7: Lollapallooza
Sep 9: Hopscotch Festival

# = Opening for The Dead Weather

2 New Tracks From Black Band Coal Company!

2010-06-21T23:16:00.005-04:00

We love us some Black Band Coal Company, a killer band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania headed by Joshua Gragg who was originally the guitarist in the band American Minor. And we were thrilled to hear some new material from these guys this weekend! Check out 2 brand-new tracks below, 'Know What They Say' and 'Scope Creep.' For fans of Dr. Dog and The Love Language...No future album details, but we'll keep you posted:

Scope Creep by BlackBandCoalCompany

Know What They Say by BlackBandCoalCompany

... Also, take a listen to one of our favorite BBCC tracks 'Maybe I'm Dreaming'

Maybe I'm Dreaming by BlackBandCoalCompany

Jenny and Johnny: 'Scissor Runner'

2010-06-21T22:35:00.006-04:00

We are finally receiving details about Jenny Lewis and her boyfriend Johnathan Rice's side project Jenny and Johnny. They will be releasing a full length LP titled 'I'm Having Fun Now' (see cover art above) sometime in late summer (no official date yet). The album's first single, 'Scissor Runner,' is available as a free download below (for the price of you email address of course). Dig what you hear? Well, pre-order the album here:

Catch Jenny and Johnny on tour this fall: 
09/01 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Rio Theater 
09/02 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall 
09/03 – Oakland, CA @ The New Parish 
09/05 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge 
09/06 – Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot
 09/08 – Salt Lake City, NV @ The State Room 
09/11 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
 09/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center 
09/13 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall 
09/14 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom 
09/16 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat
 09/18 – Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena * 
09/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Williamsburg Waterfront * 
09/21 – Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwells 09/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
 09/23 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle 
09/24 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club 
09/25 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge 
10/03 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium #

* = w/ Pavement  # = w/ Belle & Sebastian

Bear In Heaven: 'Ultimate Satisfaction' (Warm Ghost Remix)

2010-06-11T14:14:00.001-04:00

If you've heard the Paul Duncan remixes that come with Warm Ghost's debut 'Claws Overhead,' you know they can put out a killer remix. Check out Warm Ghost's take on Bear In Heaven's 'Ultimate Satisfaction.' The song title says it all, check it:

The Black Keys: 'Too Afraid To Love You' Live in Studio

2010-06-11T14:12:00.001-04:00

Pretty cool making-of video of The Black Keys' 'Too Afraid To Love You' recorded live in-studio at Muscle Shoals Recording Studio in Alabama:

Nick Zinner Announces New Book, Limited 7" and EXCLUSIVE Pre-order

2010-06-09T19:20:00.004-04:00

Nick Zinner, guitarist of Yeah Yeah Yeahs has announced his 4th collection of photography, non-fiction and design with Zachary Lipez (of Freshskills) and Stacy Wakefield (book designer) which is titled 'Please Take Me Off the Guest List.' The book doesn't release until October 1st, but pre-ordering guarantees your copy by August:

Pre-order your copy here (at $50 + $10 shipping)... ONLY THE PRE-ORDER exclusively comes with the following:

1) One advance copy of PLEASE TAKE ME OFF THE GUEST LIST, SIGNED by Nick Zinner, Zachary Lipez, and Stacy Wakefield.

2) A limited 7" recording of musical interpretations by Nick Zinner, Zachary Lipez, and Stacy Wakefield in collaboration with three different bands. The 7" is bound in a handmade and individually numbered poster sleeve, which also contains an original story by Zachary Lipez (not included in PLEASE TAKE ME OFF THE GUEST LIST), entitled "My Romantic Competition Among the Stalwarts of the Goth and Cold Wave and New Music Community."

3) An original SIGNED photograph by Nick Zinner. Each photograph is a random outtake from his personal collection of 4x6 drugstore prints.

Don't wait! Pre-order yours today!

Conan Comes to Third Man Records!!

2010-06-09T13:44:00.004-04:00

It was just announced today via Team Coco, Conan O'Brien will be preforming at Jack White's Third Man Records in Nashville, TN on June 10th at 8pm!!!

21+, First come 1st served... As of this afternoon, no word from The Vault on any additional details. We'll keep you posted.

