Spoon Drops Another Demo Of "Is Love Forever?", This Time As Reggae

Spoon at Music Hall Of Williamsburg, from the HAD Archive

You may recall that last month we brought up Spoon's demo for "Is Love Forever?" that the band was giving away for free on their website. You may also have noticed that the mp3 conspicuously labeled it "version 2" of the demo. Well, guess what? Version 1 has been put out for the world to hear.

Given how straight-ahead the last version was, this one came as quite a surprise: we really wouldn't have pinned the first demo as being a dubbed-out reggae jam that would sound right at home on Sandanista!. Nonetheless, we gotta say: we love it. As things progress, and Britt Daniel stretches his legs on his dub fetish bit by bit, we start to realize that it's one of the crucial parts that makes this band so great. Enjoy.

mp3: Spoon - Is Love Forever? (Demo 1)

Spoon Drops Demo For "Is Love Forever?" - mp3

Spoon at the Fillmore, from the HAD Archive

Well, here's a weekend treat for you: soon after we stumbled upon Spoon's demo for "Mystery Zone", the band has already posted another demo from the Transference sessions. "Is Love Forever?" just went up as the January "bonus" song on the band's site, and we grabbed it immediately!

Unlike many of the other Transference demos that have surfaced, "Is Love Forever?" holds pretty true to the final studio version. This isn't exactly a shocker, considering how straight ahead the tune is. That being said, it doesn't leave us any less psyched to belt out the refrain as loud as we possibly can. It fucking rocks, obvs.

mp3: Spoon - Is Love Forever? (Demo)

Spoon Drops Demo For "Mystery Zone"

Spoon @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg, from the HAD Archive

Last month, Spoon gave the world a holiday treat with a CD comp of their ever-growing list of free bonus tracks from the band's web site. We snagged the disc (which is fab, btw), and foolishly figured that would be it from the band until the new year. Well, we couldn't have been more wrong!

Only a few days later, the band posted a new bonus: the demo for "Mystery Zone" from the band's Transference. The track is a vastly different take from the final cut, featuring bright, melodic, acoustic guitars, handclaps, and absolutely no ethereal sonic craziness. While we're partial to the album version, we have to say that it's completely boggling to hear how much a tune can change in its transition to the studio.

For those keeping track at home, this puts the count of demos from Transference at four out of twelve. The mp3 is also titled "Mystery Zone - demo1", so maybe there's another in the archives? Either way, we're seriously hoping they keep coming, as this is really starting to get interesting! Check it below...

mp3: Spoon - Mystery Zone (Demo)

Gorillaz To Offer Up Free Album On Christmas

What's that? You say you want a new Gorillaz album? For free? Preferably recorded on an iPad? Well, guess what Virginia? There is a Santa Claus.

According to Damon Albarn, his band will be doing exactly that, and releasing a free, iPad-recorded Gorillaz record on Christmas day, for free download. Entitled The Fall, it comes on the tail end of the band's year of touring, and is named after (of course) the season in which it was written.

For those of you raising an eyebrow, we'd make a couple of points here: 1) Albarn has a history of releasing and recording material (see Democrazy) on the fly, so this isn't exactly out of line. 2) The iPad is now host to some pretty damn high quality recording software, so this doesn't necessarily mean low quality.

Regardless, it means a brand new Gorillaz record, and we're definitely not arguing with that. In the meantime, occupy yourself with the band's own advent calendar. Win.

mp3: Gorillaz - Kids With Guns

Ryan Adams Drops Free Tracks In Advance Of Record Release

Ryan Adams @ The Catalyst, from the HAD Archive

A few weeks back, we mentioned that Ryan Adams had not one, but two new records on the way in December. True to form, that's not all there is. Adams has released three new tracks for free via the new Pax-Am website, apparently all culled from the sessions for the new records, III and IV.

