"Wildlife Direct is a program of the Africa Conservation Fund, a charitable organization registered in Kenya, in the United States and the United Kingdom aimed at helping Endangered Animals in Eastern Africa." I've been keeping an eye on the gorilla section of the site for some time now, and recently the fighting in the surrounding area has gotten worse leaving the gorillas exposed to a war of greed, but hey, what the fuck else is new? As if the gorillas being executed wasn't enough, they now live with bombs and stray bullets flying around. It's essential that the park rangers can have access to their camps that have been taken over by the Rebels fighting. While cease fires have been stitched together over the past week, they have just as quickly fallen to pieces.

While the future of a majority of species is bleak at best, I thought this to be a great way to spread the word on the situation. It makes me nauseous just to read. Knowledge is power, and while this may be painful in some case to read and watch, it's necessary.


by Me • | Link | •

Beirut. Fantastic sounds. It's eerie in a way.

Beirut Podcast, KEXP

Great Lake Swimmers.


by Me • | Link | •

Wow. Hehe. So, it's been quite awhile, and in my state this afternoon there was no reason, none at all, to deny the woodlands an update! It's only been eons. I hope everyone is well. Anyway, a couple of things I wanted to post today, some or most may have already been thrown out there, no worries though.

The Dodos. This twosome is extremely unique. They make quite a bit of sound with the accompanying instruments, and the drummer has a fantastic mustache. You cannot go wrong with that! "Men" and "Trades and Tariffs" are two of my favorites, you can access both of those at their myspace page or watch it below! Their page has "experimental" as the description, and I'd say that's fair. Bear with me as the cobwebs come undone.

These guys are at DC9 this Sunday night. Go.



Along with the dodos come Bishop Allen. I've been enjoying them quite a bit.

Bishop Allen - Rain
Bishop Allen - Click, Click, Click, Click

by Me • | Link | •

I stumbled upon José González at insound, I think. He's really an intriguing listen, "crosses" caught my ear with it's darkness. Have a go!

José González - Crosses

Official Site
At MySpace

Since I'm light years behind, this is probably old news, but I found it quite neat that Isaac Brock has formed his own label, Glacial Palace. The first to sign? None other than Mason Jennings, interesting. Oh, and I apologize but the Modest Mouse & Ugly Casanova Live Section is no more due to some letter I received which didn't make much sense but none of them usually do...did that make sense? Eh.

Chad VanGaalen ended up on a Subpop sampler I received a while ago. He's got some sounds which were thrown under psych-pop in a review today by Tiny Mix Tapes!

Chad VanGaalen - Clinically Dead
Chad VanGaalen - Echo Train

Ah, yes, and Paul Duncan has released something new titled "Be Careful What You Call Home." Home-Tapes

Paul Duncan - Oil In The Fields
Paul Duncan - Letdownville ~From To An Ambient Hollywood~

Variety Pack
The Strugglers - Rejection Letter, The Strugglers - The Cascade Range, Love Is Chemicals - Everyone Is On It, Dora Flood - Stargazing, The Moogs - Disco

And the next to last thing. Ash's sister Alexe plays piano, guitar, and has a great voice. Here's a video from her first live performance at Jammin Java doing two original songs.

And the last thing - Our families boxer Eddie passed away on Tuesday November 8th, since I've been movie happy of late, here's a link to the movie I made. We'll miss him.

by Me • | Link | •

cough, cough...these cobwebs are out of control!

The Palace Flophouse throw themselves under the indie/acoustic/folk classification, covering all bases we attempt to run here at AW. The acoustic is the main drive of the sound and the lyrics aren't just words to fill the air. I hope to hear more of these guys.

The Palace Flophouse at MySpace.

Evan Goodberry makes delicate folk-ish gems. I found each song to be rather impressive. Mystery and Misery puts it best - "There’s a nice mix of additional guitars, keys, and backing vocals, all played subtly so as not to overwhelm Goodberry’s voice and guitar, and they greatly add to these mellow but lovely songs." Additionally, I'm not sure why, but I'm finding a hint of a Sufjan Stevens in these sounds.

Evan Goodberry - Saturday
Evan Goodberry - Epilogue
Evan Goodberry - St. Louis Evan Goodberry - Thunderstorms(clip)

A few tracks from insound:

Chin Up Chin Up - Collide The Tide(remix)
Tim Fite - No Good Here
Jose Gonzalez - Crosses

by Me • | Link | •

I had just taken a leak, grabbed a cold 24oz Bud, and begun my way to a portion of green pasture when the lights around the stage disappeared and the crowds roar begun. This was my first venture to Merriweather Post Pavilion. "How's it going? Nice to see you." The timing couldn't have been better as I plopped my ass down on a hill slanted 45 degrees and nearly started rolling down the hill like a rolley poleys would. M. Ward did not disappoint. He started out with Duet For Guitars which is about as close as you can come to a perfect opening song. Duet for Guitars - if it had not been for the broken string, that song alone would have completed the night for me before it began. His set, while short, was filled with his signature....incredible and unique guitar plucking. Set: Duet For Guitars - Poor Boy, Minor Key, - Undertaker - etc.....