Check out this promo for the event:

Megafaun: New Mini-LP Set for September Release

2010-06-09T12:03:00.006-04:00

Megafaun is set to release a new mini-LP, 'Heretofore,' on September 14th via Home Tapes Records, which was recorded between Jan 12 and Feb 28 in Raleigh NC's Flying Tiger Sound... and if it sounds anything like the first single, Volunteers,' the album will definitly not disappoint. Check out the cover art above, preview/download 'Volunteers' below and catch Megafaun on the road this Summer at the dates below:

Download: Megafaun 'Volunteers'

'Heretofore' Tracklist:

1. Heretofore 

2. Carolina Days 

3. Eagle 

4. Volunteers 

5. Comprovisation for Connor Pass 

6. Bonnie’s Song

Tour Dates (as of June 9th):

06/08/10 Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club & Cafe #
06/09/10 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s #
06/10/10 Cambridge, MA @ Regattabar
06/11/10 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall #
06/12/10 Buffalo, NY @ Sound Lab #
06/13/10 Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Big #
06/15/10 Milwaukee, WI @ Club Girabaldi #
06/16/10 Eau Claire, WI @ House of Rock #
06/17/10 Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon #
06/19/10 Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop #
06/21/10 Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
06/22/10 Knoxville, TN @ Pilot Light
06/23/10 Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
08/06/10 Portland, OR @ Pickathon
08/07/10 Portland, OR @ Pickathon
09/11/10 Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Fest - King’s
^ with Tift Merritt
# with Sam Quinn

Video + Download: HEALTH 'USA Boys'

2010-06-09T11:34:00.005-04:00

HEALTH has just dropped the video for their new track 'USA Boys,' which is from their forthcoming remix LP, 'DISCO2,' hitting stores June 22nd via Lovepump United. Download the track below, check out the video and if you dig what you hear, pick up DISCO2 here:

Wavves: 'Post Acid'

2010-06-09T11:22:00.006-04:00

Just out today, check out 'Post Acid', the first single from the new Wavves album, 'King of the Beach,' which will be out via Fat Possum August 3rd. See full 'King of the Beach' tracklist below:

Download: Wavves 'Post Acid'

01 King of the Beach
02 Super Soaker
03 Idiot
04 When Will You Come?
05 Post Acid
06 Take on the World
07 Baseball Cards
08 Convertible Balloon
09 Green Eyes
10 Mickey Mouse
11 Linus Spacehead
12 Baby Say Goodbye

New Washed Out: 'You And I' featuring Caroline Polachek

2010-06-08T21:56:00.004-04:00

Adult Swim has this Singles Program where they'll be releasing 8 singles in 8 weeks. Well, this week's release is a brand new track from Washed Out featuring guest vocals by Caroline Polachek of Chairlift. It's called 'You And I.' Check it out below... and download it here for free (for a limited time).

Wild Nothing: 'Chinatown'

2010-06-07T17:00:00.003-04:00

Weeks after releasing their debut LP, Wild Nothing is set to tour this June with bands Neon Indian and The Depreciation in support of their debut album, 'Gemini.' For fans of lo-fi synth-pop, check out the single 'Chinatown' below and catch the band at the following cities:

Download: Wild Nothing 'Chinatown'

05/25 - Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory & 

06/09 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl ! 

06/11 - Cincinatti, OH - Fountain Square ! 

06/12 - Pittsburgh, PA - Brillobox ! 

06/13 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar ! 

06/17 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg ! 

06/20 - Washington, DC - DC9 & 

06/21 - Philadelphia, PA - M Room & 

06/22 - Providence, RI - Jerky’s Live Music Hall & 

06/23 - Milford, CT - Daniel Street &

& = w/ The Depreciation Guild 

! = w/ Neon Indian

Arcade Fire: Stream 2 New Tracks Now 'The Suburbs' & 'Month of May'

2010-05-26T16:43:00.004-04:00

Just in! Stream both Arcade Fire tracks from from their upcoming single, 'The Suburbs/Month of May,' out June 1st in 12" vinyl (& mp3 format):

UPDATE: Arcade Fire's next LP will be titled 'The Suburbs' and will release August 3rd in the U.S... PRE-ORDER HERE and receive instant downloads of the 2 songs below:

The Suburbs:

Month of May:

Cotton Jones Announce New Record: 'Tall Hours in the Glowstream'

2010-05-25T10:12:00.004-04:00

Cotton Jones has announced the release of their sophomore record, 'Tall Hours in the Glowstream' which is set to hit stores August 24th via Suicide Squeeze (see album art above). The duo from Cumberland, Maryland left town to record and mix the majority of their new record in Winterville, GA as a revolving cast of players and singers were invited to hang in the band’s living-room studio.

