The Strap App AKA The Arab Str(app)

Aren't we clever?

We've launched a custom app for the re-issues of the seminal Arab Strap releases; Philophobia and The Week Never Starts Round Here. Our friends at My Old Kentucky Blog sum it up for us:

Last week we filled you in on the Chemikal Underground reissues of Arab Strap's first two releases, The Week Never Starts Round Here and Philophobia, and shared the closest thing to a new track from the duo, Daughters Of Darkness....

In order to properly hype these two reissues, Chemikal Underground is sponsoring the Arab Strap Twitter Sweepstakes, which is offering fans a candid (and perhaps sordid) view of the life of Aidan Moffat via his video diary. Now, even if you’re not keen on seeing Aidan wax philosophical from the loo, you should still have a look at the contest (which, MOKB is not affiliated with in any way) simply because it represents a chance at free gear including Arab Strap’s entire Chemikal Underground catalogue.

Read More at MOKB

Come catch us at SXSW 2010

Music coming soon!

Outputmessage Mix!

Lawson Rollins - ESPIRITO

In Lawson Rollins’ latest album, Espirito, the incredibly talented guitarist blends elements of Latin and Jazz music with World percussion while continuing to showcase his amazing technical flair. The album is deeply layered; but is it too many flavors for one spoon?

That is a question we ask ourselves more and more as artists’ access to professional self –recording equipment flourishes. How much is too much? Fortunately, Lawson enlists an A-team of cohorts to coproduce: Persian-American musician Shahin Shahida of the Billboard Chart-topping group Shahin & Sepehr and multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force). So in short, no. Espirito is a wonderful follow-up to his 2008 debut, Infinita. Rollins emerges even more fantastically as a clever songwriter, attentive to the small details and nuances throughout the album. It is a mashup of instrumentations and background, drawing on influences from such culturally rich locales as Spain, Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, and the U.S.

For those who only know Lawson by his uncanny, virtuosic ‘shredding’ on YouTube, Espirito unravels a world of jaw-dropping guitar chops, delicately balanced with the musical fundamentals of a celebrity cast. And if you’ve missed out on this Internet Sensation…

VOILA!

IRIS Twitter!

Check it out, IRIS now has a twitter! Follow us to get the latest updates about new releases from your favorite artists and labels.

December Updates

Genre: Alternative/ Indie/ Rock
Artist: The Little Heroes
Album: Thank You
Street Date: November 10, 2009
Label: Wednesday Records

Following up on the success of their debut album entitled Cinematic Americana, The Little Heroes present a collection of sincere and endearing songs in their new album, Thank You. The Santa Barbara-based indie rock artist has met the approval and admiration of many music listeners since their November release.

According to Music Alley, Thank You is filled with sweeping melodies and all the components of a solid indie pop rock album.

“WE LOVE IT. We really do. The kind of sweeping melodic Valium that makes our stone-cold hearts like Coldplay.” - Billboard

“The Little Heroes have taken big steps with this album. The band’s rock element is quite apparent and has a definite Replacements-ish bounce in its step, at times letting guitars lead the way with the vocals and drums trying their best to play catch up. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how well they pull off the epic-like Coldplay or Snow Patrol.” – Pop Matters

Watch the video for their title track here!

Genre: Jazz
Artist: Sachal Vasandani
Album: We Move
Street Date: September 15, 2009
Label: Mack Avenue Records

On another note, jazz vocalist extraordinaire Sachal Vasandani released his second album, We Move, in September. Since his debut album released in 2007, Vasandani has matured as a songwriter, music stylist and bandleader.

"What makes a jazz singer has more to do with a set of tools and instincts, and by that measure Sachal Vasandani qualifies as one of the stronger new arrivals in the field." - NYTimes

"The record is a continuation of his debut, although there is a fuller, more mature energy...We Move has a bit more gusto than Eyes Wide Open, yet expect that same sedating, brilliant voice surrounding the sounds." - Huffington Post

Watch the video for his first single, “Every Ocean, Every Star."

To hear the latest alternative and electronic releases, tune into our weekly Stage 4 Podcast and check out the Stage 4 Alternative blog and the Electronic blog.

A Bad Think’s “Life of a Grape” on YouTube!

Genre: Alternative
Artist: A Bad Think
Album: Simple Rhymes
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Label: Windmark Records

Virginia Beach-based A Bad Think is driven by the many talents of Michael Marquart – one-man wonder and former drummer for British Grammy Award winning band A Flock of Seagulls. Simple Rhymes, his sophomore solo venture, is produced much like the first album was. The album, available September 29, is cathartic and endearing. The listener can directly sense Marquart’s serene triumph over life’s trials. His music and lyrics alike are pensive and well thought about.

Check out the music video for “Life of A Grape,” the first single off of A Band Think’s upcoming album!