The Shins set was much longer and filled with mostly with their gems from Chutes Too Narrow. "Saint Simon" had to be the favorite of mine that they played off of Chutes and "One By One All Day" from Oh! Inverted World. Overall though, they got the place geared up for the White Stripes.....the opening acts couldn't have built up a more perfect buzz for the White Stripes....you were eased into the evening with an alt-country sound, scooted along to a popalicious Shins set, then lifted to the peak as you waited in anticipation for the final act.

The White Stripes didn't disappoint. First and foremost, I do have a White Stripes album, "Elephant," but I'm hardly qualified to sit here and attempt to call out songs or analyze them and by this point the alcohol had long since taken over my brain. In short, Jack White can mash on the guitar, I believe that to be well documented. For a two piece to create the sounds they do, it's about as impressive as it gets.

The show was great. Opening acts awesome. Sound solid. Weather, perfect. Diversity of music? Check. And thanks to NPR, we can relive the show! Thanks lhb

White Stripes, The Shins, M. Ward on NPR
M. Ward in the Live section

by Me • | •

Phosphorescent were one of Tiny Mix Tapes reviews today and instantly caught my ear with their off-the-wall, bank left, turn 195 degrees, there you go...What the....so the guy is 26 and from Alabama and part of the Misra Records ensamble. The sound is best heard with some grilled onions caramelizing - for me at least. See what you think, quite good.

Phosphorescent - Joe Tex, These Taming Blues
Phosphorescent - I Am A Full Grown Man(I Will Lay In The Grass All Day)

Luke Tan has an ablum for download on the net, and make no mistake, this isn't just some joe schmo deciding he wants his music heard. I still for the life of me can't place the sound....but I figure marshmellows, a few pointed sticks, and a campfire to be an ideal setting for these songs. Except for "Hypochristian" - this guys got something to say. And make sure to visit the album available for d/l.

Luke Tan - Frankie Machine(The Suicide King)
Luke Tan - Hypochristian

I got the new Holowpaw from Subpop which I must say is a solid sohpomore effort. What I found to be more interesting is that I can't get the Cd out of the Cd player...so I have no option but to listen to these guys to and fro work. Not a bad thing though - yet! Why hasn't this been thought of already!?!?

Man I've been slackin....another review in the coming days from Andrew Gregory. I'm revamping the site so I can make updates efficient and hopefully a new show in the coming days.

by Me • | Link | •

Singer/Guitarist James Levy, Mike Jones(drums), James Broughel(bass), and Matt Siskin(guitar) form the band Levy and make some of the more accessible diverse gems I've heard recently. The songs are delicious from all corners of the room for these NYC undergrounders who formed over a year ago. "This is our art, no one is gonna tell us how to do it."

Levy - Rotton Love
Levy - On The Dance Floor
Levy - In The Woods

Arctic is the project of one Marcus Martin, a fella based in Vancouver, BC. He's got a unique touch when playing - Samples a clip from his guitar then layers it like a cake(comparable to Andrew Bird or Owen Pallett of FF). It's good stuff, and while dark at times, the guy's knows what he's doing and will catch your ear right quick. Have a peek.

Arctic - Some One Turning
Arctic - Launching Pad

by Me • | Link | •

Kingsbury Manx are releasing a new album - "The Fast Rise and Fall of the South" - via Yep Roc Records on the 20th of September. Yep Roc has set up a page with some recent news. In the past, you'd be hard pressed to find anything on these guys so it's a welcome addition. They put on one of the more impressive shows I've ever seen...try and catch them if they come your way!


Kingsbury Manx - Harness And Wheel - From "The Fast Rise and Fall of The South"
Kingsbury Manx - Pelzkomet - From "Aztec Discipline"
Kingsbury Manx - Porchlight - From "Let You Down"
Kingsbury Manx - Cross Your Eyes - From "The Kingsbury Manx"

"Tim Fite was one of the small number of babies born between 1975 and 1983 without any blood. Although seemingly healthy, his veins were as dry as his bones. Most of the other babies with this condition were immediately quarantined, and later dissected by leading scientists to determine the cause of such an anomaly (generally to no avail and in extreme secrecy). Tim Fite, however, survived the pokings and proddings of multiple rounds of clandestine-testing, and was eventually hooked up to a machine. The machine that gave him his blood.... - Read more

Stream Tim Fite's "Gone Ain't Gone." It's quite the interesting listen.

Picture up top courtesy of Exploding Dog.

by Me • | Link | •

Neat song by the French Artist Delaney from Pehr Records.

Delaney - La Nuit On A Toujours Tour

Stream some tracks from Devendra Banharts new album "Cripple Crow. Thanks to all out there who've posted this previously!