No tracks to check out as of yet, but we'll keep you posted... The tour to support the LP starts at the end of July (Check out tour dates below)... Here's one of our favorite tracks from their debut 'Paranoid Cocoon' recorded live at Laundro Matinee (see and download the full session here):

7/30 - Cincinnati, OH - Fountain Square Indie Summer Series* 

7/31 - Chicago, IL - Schubas** 

8/1 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry** 

8/2 - Fargo, ND - The Aquarium** 

8/4 - Moose, WY - Dornan's^ 

8/5 - Boise, ID - Neurolux^ 

8/6 - Happy Valley, OR - Pickathon 

8/7 - Happy Valley, OR - Pickathon 

8/8 - Seattle, WA - The Sunset Tavern** 

8/9 - Bellingham, WA - The Wild Buffalo** 

8/10 - Vancouver, BC - Media Club** 

8/11 - Olympia, WA - Northern** 

8/12 - Eugene, OR - Sam Bond's Garage** 

8/13 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill^ 

8/14 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Crepe Place** 

8/17 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo^ 

8/19 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court** 

8/20 - Denver, CO - Hi Dive^^ 

8/21 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Saloon** 

8/22 - Maplewood, MO - Schlafy Bottleworks** 

*w/ Buffalo Killer, Bob Log 

**w/ The Parson Red Heads 

^ w/ The Parson Red Heads, Roadside Graves 

^^w/ Fruit Bats, The Parson Red Heads

Warm Ghost: 'Open the Wormhole in Your Heart'

2010-05-24T22:45:00.005-04:00

We have recently been diggin' on the band Warm Ghost -- a new project from Paul Duncan, who is currently recording and performing under the name Warm Ghost. Taking things beyond his traditional comfort zone exploring more with electronics and synthesizers.

His debut 12" EP, 'Claws Overhead,' was recently released via Geographic North and is a limited, hand numbered run of 500... Great stuff and a must have to anyone's collection... The vinyl also includes a download code for exclusive remixes of Paul's last album ('Above the Trees') by Oren Ambarchi, Ekkehard Ehlers, David Daniell, Phonophani, Ateleia and Fred Lonberg-Holm.

Our favorite track from the record is 'Open the Wormhole in Your Heart,' stream it below and order your copy of 'Claws Overhead' here... or digitally here:

Ryan Adams 'Orion' Available Now

2010-05-18T22:11:00.004-04:00

As we told you few months ago, Ryan Adams was about to release a "Metal" album titled 'Orion.'... Well, wait no longer, 'Orion' has been just put on sale TODAY (5/18) for preorder only shipping May 24th. It's available in an EXTREMELY limited clear vinyl pressing only!!... ORDER YOURS HERE... we just did:

Recorded in 2006, ORION is Ryan Adams’ first fully-realized sci-fi metal concept album. No copies will be sold on compact disc – the only way to get the music is in this limited VINYL+DOWNLOAD configuration containing the following:

• 1xLP on 180 gram clear vinyl
• Artwork by Away (Michel Langevin from Voivod)
• Download card for hi-res (320 kbps) digital version of the album
• Double-sided 24” x 24” poster

Orion Tracklist:

Side 1
01 Signal Fade  02 Imminent Galactic War  03 Disappyramid  04 Fire Away  05 Defenders of the Galaxy  06 Fire and Ice  

Side 2
 01 By Force  02 Ghorgon, Master of War  03 Ariel  04 Electro Snake  05 Victims of the Ice Brigade  06 2,000 Ships  07 End of Days

Nikki Darlin Suffers Injury: Medical Bill Fundraiser This Saturday in Nashville

2010-05-18T19:34:00.003-04:00

Last Friday (5/14), Nikki Darlin of Those Darlins broke both bones in her left forearm after performing at the Nelsonville Music Festival in Ohio. She is scheduled for surgery later this week and will recover throughout June... Unfortunately their anticipated Australian May/June tour with Wagons has been postponed. See tour dates here.

BUT, come out for this Saturday's gig to Mercy Lounge in Nashville which was originally a regularly scheduled gig, but is NOW a fundraiser to help pay off the hospital bills from Nikki's injury... Sponsored by the blog Nashville's Dead, tickets are only $10... The first 200 people in the door will receive a free pair of Blublocker Sunglasses (so adding some extra $$$ at the show wouldn't hurt)... Get your tickets here.

Get well soon Nikki!

