Fall 2011 Mix

Here's the Fall 2011 mix highlighting the past 3 months of featured music...the playlist is below.  You can stream the mix via the 8tracks player above (or over at the CHROMEWAVES RADIO 8tracks page), download the mix here, or listen to it on Spotify.  The playlist is after the jump. 

FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2011

With another year about to close, these are the albums that will be most tied to my memories of 2011. They are not necessarily in any order other than there's a clear preference as you go further down the list...and, check out a playlist of some of my favorite songs of the year over at Spotify (or download).  I'll post the Fall 2011 mix next week, but other than that I'm signing out until January.  While I'm gone, you can continue enjoying the radio stream straight from this webpage, via iTunes Radio, Shoutcast, or take it with you on a  smartphone app (TuneIn recommended). Enjoy your holiday.

Picks after the jump.

ALWAYS FOREVER by Hunx

Always Forever

Lovers Lane (from Hunx and His Punx)

Hunx is taking a break from His Punx and is coming out with a solo LP, Hairdresser Blues, from Hardly Art Records on February 28.  We have a peek at the record's first single, 'Always Forever,' and it's a break from the wonderfully artsy kitsch of his debut LP, Too Young To Be In Love, as a part of Hunx and His Punx.  With this record, he's tossed away the idea of needing to be a showman and is tackling more

TUMBLE DOWN by Terry Malts

Tumble Down

Something About You (previously on CWR)

San Francisco's Terry Malts continue to churn out great tunes after their two previous releases that introduced their energy-filled, power pop/punk, hazy rock sound.  'Tumble Down' is our first taste off the upcoming LP, Killing Time, on Slumberland Records in February. The band calls it the 'quiet storm' song from the album. It may sound familiar to some since it's an updated version of a song included on the band's Distracted

DAYS OF YOUTH by Bos Angeles

Days Of Youth

Beach Slalom (previously on CWR)

In March of this year I posted the catchy, upbeat tune 'Beach Slalom' from the Boscombe, England band Bos Angeles.  At that time, there seemed to be little information about them, and now...well, there really isn't too much more other than they have their first video, and it's a psychedelic candy trip for 'Days Of Youth, which you can check out below.  It's the other tune off the previous single, which sports just as much energy

I DON'T MIND by Cold Showers

I Don't Mind

So I Can Grow (Alternate Take)

Here are two great songs from L.A. four-piece Cold Showers. 'I Don't Mind' is the A-side off their debut 7", Highlands, that came out in June of this year from Mexican Summer Records. It's a brooding, reverb soaked scorcher with a female-led chorus that immediately grabs you. 'So I Can Grow' is new, and is a much more pleasant sounding affair that is expected to be released as part of an as yet untitled single in early 2012 from Art Fag Recordings.  There's nothing else out there from

AM I WRONG by Mikal Cronin

Am I Wrong


You Gotta Have Someone

Mikal Cronin's breakout year continues...earlier this year he released his extremely well-received (and well-deserved) self-titled, debut LP on Trouble In Mind Records, and now he's

SUMMER USA by Tommy Toussaint

Summer USA

Sloppy Sentimentalists

Tommy Toussaint is another artist to come out of the Cats Purring group over in Oxford, MS. His connection comes from serving as a backup in Cats Purring's founder, Dent May's band.  After last year's smooth electronic Cosmic Caverns EP last year, and the breezy single for 'Sloppy Sentimentalist' earlier this year, he has released the Summer USA

[on repeat] STREETCARS by Illls

Streetcars

Teeth

Here's another promising hazy band to come out of Mississippi. I use the term 'hazy' to describe their sound as well as the current state of information available on them. You may recall the grimy, scuzzy sounds of Flight, the grim, moodier scuzz of Dead Gaze, and the straightforward smash your head sound of Bass Drum Of Death...well, Illls borrows

CHILDREN OF LIGHT by Quilt

Children of Light

Penobska Oakwalk

Quilt is out of Boston and currently consist of a duo (a third member has since departed) that creates mellow, psych inspired folk-style songs on their self-titled debut LP that came out on Mexican Summer on Nov. 8. It's a very organic sounding record throughout, with layers and textures that could have easily held a place in the music that came out of

AIN'T HAVIN' ME by White Faces

Ain't Havin' Me
Happy

White Faces are a trio out of Wisconsin that come at you with a pop-garage force on their debut self-titled LP from Windian Records. Check out two of the tracks from the LP above, which are great examples of the tight, super fun, straightforward dance-able pop, garage sounds that you can expect from the rest of the release.  The project started as

[interview] Ty Segall

Skin

It (previously on CWR)

I recently had the great fortune of having the opportunity to run some questions by the prolific Bay Area rocker Ty Segall.  As can be expected his workaholic qualities continue (to our benefit), and he doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon. Keep on reading to see what he's currently up to while he takes a 'break' from touring, and some fantastic news on upcoming collaborations and releases that may be coming sooner than you might have expected are after the jump.