Videos of M. Ward in the studio somewhere in England performing for BBC's Collective, a page updated weekly to "exchange view on new music, film and culture." M plays three tunes.

by Me • | •

Yerbird Records released Sounds Like Falls debut album "The Wolf Is At the Door" on the 4th of July, 2005. I've listened the disk and opened up the reviews section. I couldn't have asked for a better album to start things out with!

"Joe Young wastes no time grasping your attention with his hypnotic, subtle, and at times cautiously delivered vocals and gently strummed guitar on his debut disk “The Wolf Is At The Door.” Hailing from Iowa, he's been a staple of the midwest music scene for a few years now as the lead singer of Ames. While that may be a vague introduction to the man whom resides beneath the moniker Sounds Like Fall, his debut is a far cry from such a thing......." - Read the rest here

Sounds Like Fall - Precious Morning
Sounds Like Fall - In Your Hands

Make sure to also check out Yerbird Records site as well for additional songs from Sounds Like Fall. He's a super dude with some super things on the horizon and I'm sure we'll be hearing more in the near future!

by Me • | Review | •

Three artists from all corners of the musical world to bring to your attention today. Firstly the high octane dance music of nervous_testpilot. He has a new EP called Determinance out on Freedom Road Records which features music from the forthcoming computer game of the same name which will be issued by Mode 7.

nervous_testpilot - Spacetime

The Humdrum Express is a young fella from Kidderminster in the Midlands of the UK. His debut album All Aboard covers all bases of British pop from Suede to the Ordinary Boys and even Carter. He's offering up a couple of sample tracks from his budget priced CD.

The Humdrum Express - Consolation Prize
The Humdrum Express - Hope It Goes Away

And to wrap up today's post some fey indie pop courtesy of Tales Of Jenny. Formed at University and having temporarily gone their seperate ways they had time to make some bedroom recordings before dispersing. E-mail them through their website and encourage them to get back together.

Tales Of Jenny - Prague Spring
Tales Of Jenny - Other Boys
Tales Of Jenny - Eye For Ivy

Photo courtesy of Brightside Photography

by Russ • | Link | •

The Woodlands has not yet sunken! Do yourself a favor and delve into the sounds of Deloris. Hailing from Melbourne, these guys just released an 8 track acoustic cd and though I've yet to hear any of it, I can assure you that the tracks below will catch your ears just right! Their site contains songs aplenty, along with further information on the band, so see what you think. "The Unbroke Part Of It" is one that should get you going. Hear | See

Deloris - The Unbroke Part Of It
Deloris - Local Antarctica
Deloris - Playing The Spaces (Video)

Keep your eyes peeled for a review next week....yeah, it's actually going to appear in the reviews section as well!

Sufjan Stevens played a new song titled "The Lord God Bird" on All Things Considered.

Joanna Newsom show and undecided will be posted in the live section this weekend.

Back to normal early next week!

by Me • | Link | •

Saw is back. They Opened for M. Ward for some european dates recently and finished up a new album titled "The Yellow Light." It's been placed online for you to give a listen and I suggest taking it for a spin! "It's a creepy sounding listen at times, but well thought out" which fits like a thumbtack in a wall at the Woodlands.

Saw - The Yellow Light

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah made it up to pitchfork and tiny mix tapes yesterday, the 22nd of June. The band is creating a buzz similar to the Canadian storm that came through about 10 months ago. But the question I ask is this: Is the buzz being created due to the slow start here in 2005 or the fact that this is in fact a fact? I believe it to be the latter, latter, latter.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Over and Over Again (Lost & Found)
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - In This Home On Ice

Nixon is back with a with a bunch of new sounds for you to listen to, check out their site.

Other Music is an online music store located in New York where I found a release from Vetiver titled, "Between." "Between" is a compilation of radio performances, live tracks, demos, and a cover of a Fleetwood Mac song. Cabic is quite the multi-tasker as well - while finishing up his bands 2nd album, he's been helping Devendra Banhart finish his 34th album in the past 2 years. Can't wait for both.

The Notwist with be with Themselves as 13 & God on the 21st of September in DC, for those whom it may be relevant.

And it's true, Broken Social Scene have a release date to the follow up from "You Forgot it In People". The magic day is Oct. 4th, as previously reported by Tiny Mix Tapes.

by Me • | Link | •

The live shows are back up.

"Say Hi To Your Mom simultaneously defies and enforces physics. We're the mumbling in your head while you're crunching the numbers. We're the apparitions, ticks, gut wrenching, suspicion and glee too. We're the reason you rolled a nineteen for charisma, the cat's meow, your least favorite aunt. Touch us and we'll touch you. Watch us and we'll watch you..." - Say Hi To Your Mom site then full Bio.