New Song By Moonlight Bride: 'Summer Girls'

2010-05-17T13:00:00.003-04:00

Moonlight Bride is currently recording their follow-up to 2009's Myths and is giving us a little taste of what they've been working on... The following performance was shot in an abandoned textile mill here in Chattanooga. Footage shot courtesy of Sliver Hymn Recordings. We'll keep you posted on their new material:

Also catch Moonlight Bride live at the following dates:

May 20: The Independent - Auburn, AL
May 21: Soho - Columbus, GA
May 22: Discoteca - Chattanooga, TN
May 27: Star Bar Atlanta, GA
Jun 19: JJ's Bohemia - Chattanooga, TN

Stream Karen Elson's Debut Album 'The Ghost Who Walks'

2010-05-17T09:26:00.008-04:00

Karen Elson's (Mrs. Jack White) debut album, 'The Ghost who Walks,' hits stores next Tuesday (5/24). Stream and preview the entire album below... Dig what you hear? Pre-order the album here... Oh yeah, and we know the whole Mildred and the Mice single was a Karen Elson fronted side project, but we still think this was Karen Elson as well. What do you think?

New Arcade Fire Out Soon!!

2010-05-15T23:12:00.006-04:00

Arcade Fire just updated their website today uploading the images above, the front and back of a postcard stating a new LP will be in stores in the next couple weeks! The postcard reads:

"Howdy Y'all -- Just finishing up pressing our new 12". Should be in stores in the next couple weeks. Gold willing. Good luck with finals. See you this summer! AF"

We'll keep ya posted...

Video: Dawes 'When My Time Comes'

2010-05-14T13:08:00.004-04:00

The video for Dawes 'When My Time Comes' premiered today on Brooklyn Vegan. Definitely one of our favorite tracks off of North Hills... Check it:

The Zany Montreal Life of King Khan

2010-05-14T00:08:00.007-04:00

MTV Iggy recently put together some fun, behind the scenes King Khan videos, or as they called it, a smorgasbord of King Khan delights!... Here are a couple of our favorites. Enjoy!:

The King Khan Cooking Show
King Khan

How to Bury a Piece of $hit Van (According to King Khan)
King Khan

Secret Cities: 'Pink Graffiti'

2010-05-13T00:54:00.006-04:00

We were recently introduced to the band Secret Cities, a Fargo, North Dakota trio whose debut album 'Pink Graffiti' drops July 29th via Western Vinyl... And with only listening to the 10 track LP twice, we are hooked! From the first note to the last track, it's almost hard to believe they're only a 3 piece... Try'em out for yourself. Download the singles 'Boyfriends' and 'Pink Graffiti Pt. 1' below and catch Secret Cities on tour this summer:

Download: Secret Cities: 'Boyfriends'

Download: Secret Cities: 'Pink Graffiti Pt. 1'

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
Jun 10 Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
 Jun 11 Minneapolis, MN @ 501 Club w/ Gospel Gossip  
Jun 12 Iowa City, IA @ Public Space One 
Jun 13 Rock Island, IL @ Daytrotter Session  
Jun 14 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean  
Jun 15 Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig  
Jun 16 Pittsburgh, PA @ Modern Formations
 Jun 17 Brooklyn, NY @ Littlefield
 Jun 18 Baltimore, MD @ Pet Cemetary  
Jun 20 New York, NY @ Pianos 
Jun 21 Washington, DC @ The Red and The Black
 Jun 22 Chapel Hill, NC @ Nightlight  
Jun 24 New Orleans, LA @ Circle Bar  
Jun 25 Houston, TX @ Mango's 
Jun 27 Denton, TX @ Haily's 
Jun 28 Norman, OK @ TBA 
Jun 29 Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
 Jul 1 Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
 Jul 3 Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
 Jul 5 Los Angeles, CA @ Echo Curio  
Jul 6 San Francisco, CA @ Elbo Room
 Jul 7 Sacramento, CA @ The Hub  
Jul 8 Portland, OR @ Berbati's Pan
 Jul 9 Seattle, WA @ Black Lodgen

Pontiak and Arbouretum: Vinyl & Ticket Giveaway!

2010-05-12T22:29:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, May 18th, 2 great band from Thrill Jockey Records will be heading to the Chattanooga area: Pontiak and Arbouretum! And we have a PAIR OF TICKETS to giveaway to one lucky reader for the show at JJ's Bohemia... PLUS, your choice of Pontiak or Arbouretum's newest album on vinyl!