GET UP MORNING by Eddy Current Suppression Ring

Get Up Morning

You Don't Care

Australia's Eddy Current Suppression Ring have drawn comparisons to Wire, Can, The Fall, Fugazi and The Stooges.  Their music is punk, it's fierce, and hits you straight on. The singer wears black gloves live to overcome stage fright, and one member of the band is behind the absolutely fantastic LP release this year from Total Control. ECSR won the $30,000

SUNDAE by Xray Eyeballs

Sundae

Egyptian Magician (previously on CWR)

Xray Eyeballs have followed up their debut LP from earlier this year, Not Nothing, with a 7" for the song 'Sundae,' which isn't on the album.  The release comes from the folks over at Hardly Art Records and includes their familiar high energy sound on the A-side, along with the ear blasting B-side track 'Deja Vu."  The video for the b-side is below and features the

[on repeat] TUFF GUY by Swiftumz

Tuff Guy

4EVA

Some more goodness from the Bay Area to share, but this time without so much of the angsty, garage sound that seems to be taking over up there.  Swiftumz is Chris McVicker's project and he's floated around the SF rock scene for some time, most notably with his songwriting collaborations with Hunx And His Punx.  His debut LP, Don't Trip, was released

DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES by The Barreracudas

Don't Roll Your Eyes
Girl

The flurry of great garage music coming out that is super-saturated with power pop continues with The Barreracudas out of Atlanta.  Their debut release, Nocturnal Missions, was released October 25 on Douchemaster Records.  Many of the members have been playing with Gentleman Jesse and His Men for the past few years so the dirty 70's inspired, psych,

AS TIMES CHANGE by Sea Lions

As Times Change

I Loved Her So Much (prev. on CWR)

Sea Lions are out of Oxnard, CA and are releasing their debut LP, Everything You Wanted To Know About Sea Lions But Were Afraid To Ask, November 22 on Slumberland Records on some lovely swirly-red vinyl (pre-order).  You may recall their surf jangled songs that surfaced earlier this year.  With the new record they've created a familiar sound for the 15 tracks on the LP that put together a vintage surf sound and

SUMMER CHILLS by Radar Eyes

Summer Chills

Shakes

The anticipation for Hozac Records' release of the debut LP from Radar Eyes grows with the announcement of a new song off the record.    'Summer Chills' is another great tune from the Chicago band featuring more of the piercing, swirling guitars and fuzzy 60s nostalgia.  No specifics on a release date for the LP as of yet, but the two singles up to this point (and their respective b-sides) have all been worth noticing so give their

ALL I EVER NEED by TRMRS

All I Ever Need

One Foot

TRMRS are from just outside L.A. County (Costa Mesa to be exact) and to say that they land on the extreme side of the current  psych garage sound is an understatement.  They share similarities to the Black Lips in the carefree attitude and western, surf sound qualities, but they blaze through their

I WOULD DIE TO BE by Ski Lodge

I Would Die To Be
A Game

My 45-minute morning commute is made a little more special on Thursdays in large part due to McAllister's Hostile Makeover show on KXLU.  Today it served an added purpose since I hadn't really given much thought on what to post today.  Over the past couple of months I've gone back and forth with Ski Lodge.  I've added it to the radio stream a few

RADIANT DOOR by Crystal Stilts

Radiant Door

Dark Eyes (previously on CWR)

Brooklyn's dark rockers, Crystal Stilts, have followed up their much enjoyed 2nd LP, In Love With Oblivion, from earlier this year with a new EP, Radiant Door.  The EP was released yesterday on Sacred Bones Records.  Two tracks from the EP are featured above.  'Dark Eyes' carries a vibe that you're familiar with from the band, with some bonus hand-clapping.