Say Hi To Your Mom - Lets Talk About Spaceships
Say Hi To Your Mom - Laundry
Say Hi To Your Mom - The Forest Scares the Hell out of Me

We should all be regulars over at Playing in Fog as they post some intriguing sounds from unsigned bands - as well as signed ones - on a somewhat regular basis. A few that I stumbled across were Foxtail Somersault, Scrabbel, and Minipop:

Foxtail Somersault - All The Girls
Foxtail Somersault - Tonight
Scrabbel - Save The Green Planet(clip)
Scrabbel - All The Things(clip)
Minipop - Fingerprints
Minipop - Butterflies

Liz Phair has some acoustic tour dates on the horizon and the secret ingredient behind Mr. Brocks Ugly Casanova side project from a few years back - Holopaw's John Orth - are releasing an album somewhere abouts early June titled "Quit+/or Fight" and while we're in the subpop shop, the Fruit Bats have a release lined up for July 26th.

Some new KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic sets for your viewing pleasure - Spoon, Beck, Andrew Bird, The Soundtrack of our Lives, The Decemberists, Mike Doughty

And a track courtesy of Said The Gramaphone, a spectacular site.

Birdmonster - Janine

by Me • | Link | •

With the UK currently under the grip of some warm weather for a change what better to soundtrack the days than some lovely alt.country courtesy of The Tailors. Thanks to Chris for bringing the Tailors to my attention, it's always very much appreciated when people do this.

The Tailors - Backslap Club
The Tailors - Giddy and Maudlin

The Arctic Monkeys are the current underground buzz in the UK. Think how good the Libertines could have been if they knew their way around a tune and sang in a Yorkshire accent. Their debut limited edition single Five Minutes With... sold out really quickly, see for yourselves what all the fuss is about.

The Arctic Monkeys - Fake Tales Of San Fransisco
The Arctic Monkeys - Scummy
The Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum

Help She Can't Swim are a feisty prospect, like a fuller, beefier Bis. With boy/girl shouty vocals and shambling attitude there can be none more fey. If you enjoy the music below then their album Fashionista Super Dance Troupe on Fantastic Plastic is well worth a go.

Help She Can't Swim - Are You Feeling Fashionable?
Help She Can't Swim - My Own Private Disco
Help She Can't Swim - Fermez La Bouche

Photo courtesy of Brightside Photography

by Russ • | Link | •

Although these things change all the time my current favourite label is Organ Grinder Records. They currently have three bands on their roster one of which is Fireworks Night who have just put out a wonderful album with echoes of Tindersticks and Lambchop, beautiful vocals and warm instrumentation. The album It's A Wide Wide Sea is something truly special. Here's a couple of tracks from the album.

Fireworks Night - The Gold Leaves
Fireworks Night - Long Time Healing

The Mules are not your average band. Their songs draw on polka, traditional Greek Music, Beefheart and PIL . Now I know this sounds like it would be an unholy mess but trust me it's far from it. Their EP Grab Your Musket is the latest product of these disperate influences.

The Mules - Polly O

Pontiak wanted to form the sort of group that they would listen to - one not particularly concerned with genres, boundaries or fitting into any one scene. While they haven't necessarily achieved this grand aim they've certainly produced some fine music persuing their goal. They have an EP The White Buffalo available at shows so if you live in the Baltimore area it might be worth checking them out.

Pontiak - The Letter Said
Pontiak - Aztec Blood

And in case you were wondering all the photos accompanying my posts are by Brightside Photography

by Russ • | Link | •

Bullette has appeared pretty much everywhere on the web the past week or two and for good reason. She has drawn comparisions to Nancy Sinatra, Aimee Mann, Lali Puna and if I was one to express my own – Liz Phair(ish) with a dash of Jolie Holland. I received her email, read a few reviews, and knew this was going to be something different. With the assistance of Hangnail Phillips, Bullette's self-released downloadable album “Secrets” throws you a vast array of different sounds, each as adorable and delightful as the previous. The second track “Little Bird” is a favorite of mine. Couple "Little Bird" with the Opener "Show Me", and you've just begun to tap into the diversity that Bullette brings to the table. All in all, this is a well kept secret and one that shouldn’t last for long since music as ingenious as this can only grow. Have a listen to the first three tracks and delve into the rest! Permission provided for posting the sounds.

Bullette - Show Me
Bullette - Little Bird
Bullette - Your Eyes Have It

For the track “Droppin,” Soft portray that of an underwater atmosphere – deep breath - for the first 1:10. A couple neatly pecked notes(phaser?) sweep the rather mountainous seabed portraying bubbles while the rest jump on board, piece by piece. Eventually, vocals appear and we’re all free to exhale and listen to the gentle vocals riding the tide. This is a fun listen with hopefully more to come on top of these 3 tracks. Enjoy, and check out the site

Soft - Droppin
Soft - All That You're Shown
Soft - Lucky Jam

Soft will also be at DC9 on Saturday the 13th of August.

by Me • | Link | •

Tom Thumb is releasing his follow up to "songs from holiday" titled "Kindermusik" shortly. His debut was nothing short of a solid listen packed with an acoustic sound and lyrics that weren't just...there. Tom hangs on the same plane for his sophomore effort, but injects the "latter day saints" into the mix who add another dimension to the music. The result is just as intriguing as the first, though the edges have been sanded a bit, rounding out the raw sounds from "songs from holiday" into a complete listen from beginning to end. Though "Kindermusik" floats along more to the electric side of things there isn't much, if any, missteps along the way. "Preach," "Growing Boy," and a fantastic cover of Springsteins "Atlantic City" round out the available sounds for you to delve into. I'm not sure how long ago the debut album was recorded, but I'm assuming at least a couple of years ago as it's clearly evident that Thumb has evolved as a musician between the two. Can't resist this one - Two thumbs up!