The bands will also be playing with local South Rail favorite Forest Magic at this can't-miss show... Download the latest tracks from the bands below... 'Young' is the first track from Pontiak's newest album 'Living' which will be available May 18th and 'False Spring' is from Arbouretum's latest 'Song of the Pearl.' And for a limited time pick-up both LPs and the limited edition tour poster (above) for only $22 here:

Download: Pontiak 'Young'

Download: Arbouretum 'False Spring'

Here's how to enter: Simply email us at thesouthrail@gmail.com with the Subject as "Pontiak Arbouretum Giveaway"

Contest Ends Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at midnight. One winner will be selected randomly and notified via email. We will NOT be shipping the vinyl (prize must be claimed the night of the show). The winner of the contest will be placed on Thrill Jockey Records' guest list which allows the winner (+ guest) entrance (no actual tickets will be sent). Winner needs to present their ID at the door. After the show, the winner can visit the merchandise table and give their name to receive their prize - their choice of Pontiak OR Arbouretum's latest album on vinyl.

GOOD LUCK!

Woven Bones: 'In and Out and Back Again' Album Stream

2010-05-11T17:43:00.006-04:00

Austin's Woven Bones have made their debut LP 'In and Out and Back Again' available to stream in its entirety below, a week before its 5/18 release date... Dig what you hear? The album is available for pre-order here... OR by emailing HoZac Records' email update list (at hozacrecords@gmail.com), get information on the album's CLEAR VINYL EDITION... Emailing them adds you to their mailing list.

Here We Go Magic: 'Collector'

2010-05-11T00:03:00.011-04:00

Here We Go Magic's latest album, 'Pigeons,' seems like it's taken forever to come out... the album is set to release June 8th via Secretly Canadian, but we've been jamming to the album's first single 'Collector' for a while now (early March)... Complaining aside, that hasn't really dulled our excitement for the follow-up LP... Check out the track 'Collector' below and if you dig it what you hear, pre-order 'Pigeons' here

Download: Here We Go Magic 'Collector'

UPDATE: The official video has been released today (5/12) via Pitchfork:

Quiet Life: EP CD Giveaway + Download Exclusive Tracks

2010-05-10T22:50:00.004-04:00

2010 is going to be a BIG year for the band Quiet Life!

The Connecticut band, now headquartered in Portland, just released the 6-song EP 'California Vacation' (available on iTunes), is about to release a full-length, 'Big Green,' due this July, and brothers Sean and Ryan Spellman just got home from a U.S. tour acting as the backing band for Port O'Brien.

And to celebrate, Quiet Life has given The South Rail some exclusive tracks and prizes for our readers including an autographed, hand-made EP!

First off, picking a single off of 'Big Green' is definitely a tough choice, but the track 'Let It Go' has turned into the LP's unofficial single, recently getting rotation on Sirius XMU and catching our attention for sure. 'Big Green' is jam packed with songs of equal power and catchiness, from start to finish... Click here to request the song 'Let It Go' on XMU and for a LIMITED TIME, get an early taste of 'Big Green' and download the track below:

Download: Quiet Life 'Let It Go'

Autographed EP Giveaway: The 'California Vacation' EP is only available digitally via iTunes and on a 200, hand-printed run of CDs which will ONLY be available at shows... and here! We have a few of the hand-made copies to giveaway and one AUTOGRAPHED BY THE BAND!

TO ENTER: Simply email us your full name and mailing address to thesouthrail@gmail.com with the Subject as "Quiet Life EP Giveaway"

Contest Ends Monday, May 17th, 2010 at midnight. One grand prize winner (the autographed copy) and 2 runner-ups (unsigned copy) will be selected randomly and notified via email May 18th. One entry per email address only. We will only be shipping to winners within the 48 states, so U.S entries only (sorry). The South Rail nor Quiet Life are responsible for items lost or damaged during shipping.

GOOD LUCK!

From 'California Vacation,' check out the single 'Downtown' below (for a limited time)... and if you dig what you here, pick up the EP here on iTunes or at a Quiet Life show near you:

Download: Quiet Life 'Downtown'

Carlos D Leaves Interpol

2010-05-09T19:50:00.005-04:00

It hasn't even been 2 weeks since Interpol released the song 'Lights' from their upcoming, (as of yet) nameless album, but the band has just announced some more big news this Sunday...Carlos Dengler (Carlos D) has left the band. The Interpol's news bulletin reads:

"...Sadly, Carlos will not be joining us.

