Band of Horses - Everything All The Time

Band of Horses, "The Funeral"

Band of Horses, "The Great Salt Lake"

Let's keep on going into the heart of darkness of indie music, this time with another band getting lots of attention, Band of Horses. Their debut album, Everything All The Time, has everyone very excited, and for good reason. Again, like so much of indie rock, this isn't anything new or original, just good writing and an interesting sound.

The band has gone through the indie gauntlet, being name-checked left and right. The Shins, Built to Spill and The Flaming Lips sound the closest to me, especially when it comes to the distorted, reverb vocals. My Morning Jacket is mentioned quite a bit on the amazon review, but I've never heard them, so you'll have to be the judge of that one. This is not the best music I've heard this year, but it's finest moments are quite good. What did it for me was the sad, elegaic songs, the band's willingness to deal with the dark ideas and issues. There are a few poppier songs, but for the most part, you hear a relaxed, heartbreaking music, with lyrics unafraid to reflect this darker sound. Make sure to download "The Funeral", which is supposedly getting some radio-play. It's the best song on the album, quite haunting in the oft-repeated refrain, sung in a

Lots of people have already taken a look at this album, most seeming to like it more than I did. Villains Always Blink, i guess i'm floating, Kwaya Na Kisser, girlpants, out the other..., The Stypod and Dichotomy of Epiphany have some more tracks and thoughts, and should help you better decide if this album is worth purchasing. Go here to get your copy at a nice price.

-It appears that a few long-serving incumbents from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House were defeated, a tremendous shock. It appears that the anger over last year's pay raise fueled much of this protest, looking forward to seeing some new blood at the state level.

-Closer to home, the ethics referendum on yesterday's ballot passed, with more than 80% of voters approving an independent ethics board for Philadelphia government. This means that the mayor-appointed, impotent board of the past is gone, replaced by "an independently funded, five-member board whose members can be removed only for cause, and only after a public hearing and a City Council vote." This is another huge step for the city, bringing our government closer to the 21st Century.

-My drunken excess caused me to miss this past Saturday's Making Time in Philadelphia, but thanks to aquariumdrinker2000 and YapSnaps, I can pretend I was there through their photos. [Via Philebrity] Badminton Stamps has a nice review of the night, some mp3s and more importantly hints at who the next guests at Making Time could be. !!!??? Yes, yes yes!!! With openers Lansing-Dreiden? Wow, circle the date, June 1oth and hope that this one isn't just wishful thinking.

-In other exciting Philly news, Shouk takes another big leap this Friday night, starting up a late night, weekend jawn, Shouk After Dark, that is going to be another exciting addition to Philly life. For those that don't know, Shouk is an restaurant/lounge opened by my friend YT and his partners at 622 S. 6th Street (between South and Bainbridge). It's got an Israeli menu, amazing food, hookah lounge and a cool decor. In another words, it's going to be Philly's next great spot. Paper Street is helping get the word out about Shouk After Dark's opening party, where Dan the Swede will spin and pomegranate martinis are free from 10-11. Joey Blanco of Soul Travellin' and DJ Rashaan will spin on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively, which means that there is no excuse for people to not check this out. Support some more Philadelphians doing real big things, especially my bol.