Tom Thumb & The Latter Day Saints - Growing Boy
Tom Thumb & The Latter Day Saints - Preach
Tom Thumb & The Latter Day Saints - Atlantic City

I cruised back over to one Pehr Label last night who brought us Arco and was amazed at what I'd missed during my first trip. Now, forgive me for my minimal description for I am secretly pecking away at the keyboard at work. This is The Very Hush, Hush of course.

The Very Hush Hush - That Look

A few more Hush Hush treats here

"nic garcia's music is as desolate as his home state of north dakota. he has been stumbling under the radar recording and self-releasing his music. his songs are the soundtrack for those early-morning journeys home from the witching hour. he usually performs solo with just his voice, guitar, and amplifier." - Nic Garcia.net

Nic Garcia - Ballad of Peter Night
Nic Garcia - City Skyline
Nic Garcia - Time Folded

Wow, Willy to do a Reggae album?

Apologies for lack of Art and show rotation. Sometimes these things take time, and don't happen as often as I'd like.

by Me • | Link | •

Wallpaper Silhouettes are three (sometimes four) guys from Norway. They write ramshackle, yet charming pop songs and their debut album Echo The World (We Live In) is filled with ten of them. Fans of the Chameleons, the Associates and Orange Juice will love this band. I have to confess to a vested interest as my label Freedom Road Records are putting it out. But i wouldn't recommend or release anything i don't believe in would I?

Wallpaper Silhouettes - A Need To Know
Wallpaper Silhouettes - Autumn Love
Wallpaper Silhouettes - The Marauder

Springfactory are another great band from Stockholm. Lina's little girl vocals are ably assisted by her partner in crime Peter, moonlighting from Suburban Kids With Biblical Names. Bedroom are currently putting out their records and it's worth checking the rest of their roster too. These tracks are from their debut EP.

Springfactory - Get Out Of Bed
Springfactory - On The Back Of Your Bike
1

by Russ • | Link | •

If you tend to peek over at pitchfork from time to time, dig, listen, then you're most likely to have stumbled upon The Boy Least Likely To. Lit up with everything except the kitchen sink, the sounds intertwine nearly flawlessly to leave the soda pop influenced sound literally popping you in your eye from the getgo. I picture a Gnome clicking his heels together. Hmm. What?

The Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle With me(Real Audio)
More Sounds

And Lemonade with a twist:

The Cloud Room - Hey Now Now
Final Fantasy - The CN Tower Belongs To The Dead
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Animal Midnight

The Robot Ate Me released their follow up to "On Vacation" and "They Ate Themselves." If you've stumbled upon the woodlands prior to this day, you know we're enormous fans of the unique sounds produced by thee, and Carousel Waltz isn't likely to alter our perception. Tiny Mix Tapes review.

The Robot Ate Me - Bad Feelings(Carousel Waltz)
The Robot Ate Me - On Vacation(On Vacation)
The Robot Ate Me - Apricot Tea
The Robot Ate Me - Oh No Oh My!

And thank you to Fingertips for adding the Woodlands to your Mp3 blog links! The select company is pretty neat. Cheers.

by Me • | Link | •

Jens Lekman is a mercurial young fella from Gothenburg. Fragile pop songs and a baritone to rival Stephin Merritt's make Jens' debut album When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog a beautiful, warped listen. This was a culmination to a series of EPs that were progressively more wonderful. The top notch Swedish label Service releases his stuff in Sweden and Secretly Canadian do the honours worldwide. He's currently on tour around Europe (dates on his website). In the meantime here's the highlights from his EPs so far.

Jens Lekman - Black Cab
Jens Lekman - You Are The Light
Jens Lekman - Rocky Dennis Farewell Song To The Blind Girl

He's so prolific there's a whole load of unreleased stuff on the Secretly Canadian website under the banner At The Department Of Forgotten Songs.

Jens Lekman - F-Word
Jens Lekman - Pretty Shoes
Jens Lekman - The Wrong Hands

Also recommended is watching the video for Jens's 'You Are The Light' single. Jens Lekman - You Are The Light Video

Wan Light hail from Stockholm and another of the bands in thrall to the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. We can forgive them this shameless homage by the fact that they're so great at it. Labrador are responsible for putting out their music. Just one mp3 but it's a cracker, the lovely In The Heart of Sarah Freeman from the first Wan Light album Let's Wake Up Somewhere Else. There are however more recent songs in the player on the Wan Light website.