After the completion of the album, Carlos informed the rest of us that he would be leaving the band. He has decided to follow another path, and to pursue new goals. This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual..."

Read full bulletin here

Ratatat Reveal New Album + New Song 'Party With Children'

2010-05-05T14:05:00.009-04:00

UPDATE: Compliments of the Web Sheriff from XL Recordings, download Ratatat's 'Party With Children' below! Thanks XL!

Download: Ratatat 'Party With Children'

It's official, Ratatat is BACK with a new LP out June 8th, titled LP4. See cover art above and check out the album's first single 'Party With Children' streaming for your ears' enjoyment below:

Pre-order here... includes a free poster & MP3 download of the album

LP4 Tracklisting:
01 Bilar
02 Drugs
03 Neckbrace
04 We Can't Be Stopped
05 Bob Gandhi
06 Mandy
07 Mahalo
08 Party With Children
09 Sunblocks
10 Bare Feast
11 Graper Juice City
12 Alps

Keepaway: 'Yellow Wings'

2010-05-04T23:35:00.004-04:00

Finally a band who has an Animal Collective influenced sound, but owns it... giving a loved style a new twist. Check out the band Keepaway, a "twisty triangle" 3-piece out of Brooklyn who's debut EP, 'Baby Style,' is available for pre-order via Lefse Records with a May 15th release date.

Check out the killer first track 'Yellow Wings' below...and pre-order 'Baby Style' here.

Download: Keepaway 'Yellow Wings'

Chief: New EP and Album Details

2010-05-04T21:22:00.007-04:00

A few months back we did a write-up on the band Chief, a killer 4-piece from L.A/Santa Monica who are about to release their debut album, 'Modern Rituals,' this August via Domino Records.

Pre-sale for the LP's first single 'Night and Day' just started this week, which will be released May 22nd as a 10" EP featuring 2 b-sides, 'My Love is Gone' and our personal favorite, 'Your Direction.' Nothing else on the new LP have been released, but we'll keep you posted...

Check out this video for 'Your Direction' below and pre-order the 'Night and Day' EP here.

UPDATE: Modern Rituals will be released on August 17th 2010

Modern Rituals Tracklisiting:
1. The Minute I Saw It
2. Nothing’s Wrong
3. Wait For You
4. This Land
5. Breaking Walls
6. In The Valley
7. Stealing
8. You Tell Me
9. Summer’s Day
10. Irish Song
11. Night & Day

Celebration: Baltimore Band Gives Their Music Away

2010-05-04T16:09:00.007-04:00

Celebration is a band out of Baltimore who have recently caught our attention. They are currently giving their music away, song-by-song, with the intentions of releasing a physical LP in the near future (featuring each previously released MP3s). The band has a long manifesto about their project that goes into details of their mission:

"...Our plan and experiment is to post new songs monthly, as we create and record them. Under the creative commons attribution non-commercial share alike license. all of our new music will be free to download on our website for non-commercial use. When we have enough music for an album, we will release it on vinyl for those who want to have something to hold..."

Read the full manifesto here

Celebration's last update (4/30) stated that they have 5 more songs in the works for this month... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (specially for fans of Beach House), download their 3 latest songs below:

Download: Celebration 'What's This Magical'

Download: Celebration 'I Will Not Fall'

Download: Celebration 'Open Your Heart'

R.I.P: Lala.com

2010-04-30T17:23:00.006-04:00

Back in December, we were excited to hear that Apple had purchased Lala.com (see USA Today article here), assuming that Apple was about to get into the streaming business and improve that great resource which we and may other bands and blogs use... Well, that wasn't the case...

The popular mp3 streaming site will be shutting down May 31st and are no longer accepting new users. So the only way to view or use lala.com is if you were previously a member.

Boooooo!

Video: Band of Horses 'NW Apt'

2010-04-29T14:53:00.006-04:00

We've been lucky enough to preview the upcoming Band of Horses album 'Infinite Arms' (available for pre-order here), and the song 'NW Apt' (Northwest Apartments) is one of our favorite tracks from the record... that's why it was exciting to see this first official video from the album which released today... Check it out below, and get ready for some 'Infinite Arms,' out May 18th... BOH's third LP will NOT disappoint:

New Interpol: Download the Single 'Lights'

2010-04-29T12:39:00.004-04:00

Just released today on Interpol's website (yesterday via email), check out and download the first single off their upcoming, untitled album... for the simple cost of an email address:

New Sleigh Bells Track + Album Details

2010-04-28T12:25:00.005-04:00

Sleigh Bells have finally revealed their debut LP which will be out via N.E.E.T and Mom + Pop Records May 11th. The album is called 'Treats' (artwork above) and the first track and single is 'Tell 'Em' which is available to stream as of this morning (via Pitchfork premiere) below:

UPDATE: If you dig what you hear, download 'Tell 'Em' compliments of Mom + Pop Records:

Download: Sleigh Bells 'Tell 'Em'

Treats tracklist:
01 Tell 'Em
02 Kids
03 Riot Rhythm
04 Infinity Guitars
05 Run the Heart
06 Rachel
07 Rill Rill
08 Crown On the Ground
09 Straight A's
10 A/B Machines
11 Treats

Jacuzzi Boys: 'Smells Dead' Video + Download

2010-04-27T21:17:00.005-04:00

Miami's Jacuzzi Boys will be hittin' up in the South Rail territory this May/June with several CAN'T MISS SHOWS! The single 'Smells Dead' is their most recent single from the LP 'No Seasons' which can be picked up via Florida's Dying Records here... This is the LP's second pressing and it's already halfway gone, so don't delay... Watch the video and download the single 'Smells Dead' below:

Download: Jacuzzi Boys 'Smells Dead'

South Rail Territory shows below (See all shows here):

May 5th: The Earl (Atlanta)
May 6th: Vertical House (Huntsville)
May 7th: The Bottletree (Birmingham)
June 17th: Static Age Records (Asheville)
June 19th: DISCOTECA (Chattanooga)
June 20th: Glenn Danzing's House w/ Turbo Fruits (Nashville)

The Pack A.D: New Album, Downloads, and Mix Tape Contest

2010-04-27T17:21:00.004-04:00

The Pack A.D's third LP 'We Kill Computers' hits stores today, available in CD or Vinyl here... and to celebrate, we have several killer tracks available for free download PLUS a Mint Records mix tape contest... First off, check out the LP's second single 'Crazy' below...

Download: The Pack A.D. 'Crazy'

... Also, swing on over to Daytrotter and download their live session featuring 3 nicely recorded tracks: 'June' '1880' and 'Shiny Things'

Download: The Pack A.D. Daytrotter Sessions

... And finally, The Pack A.D and Mint Records are having a Mix Tape Contest... Put together a cassette tape mix for the band featuring your own personal mix of anything you want! Simply send a cassette entry to the address below no later than May 21st. Then after the The Pack A.D get back from their European tour they will take it the mix tapes on the road with them while they head across western Canada with The Sadies... The band will decide the winners and notify them at the end of the tour.

Here is what you can win:

1st prize – a signed poster and CD, a signed cymbal, a vinyl copy of we kill computers as well as a Pack AD shirt and beverage cozy in a Mint tote bag.
2nd prize – a signed poster and CD in a Mint tote bag and a vinyl copy of we kill computers
3rd prize – a signed poster and CD and a vinyl copy ofwe kill computers

Send entries to:
The Pack A.D.

c/o Mint Records 

P.O. Box 3613, M.P.O. 

Vancouver, BC  Canada

V6B 3Y6

Win Tickets to See Futurebirds and Dexateens PLUS Some Dexateens Swag

2010-04-26T22:57:00.006-04:00

Futurebirds and Dexateens will both be in Chattanooga this Thursday under the same roof (April 29th at JJ's Bohemia). Two great bands that you should definitely get to know if you don't already...

...and The South Rail has a PAIR OF TICKETS to giveaway along with some Dexateens swag (CD and T-shirt) to one lucky reader!!!

TO ENTER: Simply email us who's your favorite, Futurebirds or Dexateens, to thesouthrail@gmail.com with the Subject as "Futurebirds Dexateens Ticket Giveaway."

Contest ends Wednesday, 4/28 at midnight. One winner will be selected randomly and notified via email Thursday morning. The winner's name (+ guest) will be at the the door the night of the show. Please note we will NOT be shipping the Dexateens CD or T-shirt. The winner must claim their prizes on Thursday at the door the night of the show (4/29, 231 MLK Blvd).

GOOD LUCK!

