songs:illinois » Noirish

The Iquanas – “If I Should Ever Fall On Hard Times” (Yep Roc, Sept 30)

Craig — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:22:10 +0000

There are some bands that I write about simply because no one else in the blogosphere is. I may not be a big slobbering fan of these bands’ stuff but I usually respect them a ton. Typically they’re unsexy, reliable outfits cranking out albums and tours with some regularity. Most of the above can be said about The Iquanas – except I don’t think anyone would ever call their New Orleans jam-funk unsexy.

Here’s the song “The Beep” from the new Yep Roc release If I Ever Fall On Hard Times. Check out the private detective inspired film noir surf-rock jam in the middle of this song. Pre-order the new record now here.

The Beep

The Darling Downs (ex-Died Pretty, ex-The Scientists and Beasts Of Burden)(Carrot Top Records, Oct. 14)

Craig — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:02:23 +0000

The Darling Downs are nothing like the sum of their parts. Combining the somber pop sensibilities of Died Pretty founder Ron Peno with Australian punk rock legend Kim Salmon should not have resulted in an album of understated gothic folk. But somehow it did. The duo’s debut together was 2006′s critically acclaimed recording How Can I Forget This Heart Of Mine. Now the followup is due out in September/October on Carrot Top Records.

“Circa `65″ is the “single” off of the new record From One To Another and it features a resonating guitar bed and Leonard Cohen meets Nick Cave vocals. This is spooky, ethereal music that will surely have it’s fair share of fans in Europe, but unfortunately will probably die a painful death here in the U.S. The inventive video is a great accompaniment to this song.

Circa 65

Video for “Circa `65″

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Plus here’s the new collaboration between Jon Langford and The Ex’s Kat Ex. They’re calling this get-together KatJon.

Do You

Scary Mansion – “Every Joke Is Half The truth” (Zum Records, Jan. 22)

Craig — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:30:51 +0000

I don’t think this is ever going to become a full fledged post so instead I’ll keep it brief. There’s a new record, actually the debut, from Scary Mansion. Some are calling Every Joke Is Half The Truth anti-folk but actually it’s much weirder and more somber. I get a decidedly more fim-noir impression from these songs.

Others have written up the new album including Music For Robots, Shake Your Fist, and Getecho (RIP). So check those posts out for bio info and more sublime ruminations (esp. SYF).

We’re all sharing different songs, however the two I have below are guilt-free and legal courtesy of the pr company behind the record. Enjoy!

Sharkish Sea
Yer Mom