Wan Light - In The Heart Of Sarah Freeman

by Russ • | Link |•

I really enjoy what Arco are getting at. Arco's Chris Healey, his brother Nick, and Dave Milligan make some impressive and mostly laid back pop. In "Alien", the drums and bass are quietly brought forth about 35 seconds to join C. Healey's gently strummed acoustic. Healey - in a subtle, quiet way - also throws a nice dose of unique lyrics on top of all three components to make "Alien" an intriguing listen. "Arco is comprised of singer/guitarist chris healey, his identical twin brother nick healey on drums, and bassist dave milligan. they live in london and have been playing since 1998. the name arco is italian for bow." - Bio from Pehr Records

Arco - Alien
Arco - Lie
Arco - All This World

I can't find anything on this guy Luke Abrahms. I tried taking the "h" out of his last name and came up with a Luke Abrams and found one, only it was a different guy. This Luke was part of the "Moped Army", a group of moped gangsta's! "The Moped Army is the organizational end result of an outcropping of moped enthusiasts throughout the nation. Seeing it as more than just an easy and inexpensive way to get around town, members uphold the moped as a way of life!"

This one track I found of Luke Abrahms is an acoustic instrumental. The guy seems well versed with his guitar playing, and throws some neat sounds on top. I wish I knew some more as I'd like to hear it. If anyone knows of any links to this guy, please post.

Luke Abrahms - Jessica

Pitchfork interview with Andrew Bird

Here's to Russ, the Woodlands newest writer from Oxford, England! Thanks for jumping on board and contributing your musical tastes to the Woodlands and making it a better place for all.

by Me • | Link |•

For my first contribution to this blog I thought I'd delve into the local music scene here in Oxford, England. I guess everyone knows Oxford for Radiohead and Supergrass but there's a wealth of underground music that's as diverse as you could possibly imagine. There's also a whole host of venues for bands to play, free music magazines and small labels cropping up. Oxford labels include Vacuous Pop, Quickfix, Truck Records and of course my own Freedom Road Records. To give you a taster of what's on offer I've picked some of the bands closer to Acoustic Woodlands sensibilities. Who knows I may get to the drum n bass, metal and unclassifiable stuff later...

Trademark make deliciously bright, bouncy electro-pop, wear labcoats when they play live and released their debut album proper 'Want More' on local label Truck Records last year. They're currently recording new material which will hopefully capitalise on their ever-growing following, with more converts being garnered ever since their tour with the Human League late last year. They're living proof that electronic music can have a human heart.

Trademark - Hold That Thought
Trademark - Sine Love

Trademark will be playing at Truck Festival in July, a much more laid back music festival with a strong roster of local and international acts.

undertheigloo produce experimental rock dreamscapes and are working on their debut album as we speak. They've have been more of a secret than Trademark, not having issued any CDs yet. But their live shows are a big draw, pulling in lots of people to see their music which lies somewhere in the middle ground between Radiohead and Four Tet. It's at turns intense and effortlessly beautiful. MP3 downloads aren't working at the moment, but you can listen to them via their Jukebox. If you like what you hear on their jukebox e-mail them and they may even send you something.

Script play post-proto-pop (their own words) which is good a description as any. The best thing about their songs is their tendency to take you by surprise, either by a change of direction as on 'As I Do' or by utilised a rarely used time signature as on '6.5'. Both tracks feature on their recent 'Triptych' EP which is not yet available for download. Tracks from the previous EP 'White Goods' are though.

Script - Run The Paths
Script - A4

by Russ • | Link |•

They let me go. It was weird. Great response to the fantastic Boat tunes. If you're out west, make sure to follow up on these guys as they are doing mini-tours which will hopefully expand further east sometime soon.

Sounds Like Fall is almost finished with his album titled "The Wolf Is At The Door." Yerbird Records is slating a late April/May release. Should be good. Below are a couple Demo tracks. Check out Yerbird

Sounds Like Fall - Picture in My Wallet
Sounds Like Fall - Bound

•A bunch of delectable performances from KEXP. (via Brooklyn Vegan)

•And KCRW is apparently up to the task as well - Andrew Bird and Beck have joined them in recent weeks.

As The Robot Ate Me...since Tiny Mix Tapes has an edge on the rest of the competition, I was ecstatic to see that TRAM is going on tour right after their album is released next month. I will be travelling south towards granules of sand the day they arrive in Charlottesville and hope to delay my stop for gas by a few hours. That is some exciting news for one of the more unique sounds on planet earth right now. "Carousel Waltz is a response to political insanity and personal tragedy with an album based on hope, love, and the importance of transforming sorrow into joy. Recorded after the death of two close family members - these songs were made to comfort, and remember with love - not sorrow. Almost entirely written and recorded alone in a small bedroom, the songs are personal, achingly heartfelt, and completely timeless. Combined with sixties pop influenced orchestral arrangements the result is deeply personal songs that are uplifting, fun, and touching all at once. Life is celebrated with trumpets. Love is carried by clarinets. We are all lifted on strings that break just as quickly as they are made. These are songs made for people living, loving and fighting through every pitfall and every incredible moment that swings in their direction. This is the new album by The Robot Ate Me. BYE."