LAKE SONG by Black Twig

Lake Song
You Are Summer Wind

The folks over at Soliti Records have released the tune 'Lake Song,' which is a sneak peek at the upcoming debut LP from Finland's Black Twig entitled Paper Trees and due out in January, 2012 (it's already 2012?...jesus).  Anyways, the new song is a 90's indie scorcher that could have had a place on a Sonic Youth record.  After listening, it made me want to immediately check out their 4-track Swans At Tea EP from

[on repeat] SOMETHING SOMEONE JR. by The Growlers / ASTRAL PLANE by Thee Ludds

Something Someone Jr. by The Growlers

Astral Plane by Thee Ludds

The team over at Palmist Records has compiled quite a few splendid split releases, and for their current one they wonderfully joined up Leicester's Thee Ludds with The Growlers from L.A. for a split 12" released last month.  The record puts together 11 tracks from the two bands highlighting the jangly, goth surf rock from The Growlers and the sludgy, stomping psychedelic rock of Thee Ludds.  Thee Ludds  have

CHANGE OF PACE by Orca Orca

Change Of Pace

Get Up (Get Out)

Some fun, catchy, and breezy dream pop from Boston's Jim Hewitt who goes by the name of Orca Orca.  He had previously been using the band name Young Minds, but switched over to Orca Orca with the self-released first single for 'Change Of Pace' on his Bandcamp page in September.  The single includes the b-side, 'Get Up (Get Out),' both of which are jangly tunes that create the dreamiest of pop, and with vocals reminiscent of 80's new wave pop that'll have you

[on repeat] SKIN by Ty Segall

Skin

It

A normal by-product of being a fan of an artist could typically include also being a collector of their physical releases.  Well, if you happen to be a fan/collector of Ty Segall then you would know that accumulating all of his physical releases is quite the arduous and virtually impossible task.   He's released countless singles, EPs, splits, shared records, albums, and cassettes over the past four years...BUT...the

SUNSET HILL by Burnt Ones

Sunset Hill

Bury Me In Smoke

San Francisco's Burnt Ones pull from glam, psych, garage, surf and a tinge of girl pop.  Sound impossible?  Sound like much?  It might seem so, but these San Franciscans are far from bad.  They released the All Night Long EP in April of last year and followed it up with their debut LP, Black Teeth & Golden Tongues (buy) from Roaring Colonel Records, which has just recently been getting a lot of playing time around

STILL SLEEPING (FT. STEFFALOO) by Chrome Sparks

Still Sleeping (featuring Steffaloo)

Show You My Way

Some more sensual, sexy, electronic beats from Chrome Sparks, the project of 20-year old Michigan native Jeremy Malvin, surfaced a couple weeks ago with the release of the new song 'Still Sleeping' to be featured on an upcoming EP.  The new song features a collaboration with the haunting L.A. folk songstress Steffaloo.  This collab isn't a surprise to anyone who is familiar with Chrome Sparks fantastic 7-track release entitled My >3 released in July, which has them

SEARCHING THROUGH THE PAST by Bleached

Searching Through The Past

Think Of You (previously on CWR)

Former Miko Mika sisters, Bleached, move from their promising two previous 7"s and closer to the release of their debut LP with the single 'Searching Through The Past.'  Unfortunately the song isn't part of a full-length (yet?), but off yet another 7" set to be released December 6 (pre-order) from Suicide Squeeze Records.  Regardless, it's a blissful indie pop tune that kinda reminds me of a modern day Go-Go's with its sing along qualities, but with some added grit (if that

HIPPY by Ghost Wave

Hippy

Sunsetter

Ghost Wave is a psych-jangle pop band from Auckland, NZ that started out as a one-man electronic noise project and is now a five piece indie pop guitar band that is currently working on putting together a full-length LP.  For now, they have an exceptional self-titled EP out from Arch Hill Records (buy) that is fitting of many of their New Zealand pop/rock counterparts such as The Clean and contains songs like 'Hippy,' which is

PORTLAND by Coasting

Portland

Snoozefest

'Portland' is the first track from Brooklyn/New Zealand duo Coasting's upcoming album, You're Never Going Back Again, set to be released on November 15th (pre-order) from M'Lady Records.  The band is a side project by the drummer from the Vivian Girls and a former member of New Zealand's Coolies, and you can definitely hear the same pop sensibilities in the

[on repeat] THE DREAM by Thee Oh Sees

The Dream
Contraption/Soul Desert

There's been quite a bit of anticipation over the interweb since Thee Oh Sees announced the release of their second LP of 2011, Carrion Crawler/The Dream, which is due out from In The Red Records on November 15.  It's all well deserved because after listening, the San Franciscans scorch through the 10 tracks with all the frenetic retro psychedelia