The three tracks (below) are entitled "Destroyers", "The Blue Canoe", and "Darkness", and they run the gamut from balladry to rock and roll. "Destroyers" is something of a classic RA rock track, laden with post-punk guitars and a soaring vocal. "The Blue Canoe" is straight up garage rock, and probably the rawest thing we've heard from Adams in a while. "Darkness" is probably the most Cardinals-y track of the three, starting off with a quite ballad and kicking into a jam.

While the tracks are sort of all over the map stylistically, we will say this: they've got us stoked for all the new material Adams has coming our way. Moreover, it seems like the new Pax Am setup is allowing Adams to realize his long-pursued goal of getting the breadth of his prolific output to the fans, and that's something we're definitely in favor of.

mp3: Ryan Adams - Destroyers

mp3: Ryan Adams - The Blue Canoe

mp3: Ryan Adams - Darkness

Spoon Drop More Transference Demos

Spoon at The Fillmore, from the HAD Archive

In a move that is likely to amount to an entire Transference Demos record, Spoon have dropped two more demos from their last record Transference through the "Bonus" section of their website. This time around, the band has delivered early versions of "Out Go The Lights" and "Nobody Gets Me But You", and frankly, they're awesome.

As is often the case with the band, the early versions of the songs are pretty vast departure from the final studio cuts. Largely recorded by Britt Daniel solo, the tracks are raw frameworks of what the songs will eventually become. "Nobody Gets Me But You" loses it's aggressive beat, and instead is driven by a driving acoustic guitar line and "na na" backup vocals. "Out Go The Lights" departs from the final version's gentle touch, and instead is built upon a fuzzy bass guitar line and a straining vocal from Daniel.

At the end of the day, stuff like this is one of the many reasons we love Spoon so much. Not only are they willing to expose their creative process for all the world to see, but they offer it up to their fans for free. If more bands would take a cue from these guys, it definitely wouldn't be a change for the worse. Check out the tracks below.

mp3: Spoon - Out Go The Lights (Demo)

mp3: Spoon - Nobody Gets Me But You (Demo)

Pixies Give Away 2004 Coachella Recording

Believe it or not, there was a time when the Pixies had been broken up for years, and talk of a reunion was whispered in hushed tones. All that ended when the band reunited in 2004, and proceeded to take over the world with the "Pixies Sell Out" tour. Since then, the band has been out and about, touring Debaser in full, releasing a new track here and there, and generally keeping themselves well accounted for.

Well, along those lines, the band has decided to rejuvenate their website, and bring their brand new on-line identity to the world. What's more, they're apparently so excited about the appearance that they've decided to give things away for free! What, you ask? Well, specifically, and audio recording of their 2004 show at Coachella in Indio, CA. While the band did indeed play a few warm up gigs, for many this was the first show of the reunion.

The night holds a special place in our hearts here at HAD, since it was our first ever Coachella, and was truly a blast. The band is generously giving it away, but their generosity only lasts a week, and all they want in exchange is your email address. Head over to this promo site to grab the full show now. Win!

mp3: Pixies - Debaser (Live At Coachella 2004)

Phoenix Drop Complete Multi-Track Recordings For Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Phoenix @ Outside Lands 2010, from the HAD Archive, Photo by Rick Audet

If you're a remixer, or better yet anyone who fetishizes the deconstruction and creation of rock music, we've got some great news for you. Those lovely gentlemen in Phoenix, who always tend to do things their own way, have decided to release the complete multi-track tapes from their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

What does this mean for you? Well, for one, it means that you can download the tracks and remix them (for better or worse) to your heart's content. But, (and more importantly to us) it also means that you can navigate through these recordings and see just how the band managed to construct so much pop goodness, piece by piece.

Granted, it's an activity that will only appeal to the most audio and process obsessed of fans. That being said, if you're here reading this blog, and you take us even remotely seriously, then we can only guess that you fit into that category, and find this just as delightful as we do!

