MP3: Stereolab- Three Women from Chemical Chords (August 19th, 4AD)
Stereolab adds to their expansive lounge catalog. Here we’ve got an upbeat pop gem with the expected French lyricism over an organ and horn driven tune. Makes us nostalgic for a mid-90’s college hipster party.

MP3: Wolf Parade- Call it a Ritual from At Mount Zoomer (June 17th, Sub Pop)
The casual listener will likely not notice much difference between this new song and the band’s previous efforts. This is not intended as criticism, as their previous full length Apologies to the Queen Mary remains in our regular rotation. Perhaps a bit more deliberate and brooding, we’re looking forward to hearing more from these indie rockers.

MP3: CSS- Rat Is Dead (Rage) from Donkey (July 22nd, Sub Pop)
More guitars and not likely to be used in an Apple ad near you. CSS is back. We can’t speak for the entire album, but this song is admittedly more up our alley sans their typical electronic gimmicks.

MP3: Tr Plus Tr- Making Gold from Rumble (Out now, Tarazat Records)
Straight out of Toronto. Slowed down, dark electro pop that draws comparisons to The Cure and a less ambient M83.

MP3: The Futureheads- The Beginning of the Twist (Atephoald Vs The Futureheads) (Out now, RCRD LBL)
This remix predates the release of the next album by The Futureheads titled This Is Not The World. Keeping the original emphasis of the track on vocals and beats, Atephoald ups the audiophile interest per se.

MP3: Nik Freitas- Sun Down from Sun Down (May 6th, Team Love)
The Bright Eyes fav preps his Team Love debut. Delightfully simple folk pop in the vein of Paul Simon.

And now for this week’s Smorgasbord Sundae Wafer…

Stream: The Narrator- So the End (Out now, self released)
As was previously mentioned, Chicago’s The Narrator will be performing Saturday at Empty Bottle with fellow locals Joan of Arc and Tight Phantomz. It’s a pretty killer line-up with guitar-infused rock to suit several different tastes. Unfortunately, this will be The Narrator’s swan song. While checking out this tongue-in-cheek farewell track, be sure to listen to the other tracks they have posted. Flameshovel has also got several songs available for download, but I’m sure the boys would love for you to catch up with their fine releases at the merch table.

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