Almanac Mountain - EP Release

Christopher Anthony Cote (under the name Almanac Mountain) has just released his latest EP - "When in Nature". A departure from his primarily acoustic string repertoire, the songs on this new offering feature the artist on percussion and synthesizer as well. This smooth blending of Christopher's signature lyrical skill & stringwork with clever studio tweaks and vocal overlays makes for a trippy mellow sound that will surely liven up many a campfire this summer. And for only five bucks, it's a must-add to one's digital music library. Get it here, and let us know how much you love it! And check out the video for "Surry Hospitality" in last week's post.

Christopher Anthony Cote - EP Release

Here is the fantastic new video for a song called "Surry Hospitality", from Christopher Anthony Cote's April 20th release "When in Nature", under the name Almanac Mountain.

Endless Wave - Free Song & Live Dates

Cambridge-based pop shoegaze band Endless Wave is giving away a song from their first recording sessions for free. Their song "Last Phase" has been played often on both WFNX's "New England Product" and WZBC's "Flyweight" shows, and you can hear it on SoundCloud.com along with several other songs from their initial creative output. Plus, you can download the fantastic "City Walls" for free.

If after listening (and grabbing the free song), you enjoy Endless Wave's music and need to hear more, keep an ear on WMBR 88.1 on April 20th at 8pm. Or better yet: check them out live at The Pill on April 16th, and Upstairs at The Middle East on May 11th (links in calendar at top of page). Band photo by Justin Keena

In-Blog Play:
Last Phase by Endless Wave

RECORD STORE DAY - Saturday April 17th

Record Store Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of April. It is a day-long celebration of independent record stores: places that used to be the backbone of musical discourse, as well as a weekly destination for new stuff. This year it takes place next Saturday, April 17th at a local independent record store near you. Visit the site for a store finder with participating locations all over the US, and the rest of the world.

When I was a kid in my hometown of Westminster, MA I was fortunate enough to have a store right on Main Street called Stop and Cop. I bought nearly all of my 45's there as a little kid, my first of many cassettes (REO Speedwagon's "Hi Infidelity"), and my first import CDs (several by Cocteau Twins) in college. Whenever I had extra money, I'd walk or ride my bike down to the store either alone or with friends, and figure out what favorite songs I could afford, and talk to the owner (the supremely knowledgeable Ray C.) about what he thought was good. Several of my friends worked there during and after high school, so it was a great place to hang out when the owner wasn't around, and talk about music, girls, or where the next party was. And it was conveniently sandwiched between Cumberland Farms and the local pizza place (Mike & T's Pizza, now called Town House of Pizza). Sadly, Stop and Cop is no longer there (r.i.p. 2005), as Ray decided to focus on his eBay store. I can't imagine what my musical exposure would have been like without such a convenient place and friendly atmosphere so close at hand.

Once I was in college, stores such as Nuggets on Commonwealth Ave, Mystery Train in Harvard Square (now in Gloucester), Planet Records in Kenmore Square, and Newbury Comics in several places drew my friends & me in anytime we were on walkabout in the Greater Boston area. To be honest, I loved the big Tower Records on Newbury Street as well (for their selection), but their staff wasn't as knowledgeable (or nearly as friendly) as any of the indies, and I always felt like I had to rush (and was being watched) when I was in there.

As an adult I've always opted to patronize an indie store over a chain when I can. Newbury Comics is still going strong; Bull Moose Music in Portsmouth, NH was a frequent destination during my 6 years on the Seacoast; and anytime I go on vacation, I always seek out the local record store. In fact, last spring Brian, Gavin & I were at Aboveground Records in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard during last year's Record Store Day! There was a festive vibe, tons of people, lots of music chatter, and I walked out with 3 CDs that I got for 99¢ each! Sweet.

So if you have some free time next Saturday, stop in at your local participating independent record store and take advantage of the atmosphere, exclusive promos, live performances by acts both local and national, and other fun stuff, and talk to the educated staff & fellow music-loving customers you run across. Bring the kids!

In-Blog Play:

Life Boat - Miranda Lee Richar...

Evil Men Have No Songs - Free EP

European shoegaze artist Evil Men Have No Songs has a 4-song EP available for free download! Calling his music 'shoe-wop', and drawing inspiration far & wide from such influences as My Bloody Valentine, Love, Syd Barrett, and Cocteau Twins, the artist has put together a nostalgic set of tunes for your enjoyment. Go here for the page, and download away!

And for even more great stuff from the artist, check out his 2 latest songs "Home Tonight" and "Superstill" (among others) on the French label Beko DSL. And while you're there, check out the previous 39 artist releases - a new one every Monday!

In-Blog Play:

Language Of Flowers - Pale Sai...

Newbury Comics 32nd Anniversary - SALE

Newbury Comics turns 32 tomorrow, and to celebrate, everything in the store is 32% off!

According to the e-mail bulletin: "Discount will be applied to all original (non-sale) prices. Does not apply to previous purchases. Does not apply to purchase of Gift Cards. No coupon required. Discount is valid for one day on 4/6/10 at store locations only. Not valid at newburycomics.com"

So if you have the time and the inclination to visit New England's premiere 'music & more' store, head on over to the nearest location, and save a ton on new releases and/or classic stuff you were going to buy sometime soon anyway. You'll have a wicked good time! And then come back here, and tell us what you got! ☺

In-Blog Play:

Away In India - The Doors