Hello again! We weren’t able to do an Under The Needle in mid-July due to being out of town (HONEYMOON!!!). We are back at it again though. Although I wasn’t spinning records while in Hawaii, the records were still coming in the mail to mi casa. It made me think about how I have been directing people to purchase records online. I just want to express that I also think it is very important to support your local independent record stores. It is usually more fun shopping for records in person than it is online. It is easy and you can get what you want exactly online but there is something personal and magical about sifting through crates and finding a gem.
Don’t get me wrong, spending money on music is the key here. I can direct you to buy something specific online and that is easy. Record stores are important too though so support them!
Fang Island — Major
fangisland.com
Sargent House
When I listen to Fang Island’s newest release I get crazy feelings. During the 45 minutes and 16 seconds I feel an enormous rush of optimism and constant excitement while wearing a really stupid grin. That is all supposed to mean something good. I love it.
Furthermore, they will be coming to Seattle on Sunday August 5th! That is this Sunday friends. Make sure to get down there and spend $10 for a night of killer tunes (Zechs Marquise is opening who released our favorite album of last year!).
Please support this incredible band. It sounds better on vinyl —> Fang Island – Major
Purity Ring — Shrines
thepurityring.tumblr.com
4AD
It is weird that this is Purity Ring’s debut. I feel like we have had Lofticries, Ungirthed and Belispeak for a while now. Those 3 tracks made it onto the album as well as 8 others. Purity Ring provided one of the trippiest live shows at this year’s Sasquatch! festival. They bring the trippy grooves and creepy lyrics to this album and if you aren’t afraid you should give it a whirl. It has been growing on me more and more each time I spin it. Pick up a copy for yourself –> Purity Ring – Shrines
You can see their crazy live show in Seattle on September 5th @ Neumos too!
Narrows — Painted
Narrows’ label page
Deathwish
Seattle/London band Narrows bring it hard. They are elusive for me to catch live but I am set on making it happen next time the opportunity comes. Their label (Deathwish) lays it out nicely:
“While every bit as sonically vitriolic as their past endeavors, Painted attempts to focus its energy rather than lash out blindly. Songs like “Greenland” and “It’s The Water” still weigh in with bottom-heavy instrumentation, but lyrically look towards brighter horizons.”
We posted a different track a while back (listen here) and pick up the album —> Narrows – Painted
St. Vincent — Strange Mercy
ilovestvincent.com
4AD
I cannot believe that it took me this long to own/hear a St. Vincent album. Better late than never though. She stole our heart and melted our faces at the same time this year at Sasquatch! festival. This album was released in 2011 and if you haven’t heard it do yourself a favor and buy it now! You can order it on the 4AD website over here —> St. Vincent – Strange Mercy