Oddly, we could only find mention of the download in the email we got from the band's mailing list, but because we're so kind, we'll hit you with the links here. Feel the love.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Multitrack Downloads

Lisztomania

1901

Fences

Love Like A Sunset Pts 1 & 2

Lasso

Rome

Countdown

Girlfriend

Armistice

John Vanderslice Drops Free EP

John Vanderslice has always had something of a reputation as being one of the more solid individuals in the indie rock scene. So, when it came over the wire that his new EP Green Grow The Rushes was being given away for free, we can't say we were exactly shocked that he would indulge in such awesomeness.

The record finds the versatile Vanderslice in one of his more experimental modes, and the tracks all have a certain minimalist air that places Vanderslice's multi-tracked vocals atop percussion and subtle instrumentation. Given that the tracks were recorded with a variety of collaborators, it's interesting that they manage to achieve a certain level of sonic unity.

That being said, there is also versatility in the tempos and delivery, and the record is by no means overly staid. While it's bookended by the more meditative "Thule Fog" and "Penthouse Window", the tracks in between offer a solid landscape: "I'll Never Live Up To You" finds Vanderslice dipping his toe in some 8-bit synths, "Pony Express" finds a more organic singer-songwriter vibe, and "Streetlights" is notable as the record's most rock and roll moment.

The fifth track, "Lay Down" (below), was especially notable for us here at HAD, in that it was engineered and produced by Spoon's Jim Eno. Eno manages to harbor Vanderslice's melodic and melancholy side, while at the same time balancing it with a straight ahead drum track and some crunchy atmospheric guitars. Occasionally, JV's darker vibe can get us down, but this track manages to keep things flowing musically and capture the essence of emotion at the same time. Win.

As we mentioned, you can enjoy all this awesomeness for free (mp3 or uncompressed!) by heading to Vanderslice's web site. Alternatively, if you share our fetish (and JV's) for all things analog, then you can bide your time with the digital copies, and pick up the vinyl pressing that's due early next year. Either way - enjoy!

mp3: John Vanderslice - Lay Down

Spoon Chooses Monday To Take On New York City

Spoon at the House of Blues Boston, from the HAD Archive

Sure, we already told you about tonight's sold out Spoon show at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg, but if you thought that was all you had coming your way, you're sorely mistaken.

First up, the band promptly updates their September "bonus track" at the beginning of the month, and it's a good one. A demo for the Transference track "Goodnight Laura", the track is an entirely different take on the song, driven by guitar, and featuring much more forward drums and vocals. In many ways, it's like the inverse of Gimme Fiction's "Sister Jack", which began as a piano demo, and then made its way to guitar world.

On top of the fantastic bonus track, you also get another chance to see the band today. In addition to the Music Hall show, the band will be dropping in at Cake Shop to play a tiny show for fans, with tickets sold at the door. No word on whether it'll be a full set, but according to the band's web site, doors are at 12:45 and the show is at 1.

Happy Spoon Monday kids!

mp3: Spoon - Goodnight Laura (Demo)

Deerhunter: Free Show Tonight, Returning In October

Deerhunter at Outside Lands 2009, from the HAD Archive

Photo By Rick Audet

We already told you how stoked we were that Deerhunter had a new disc on the way. As you can imagine, the news that the band would making more than one New York appearance this summer and fall really put us over the edge.

The first appearance(s) start tonight with a free show over on Pier 54 as part of the River Rocks series. Gates are at 6, Real Estate opens at 7, followed by Deerhunter. The band will then make their way over to Brooklyn, and play a DJ set at Glasslands to close out the night. The band will then return to play an October 15th date at Webster Hall (also with Real Estate) in support of the new record, Halcyon Digest. Tickets for that show are on sale now. No matter which way you cut it, that's a lot of Deerhunter goodness, and if you're in the big apple, you should certainly count yourself among the lucky.

Meanwhile, Bradford Cox continues to post even more new material to the band's blog, including the recently posted instrumental "Heatwave". Title seems appropriate, no? Check it out below.

