You Should Write Your Own

Colored Shadows, "Tiger Mask" - At this point, I'm ready to call Colored Shadows the second-best unsigned band in the country right now (and it's not like I can imagine anyone taking over for the Harlem Shakes in that capacity, so well done indeed). I actually got at least partially into the whole blogging game in order to spread the word about their phenomenally accomplished self-titled debut EP, but they somehow seem to have gotten way, way, way better since then; their Tiger Mask EP isn't as lush as its predecessor, but what it lacks in texture it MORE than makes up for in pop chops, which is of course not exactly easy to do. The title track, posted here, is probably my favorite song of theirs; it crashes and rolls with the kind of forceful melodrama that keeps Apple Martin in hemp jumpers, only stripped bare of its studio polish so that you can face yourself in the morning. I'm still kicking myself for missing no less than FIVE free Colored Shadows shows during October (one of which had them supporting the Harlem Shakes); in light of their new material, I'd bet that it'll be a long time before I get a chance to see 'em for free again. (Click here to visit the band's website and order the Tiger Mask EP [or the debut EP] from the band's online store)

The Spinto Band, "Oh Mandy" - On first listen, it seems pretty reasonable to compare Delaware's Spinto Band with Indie Sensations Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: "distinctive" lead singer, truly unfortunate band name, and the kind of indie-pop songcraft that lets you easily overlook the first two in the long run. Of course, in reality the Spinto Band's been around since 1996 and have seven self-released albums to their credit; they only seem to be gathering steam on the strength of "Oh Mandy", a stately, shimmering gem driven by all sorts of crazy instruments (most immediately a mandolin yanked straight from "Losing My Religion", not that they had too many choices as far as mandolin sounds to yank) that's been garnering a little bit of attention overseas. It's hard not to see good things in their future; I'm pretty sure no indie kid in their right mind's going to pass up a crack at the next "Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth". (Click here to buy Nice And Nicely Done from Amazon)