Athen GA's Futurebirds are about to kick off their May tour in support of their recent EP which its titled 'EP' and is available for free (or for a small donation) digitally:

Download: Futurebirds EP

Tuscaloosa's Dexateens are still touring hard with their latest LP 'Singlewide.' From that record, check out the single 'Down Low' below. If you dig what you hear download the single compliments of the Dexateens...and of course come out to the show:

Download" Dexateens 'Down Low'

The Kills To Release New Album This Summer

2010-04-26T22:51:00.004-04:00

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 6 Music, Alison Mosshart confirmed that The Kills (herself & Jamie Hince) are wrapping up to the follow-up to 2008's Midnight Boom with a possible Summer '10 release:

“...We’re kind of half finished, or three quarters of the way finished with the new record. I’m going to go back after this tour [Dead Weather] and finish it...”

This will be The Kills first post-Dead Weather album. Read the full interview here.

New M.I.A Track: 'Born Free'

2010-04-23T12:11:00.006-04:00

Just released to stream today! Check out the latest track from M.I.A's upcoming album below... it's definitely not what you're expecting to hear. Not 100% of the details, but this track has Sleigh Bells written ALL over it. Great stuff:

The Besnard Lakes: 'Albatross'

2010-04-19T17:03:00.005-04:00

The Besnard Lakes have been in high rotation here at The South Rail since their 3rd LP 'The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night' hit the shelves last month. If you haven't picked this jem up, it's about time you do.... Purchase the album directly from the band here and compliments of Besnard Lakes, download their first single 'Albatross' below...They will be touring heavily until June in support of the new album, check out a date near you here:

Download: The Besnard Lakes 'Albatross'

The Greenhornes Return! New Album This Summer

2010-04-19T16:37:00.003-04:00

Since The Raconteurs formed in '05, we haven't heard much from Cincinnati trio The Greenhornes (who consists of Craig Fox, Jack Lawrence (Dead Weather/Raconteurs), and and Patrick Keeler (Raconteurs)... In a recent Q&A with San Francisco Weekly, bassist Jack Lawrence stated the following about the upcoming Greenhornes record:

"...It's [the new album is] finished. We're trying to get it out this summer hopefully. We're getting a couple shows lined up too. There's already one that we're going to do in New York..."

Exciting news! Read the full article here

This Friday in Tennessee: Harlem (Chattanooga), Those Darlins (Knoxville), The Features (Murfreesboro)

2010-04-16T13:50:00.004-04:00

If you're in Tennessee this Friday (tonight) at either Chattanooga, Knoxville or Murfreesboro... come out for some GREAT live music!

Chattanooga @ JJ's Bohemia

HARLEM

Knoxville @ Barley's Taproom

THOSE DARLINS

Murfreesboro @ Yeah!

THE FEATURES w/ The Privates

Crystal Castles: New Album + Stream 1st Single 'Doe Deer'

2010-04-15T17:32:00.005-04:00

Crystal Castles have announced the release of their sophomore record, which will hit stores June 8th... This will also be their second record to be once again be self-tltled 'Crystal Castles' (see cover art above).

BBC Radio 1 some how got a hold of the first single 'Doe Deer' prematurely, which was in-turn was recorded from the radio broadcast and can now be streamed below (with the interruption of a British accent at the beginning and end of the song):

Track Listing:
Fainting Spells
Celestica
Doe Deer
Baptism
Year of Silence
Empathy
Suffocation
Violent Dreams
Vietnam
Birds
Pap Smear
Not in Love
Intimate
I Am Made of Chalk

The Love Language: Download the New Track 'Heart To Tell'

2010-04-14T13:44:00.005-04:00

As we reported in February, The Love Language were in lock down at Flying Tiger Sound Studios finishing up on their Merge Records debut... Now we finally get to hear a sample from the record, 'Libraries,' which will be out July 13th!

The first single is titled 'Heart to Tell,' check it out below:

Download: The Love Language 'Heart To Tell'

Track Listing:
1. Pedals
2. Brittany’s Back
3. This Blood Is Our Own
4. Summer Dust
5. Blue Angel
6. Heart to Tell
7. Anthophobia
8. Horophones
9. Wilmont
10. This Room

Also, check out this killer making-of footage:

Video: Best Coast 'When I'm With You'

2010-04-14T12:08:00.004-04:00

We told you back in January about Best Coast's most recent 7" release and single 'When I'm With You.' Well, the Best Coast crew have finally posted the official video for the song... and if you love Ronald McDonald parodies, you're in for a treat.... Check out the video below and if you missed it last time, download the track 'When I'm With You'... Like what you hear? Pick up Best Coast's newest 7" here and keep an eye out for a full-length from the band sometime this year:

Download: Best Coast 'When I'm With You'