Tonight: Phosphorescent Show At Hudson River Park

When it's this hot out, there's little (if anything) one wants to do at the end of the day. Little, that is, except chill out, have a beer, and listen to some sweet jams. Given that, we have just the thing for you: Phosphorescent will be at the Hudson River Park at Pier 54, giving a free show as the evening descends.

The Brooklyn based group deliver a brand of country tinged rock that's just the right combination of earnest and melodic, while still maintaining a bit of a painful edge. In other words, the perfect recipe of tunage to be enjoying as the sun sets over the Hudson and concludes another day of this sweltering heat wave.

mp3: Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade

White Rabbits Deliver Free Live EP

We continue to be surprised by the free live music awesomeness that is Myspace Transmissions. Whoever the genius was that decided it would be prudent to deliver free live EP's from awesome bands is, well, a genius. Case in point: today Transmissions delivered an EP from HAD faves White Rabbits that is completely killer. The set completely encapsulates the performance quality that is making this band one of the best live acts out there today. Check out some video from the sessions above, or head directly to the Transmissions web site to download the complete five track EP!

mp3: White Rabbits - The Salesman (Tramp Life) Live On MySpace Transmissions

Vampire Weekend Release First Single From New Record For Free

You may have heard whisperings (okay, clamor) that Vampire Weekend had a new record on the way. Well, things are coming to fruition, and news is making itself known. Specifically, Contra will drop on January 12th of the New Year.

What's more, the band has taken it upon themselves to release the record's first single, "Horchata", as a free download. We have to admit, we had been a little bit concerned about what we might hear. Combine the fact that there's the ominous "sophomore slump" that tends to plague second records with the fact that the band has a relatively pigeonholed sound, and well: there was the potential for trouble.

However, we're happy to report that (at least with this tune) the band seems to have avoided any missteps, and has maybe even stepped it up a notch. "Horchata" employs many of the techniques the band used on their first record: African influenced guitars and beats, reverby vocals, and catchy melodies. That being said, the production has more depth, and it sounds less like a raw garage recording. Put differently: it sounds (in a good way) like a track that had some time spent on it in the studio, and wasn't just the product of rehearsals and live shows. Granted, it doesn't have the catchy danceability of "A Punk", but we're pretty sure it's still a win. Check it out below.

mp3: Vampire Weekend - Horchata

Spoon Drop Tons Of New Merch, October Bonus Track

Spoon at The Fillmore, from the HAD Archive

Despite Spoon being in the studio working on the record, the folks at the band's website certainly aren't taking it as a sign to slow down: Last week, the site delivered a massive explosion of merch on the band's behalf. The effort was spearheaded by "deluxe" digital versions of the band's first four records, that include new videos and liner notes. In addition, they've cobbled together some combos that include things like reissued postcards, posters, and t-shirts.

However, not to be ones to be associated with capitalism, the always-generous Spoon gods also put forth October's "bonus track" from the band. This time round it's an "A Capella" version of "The Ghost Of You Lingers", and here's a thought: if you thought the album version was ethereal and creepy, this takes it to a whole new level. It's essentially the vocal track from the album version, and it's a true exercise in space and reverb. Check it out below.

mp3: Spoon - The Ghost Of You Lingers (A Cappella)

Ambulance LTD Drops Live Tracks From Mercury Lounge Show

Ambulance LTD At Mercury Lounge, from the HAD Archive

You may recall that a few weeks back we posted a link to an Ambulance LTD radio session. Well, we kept loading up the session so frequently that we finally did ourselves (and you) a favor, and yanked the band's performance of "Ivy" out as its own mp3. Suffice it to say, we love the tune: it's got all of the measured funkiness of the band's first record, while at the same time showing some clear growth. Well, just as we were getting to posting that track for you, we discovered that we've been beaten to the punch.