The Robot Ate Me - On Vacation
The Robot Ate Me - Apricot Tea

The Fruit Bats new release "Spelled In Bones" is set for July 05' release. He'll be joining Mr. Beam, in Sam, on the road for a few dates. Near and around Chicago.

And for some interesting dates surrounding the areas near DC....I give you:

4/25 - Animal Collective @ The Black Cat, DC
4/26 - Jennifer Gentle @ The Ottobar, Baltimore, MD - Universal Daughter
5/1 - The Wedding Present @ The Black Cat, DC
5/4 - Mike Doughty @ The Black Cat, DC
5/8 - Earlimart/Okkervil River @ IOTA, Arlington, VA
5/17 - Chin Up Chin up @ The Ottobar, Baltimore, MD - We Should Have Never...
5/22 - Pinkback @ The Black Cat, DC
5/24 - Andrew Bird @ IOTA, Arlington, VA - Nervous Tic Motion of The Head...

Devendra Banhart is finishing up an album which he's cut 30 tracks for. How many are going to make up the final spin?

A show rotation will be taking place soon. Joanna Newsom to be one of them.

Russ of Freedom Road Records will be joining the updates soon....looking forward to that.

by Me • | •

I received a Cd in the mail the other day from a band named Boat. I hadn't heard of them previously, and wasn't quite sure what to expect, but they really stuck like glue after hearing the opening track "Holding all the Globes" and taking the rest of it for a spin. The disk features a vast array of instruments and neat lyrics all in under 30. 11 tracks follow the opener, each a unique breath of fresh air. The album, "Life is a Shipwreck, We Must Remember to Sing in the Life Boats" is their first release, which has been followed by a few others which can be found at the bands site, run by the Oh No Disaster label. You can also hear three other tunes, including "Holding all the Globes" right here and a few mp3s at their home site. Boat, does indeed rock.

Boat - Quickly and Quietly
Boat - Trained By Trains
Boat - Lanterns and Laughing Ladies

Live shows will be back up once my bandwidth resets. Apologies.

You can buy M. Wards "Duet For Guitars #2 from Amazon. I think it's a collection of older unreleased material.

Xavier Rudd jumps up on stage with a didgeridoo, foot drum, harmonica, and a lap steel guitar - among other things. He's from Australia and about to join Jack Johnson on tour in April or May. September 12 is the first track I heard, and it's most impressive if you watch the video to see how he creates the sounds. The didgeridoo is a great asset. Anyway, have a listen.

Xavier Rudd - 12 of September
Xavier Rudd - To Let
Xavier Rudd - Conceal Me

by Me • | •

The woodlands has been on a bit of a hiatus. Normal posting will now resume, but if you have some spare time and would like to jump on board to share some music, post news, or whatever the hell please email me.

Singer/songwriter Tom Thumb puts it all out there with the sincerity of his lyrics and genuinely composed music in his debut album "songs from holiday". With the assistance of some cronies, a reel to reel 8 track, and any instrument he could get his hands on, the album was put together in a variety of places in NYC and finished up once he moved to RI. The results will keep you engaged as he's clearly found his niche to settle in and keep ones attention. "Boot(y) Camps" is a classic example of a raw talent that could and should have great things on the horizon.

Tom Thumb - Boot(y) Camps
Tom Thumb - Gracie's Mine
Tom Thumb - Times Arrow

A visitor posted a comment a few weeks concerning LARGO02. "LARGO02 is a french artist whose inspirations are 80's electro pop music,some other massive attack, bjork, sakamoto, kraftwerk, and jazz stars like coltrane and so on. why wouldn't you discover his work on his website? Have fun." Thanks fred. Reminds me of some 80's. For more go here.

LARG002 - Disconnected (Original Mix)

M. Ward On His Own Bandwidth and a session from KEXP

Bloc Party on Morning Becomes Eclectic

We checked out Graham Smith(aka KleenEX-girlwonder) at the Galaxy Hut a couple weekends ago. I found out why I haven't received his latest release "Final Battle" which I ordered via March records. I guess the dude at March Records "got a real job" and they couldn't keep the disk on the shelves he got in the weeds and that was that. So for those of you who never received it, that's why. Considering it was a free show, I guess I broke even. I know that he tends to be hit or miss live or in the studio, but this was clearly a miss. Maybe it was the crowd, perhaps it was the Hut(capacity 48 with probably close to 100), but ultimately it came down to his songs of choice. Not one song was played off of Ponyoak and if you requested one, you heard about it. Most, if not all, were played off of "Final Battle" which I've yet to hear. Anyway, Graham himself was actually a funny guy. I signed up for his mailing list which sends you a few songs that will be on his next release slated for late summer. He's also working on a cartoon called The McMahons which he does the voices and music for. Check out espisode 1 through 4. And Kleenexgirlwonder.com has a few tracks from albums pre Ponyoak days.

