I'm not sure that you wish I was here, but I have come all this way...

Ok so perhaps I'm biased, but these days there's nothing more exciting than a new My Sad Captains song, let alone several, or a whole EP. Ok maybe the feeling of summer finally starting makes a pretty close runner-up (or the cute guy I keep running into at the cafeteria), but when I first played the Resolutions EP I knew this would be my highlight of the day/week/month… While amazing at first listen, it's the kind of music that still gets better every time (and fabulous to accompany you walking around town, I've noticed, especially with tram rides too).
Definitely means more than I could put into words, or pay for with money, yet it's completely free, so you've got no reason to miss it!

---> http://mysadcaptains.bandcamp.com

Saw this interesting new song on youtube too, can't wait to find this on a future release!

It's such a twisted life, so hold me tight

Another band I feel needs a lot more attention is the New Zealand duo French for Rabbits. Their debut EP Claimed by the Sea was released just a few weeks back. Somehow I must have come across them when the faded nautical artwork caught my eye. But that's not the only form of beauty to be found here, soon I discovered the music is beautiful too: a perfect mix of folk and dream pop with lyrics full of longing for something lost, for new places to go, and perhaps for a little piece of safety in a world becoming crazier by the day. Brooke's soft vocals add to the intimate feel, and besides… you just can't go wrong with songtitles like "The Cats"!    

You can listen to the entire 6 track EP on bandcamp, and if you enjoy it buy the digital version or order a physical copy (with instant download - always a great option).

homepage (info, pictures, shows)

bandcamp (listen/buy)

mp3: French for Rabbits - Claimed by the Sea.

No, love's not enough, love is the excuse for it all

One of my favourite new discoveries in 2011 was Red Shoe Diaries with their EP When I Find My Heart…, released as an edition of 300 on Fika Recordings, a 10" EP in a beautiful handprinted sleeve, complete with instant download, peach tea and a caramelised apple cake recipe. Looks like it's still available so you better hurry to get one, you might regret it if you end up missing out. Described as "five friends from Nottingham, UK, who write pop songs for messed-up grown-ups", I thought this might just be the right thing for me, and it is. 

Also available (for free!) is the Debut EP and a new lovely little wintery track I'm going to post below. Comparing bands doesn't always seem to make a lot of sense to me, but somehow they remind me a little bit of The Cavalcade, so if you like them you might like Red Shoe Diaries too, also the chances are pretty good if you like Belle and Sebastian, California Snow Story, and perhaps every now and again find yourself wishing that Voxtrot were still around. Most certainly Red Shoe Diaries are a band that make you listen to the lyrics more closely, which I always enjoy when it happens - check this post's title (a line from "Fossil Fuels") or also brilliant (from "The Love You Read About"): "You've got no reason to kiss me, keep your lips to yourself" - this makes me smile nearly every time!   

I think they deserve way more attention, so make sure you give them a try and spread the word.

Buy the 10" EP When I Find My Heart
Get the Debut EP for free
Try Red Shoe Diaries - San Francisco Snowglobe