The band has posted their entire show from Mercury Lounge as lossless WAV files. We were at the gig, and positively loved it, so it's with no small dose of excitement that we bring you this news. Not only are the downloads lossless and free, but the set is chock full of the band's new material, which is positively killer. We've provided a link to the download page below, as well as the live version of "Ivy". We have no idea how long this will be up, so our recommendation is to get over there and download this killer set ASAP - you can thank us later!

mp3: Ambulance LTD - "Ivy" (Live At Mercury Lounge)
download: Ambulance LTD Live At Mercury Lounge

Neighbors, Devandra Banhart Remix Phoenix

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield, from the HAD Archive

Was this weekend's show not enough Phoenix for you? Well fear not, because we have a bit more for your Monday. While are the proles are relegated to remixing "1901" and "Fences", the rock star set gets a different tune altogether: Neighbors and Devandra Banhart have remixed "Rome", and the band is giving the track away for free.

While we're not always Banhart's number one fans around here, "Rome" is one of the most killer tracks on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. What's more, its dynamics and killer riffs make it ripe for remixing. And, Neighbors and Banhart definitely deliver. While we'd rather than Banhart not sully Thomas Mars' vocals with attempts at dueting, the rest of the track is spot on.

The pair manage to take a lot of the rock out of "Rome", instead opting to lean on the atmospherics of the tune's bridge. Amongst bendy synths and layered vocals, the remix emphasizes Phoenix's more subtle side, and that suits us just fine. Check it out for yourself below.

mp3: Phoenix - Rome (Neighbors and Devandra Banhart Remix)

Phoenix Drop "Fences" As Multitrack Download

You may recall that earlier in the year when Phoenix released their single "1901" as a multi track recording for remix purposes. Well, apparently that wasn't the end of it, as the band has now gone and released "Fences" in the same format. You can snag the multi-track download right here.

We're actually excited to see "Fences" get the nod, as it seems to be the underappreciated stepchild of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix": it hasn't really been played live, and gets little mention in critical circles as well. We're curious to see what fans will come up with for the track, but more importantly whether this development causes the band to dig out the track for a live showing at Central Park this weekend. We certainly hope so!

mp3: Phoenix - Fences

Spoon Drop September Bonus, Announce "Deluxe Digital" Releases

Spoon @ The Fillmore, from the HAD Archive

Well, if you've been paying even a little bit of attention around here, you know that we're a tad Spoon-obsessed around these parts. As such, we're always on the lookout for the band to drop their semi-monthly bonus track, and one's just come up! This month's track is a demo for the Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga track "Rhythm And Sould", and it's a pretty dead-ahead version. Significantly less produced than the album version, but by and large the same feel. Have a listen below.

In other news, the band (who are currently in the studio) have announced the availability of their first four records as "deluxe digital" releases. While what this means is still a little unclear, it appears to be a download of the records directly from the band's website in high resolution formats. The site is also promising previously unavailable material, but that's about as far as they go. Looks like we'll have to wait and see.

mp3: Spoon - Rhythm And Soul (demo)

Live EELS: World Cafe Performance and Free MySpace Transmissions EP

Mr. E has been out diligently making the rounds in support of Hombre Lobo, and the result is a ton of new live material for you to chew on. Specifically, the EELS frontman made a stop at NPR's World Cafe, and MySpace's Transmissions. While the sets do completely overlap, the MySpace set adds the addition of a cover of Bob Dylan's "The Girl From The North Country" and is available as a free five song download. What's more, the set is apparently being released on vinyl September 1st with a sixth bonus track, "The Longing".

While we're psyched to have all this new material, we have to say that we're a bit bummed that E's appearances (with the exception of "Tremendous Dynamite") continue to play up the chill, piano-playing, balladeer vibe. We were really excited when Hombre Lobo was demonstrating a bit more of a rock and roll vibe, and kind of figured E might be back in that state of mind. Nonetheless, we're willing to keep our hopes up.

As of yet, no tour has been announced for the record, so maybe (please?) there's a full rock band in the works.

mp3: EELS - The Girl From The North Country