The Bostonians (1997)
Bones and the Smiling Mackerel (1996)
Fort Rourke (1996)

by Me • | •

Ahoy.

Marmoset - Torn Cup Fly Up Above
Marmoset - Friendamine

The New Year - Gasoline
The New Year - Chinese Handcuffs

Touch & Go Records

Tiny Mix Tapes reviewed Andrew Birds The Mysterious Production of Eggs today.

Graham Smith(Kleenexgirlwonder) is at the Galaxy Hut, Arlington, VA this Saturday, March 12. This is a must if you live in or around the area.

Built to Spill start a mini tour in may along the east coast. Check ticketmaster for dates.

M. Ward appears on Morning Becomes Eclectic March 29th.
Bloc Party on March 22nd

by Me • | •

"East River Pipe is one F.M. Cornog, who wrote, performed, recorded and mixed all of the sounds you hear on this record at his home in New Jersey on a Tascam 388 mini-studio. But the music herein could hardly be accused of sounding "lo-fi"; it practically shimmers. Cornog is a master at his craft; an artisan of melody and emotional lyricism. A connoisseur of simple yet uplifting pop songs. A genius at gleaning a lot from a little. There’s no fancy pants producer behind the glass, no six figure recording budget, and there will be no huge marketing blitz. No cross country tours. No flashy music videos. What we have here is simply some of the most enchanting music you are likely to hear this or in any other year. Sometimes, it’s the music itself that matters." - Merge Records

East River Pipe - Make a Deal With The City
East River Pipe - Baltimore

I Love Math. I Do. This is an album that I sort of put aside for awhile but finally purchased recently. Their self titled debut clocks in at just under 30 minutes. Led by John Dufilho and Jason Garner - along with other guests - the disk packs a punch and glides along without hesitation. While only three of the eleven tracks are timed above 3 minutes, it's really tough to not appreciate what the band brings to the table. If you don't enjoy a song, it's over before it began. The whole Cd is acousticly driven, with the occasional banjo thrown in. You can pick it up at Cd Baby. Pop.

I Love Math - Just Like Everyone
I Love Math - On The Green

Modest Mouse's 2-26-00 Victoria, BC show is up in the extramile section. It's probably one of my favorites. The recording is superb. On tracks such as Cowboy Dan and Tundra/Desert, you can actually understand what Issac is saying while doing the pickup thing. The show features extended Jams on most songs, especially the 20 minute version of Tundra....Green and Judy have a little 3 minute solo jam as well. Also contained is the Jawbreaker/Sweater Song or whatever the hell people refer to it as. The reverb on isaacs voice throughout gives the show a nice touch. I just noticed a glitch on "Trailer Trash" so if you notice any others, let me know.

by Me • | •

I mentioned Eric Hurlock a couple of weeks ago so I figured why not do a revisit seeing as my post contained absolutely nothing. He's a singer/songwriter from planet earth with a knack for making some good stuff. It's no secret that the Woodlands enjoy all of the above, especially when an acoustic is thrown into the mix. He's a talented guitar player and songwriter. I look forward to hearing some more material of his in the future. Here are few more tracks which I hope you enjoy as much as I do. Link 1 2

Eric Hurlock - Cornfield
Eric Hurlock - Hole In The Ground
Eric Hurlock - Cheaper Less Painful
Eric Hurlock - Old Ways

Thanks again Morgan for the heads up...check out the link as he'll be releasing a disk in the near future from Sounds Like Fall titled The Wolf Is At The Door. Another great singer/songwriter.

Andrew Bird fits nicely with them all. He's from Chicago. The track "A Nervous Tic Motion of The Head to the Left" is stuck in my head. Partly because I feel I've heard it before, but mostly because it's a great song. Here's a link to his sounds. A notable link contained within that page is the Woodsongs radio hour. "the world's biggest online acoustic performance archive." Wow. Thanks Spoon (see music reviews)

Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tic Motion Of The Head To The Left

Explosions In The Sky make some great instrumental music. Have a gander at their site and check out these eight shows they've got available at The Archive.

A Thanksgiving album has been released. Some crazy story about the UPC's not being available or something so it sat for a couple years in some warehouse.

Thanksgiving - Ageism

Modest Mouse has a Poster Series they've been selling at their shows since early January. Each one contains a lyric varying from poster to poster intertwined with some art.

The Compute tracks below isn't working right now. Apologies. Check back as I'm sure it'll be on air again soon.

by Me • | •

Q-What is Acousticwood?
A - I know what it used to be. No longer do I. The one thing that this site had brought me in the past was a voice with a station to broadcast. As the underground music blog world grew I shrank and become unmercifully pummeled by spam. The last contact I had was with Boat and Yerbird records, who've since added a few artists to their repertoire.

Q – Why?
A – Because.

Q – Genres
A – Marc = acoustic – pop – folk

Q – Goals?
A - hehe.

Thanks for reading!