[on repeat] THE SHAKES by Atlas Sound

The Shakes

Terra Incognita

Bradford Cox spends his time away from Deerhunter tinkering with dreamy electronics, chilling moods, and some spacey guitar strumming as part of his side project Atlas Sound.  His third album, Parallax, is due out on November 8 (buy) from 4AD and the tracks 'Te Amo,' 'Modern Aquatic Nightsongs,' 'Terra Incognita,' 'Amplifiers,' and 'Praying Man,' have all made

STUCK IN A DREAM by Black Gum

Stuck In A Dream
Single Life

Black Gum are from New York (via Austin, TX) and they put out a self-titled, 5-song cassette EP from Monofonus Press Records this past August.  As you can expect from a small cassette release like this the quality of sound is lacking a bit, but the catchiness of their raw, sludgy, surf inspired sounds still manage to do their trick on you.  Listen to the first two tracks off the EP above to get an idea of what I'm talking

EERIE BODY by Radiator Girls

Eerie Body by Radiator Girls
More Rainbows by Blackhawks

Radiator Girls is actually just a guy...one guy, but he released a cassette split with Blackhawks in April from MJ MJ Records.  'Eerie Body' is by far the best Radiator Girls tune on the release and it starts out slow enough, but then kicks into a 50's surf bashing frenzy about him wanting a girl's body, but being afraid of it.  The Blackhawks do a nice job of blending a psych folk-pop sound and here you'll listen to their version of the Spacemen 3 song 'More Rainbows.'  You can stream

SKULL HAIR by Heavy Times

Skull Hair
Future City

Hozac Records is set to release the LP, Jacker, from fellow Chicagoans Heavy Times on October 25...wait, that's today so go buy it!  It's the follow-up to a 2010 debut LP release from Rotted Tooth Records and a 7" the same year also from Hozac.  Jacker is a melodious ass-kicking time as you can hear from the featured track 'Skull Hair.'  There's an unavoidable motivation behind it and its marching beat, the

DEAD ENERGY by Thee Oh Sees

Dead Energy by Thee Oh Sees

One More Tonight by Total Control 

While we wait for the forthcoming LP from San Francisco's Thee Oh Sees on November 15 (pre-order) from In The Red Records, and while we continue to enjoy the fantastic recent release from Australia's Total Control, we have this splendid Split 12" from these guys to accompany their current 4-month tour together.  Thee Oh Sees make up the A-side featuring four tracks from a live session recording, including a

I'M HIS GIRL by Friends

I'm His Girl

Friend Crush

Friends have been getting quite the exposure on the internet recently because of their sensual and seductive dance pop that inevitably gets bootys shaking.  The Brooklyn 5-piece made their mark earlier this year with their groovin, thumpin, and spacey single (buy), 'Friend Crush,' yearning for our friendship and giving me an idea of how Santigold would

FRIENDS OF FRIENDS by The Beets

Friends Of Friends
Doing As I Do

Hardly Art Records makes claim to the unsubstantiated statement that The Beets are the best band to come out of Queens, NY.  Well, they ought to feel that way about them since they did sign them after all.  With that, Hardly Art has been kind enough to let loose two new tunes from The Beets upcoming third LP, Let The Poison Out, which is due on October 24.  It's probably safe to expect upbeat, infectious

DREAMIN by Twerps

Dreamin
This Guy
She Didn't Know

Some new sweet, melodic jangle from Australia's Twerps.  They first made their presence known with their loose, more offbeat garage tendencies through the two singles earlier this year for 'Black Eyes' and 'She Didn't Know.'   They now have a self-titled debut LP from Underwater Peoples that was just released yesterday and the new track from it, 'Dreamin,' is

BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN by Fairewell

Born Under A Bad Sign

Johnny White is out of London and goes by the moniker of Fairewell. I stumbled across his song, 'Born Under A Bad Sign,' while looking for something else and I've been meaning to share it. The new-wave pop goodness oozes out of this lovely tune and made me go digging for more stuff from him, but my diligence came up completely empty. In the meantime enjoy the swirly keyboards, bouncy beats, and whispery light vocals of 'Born Under A Bad Sign,' until the release of the debut LP, Poor, Poor, Grendel, December 6 in the UK on the

BLACK SATURDAY by Girls Names

Black Saturday

When You Cry (previously on CWR)

Ireland's Girls Names are following up their great debut LP, Dead To Me, from May of this year with some new material coming in the form of the single 'Black Saturday,' from Slumberland Records on October 31.   It features more of the gloomy, dark overtones, and uplifting surf jangle and beats that you'd expect from these guys (and gal) for an ironic yet enjoyable combination.  Check out 'Black Saturday' along

[on repeat] SEPARATE FRAMES by Montage Populaire

Separate Frames
Cornered

Some sporadic punk-esque elctronica from Montage Populaire out of Southampton, UK. They've recently self-reased a debut EP, Nothing Serious, that was home recorded over the past few months and are giving it away for free at their Bandcamp.  The sound has a spastic quality to it since so much is going on, but there's plenty of craft behind it making the songs enjoyable and full of pop danceability.  The influences are too numerous to even begin mentioning, but give the highlight

DIRT BEACH by Bare Wires

Dirt Beach

Cheap Perfume (previously on CWR)

Here's a new track off Bare Wires upcoming 10" LP, Cheap Perfume (buy), set to be released on October 18th from Southpaw Records.  They aren't messing much with their formula of old-fashined, gritty, 70's style stoner rock on the new LP, but if it isn't broke...

'Dirt Beach' is a favorite of the record, and it's always a

[on repeat] MIRACLE by Radar Eyes

Miracle

Me And My Dogs

Chicago's Radar Eyes are following up last year's 7" with a new single for 'Miracle' that is due out on Hozac Records this month (buy). They introduced their shimmering indie pop sounds last year reminiscent of some of the finest fuzz-pop from the 90's with soaring guitars, swirling keyboards, and shiny hooks, and it appears that a full-length is expected this

ME AND YOU by The Strange Boys

Me And You
This Girls Taught Me A Dance

Austin, TX's The Strange Boys have been providing us with their wonderful bluesy inspired garage rock with two LPs since 2008.  'Me and You' is a preview of their upcoming LP, Live, to be released October 25 from Rough Trade Records (buy).  It's not a live album (think rhyming with give instead of five), and very well could finally be their well-deserved coming out party.  Theres' a new label, the fuzz has lessened, the

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU by Terry Malts

Something About You
Distracted (previously on CWR)

San Francisco's Terry Malts have a new 3-track EP, 'Something About You,' that comes out October 11 from Slumberland Records.  You may remember their fun, energetic, Ramones-esque sound from their single earlier this year, and if you don't then you ought to check it out along with this title track.  Grab a copy of the vinyls here, and be sure not to miss their tour with Wax Idols that sees them coming to L.A. at 5 Stars Bar on October 20.

SUN ROOM by J. Irvin Dally

Sun Room
Teething

J. Irvin Dally is one of the best kept secrets out of L.A. so far that could eventually get out of the bag with enough exposure because his lovely, whispering voice and his own style of multi-instrument folk songs clearly set him a part as something special.  The songs are subtle, but they grow on you, they really grow.  Two of my favorites are here, but you can pick up his 7", pre-order the upcoming LP, and listen to

LINE BY LINE by Ketamines

Line By Line

Dig

Canada's Ketamines are another band on the Hozac Records label and are made up of members from Myelin Sheaths.  Their new 7" for 'Line By Line' was released a few weeks ago and is part of Hozac's July/August Summer Blast Pack.   The release features three raw and sunny sounding blasts of psych-pop.  Take a listen to two of the tracks and then go

JE M'EN VAIS by The Liminanas

Je M'en Vais

I'm Dead (previously on CWR)

Our favorite French throwback garagers, The Liminanas, have a new 7" that accompanied their recent tour across the Eastern and Central US.  Trouble In Mind Records released it as a limited edition of 500 and there are still some available (buy).  The A-side, '(I've Got) Trouble In Mind,' is signature Liminanas with the 60's groove and twangy guitar.  The B-side, 'Je M'en Vais,' breaks away from the formula featuring

BULBFORM by Trust

Bulbform
F.T.F.

The gloom-electronic Canadian duo, Trust's new single, 'Bulbform' from Sacred Bones Records came out September 20.  I first came across them earlier this year as part of the wonderful Sacred Bones compilation, Todo Muere Volume 1, and  they seem to get better with each subsequent single.  'Bulbform' combines their eery, dark, and sexy synths to a drony beat, and the b-side, 'F.T.F.,' marks the first time I've

[on repeat] I'M SORRY WE LIED by Blood Orange

I'm Sorry We Lied

Sutphin Boulevard

Blood Orange is the new solo project from Dev Hynes of Test Icicles (with whom he collaborated on with Tom Vek), and then moved on to the Lightspeed Champion moniker. His new LP, Coastal Grooves, was released August 8 (buy) on Domino Records under his new name and a very new sound. 'Eclectic' doesn't really even do the project justice. The record takes