Weed Hounds

NY's Weed Hounds

Weed Hounds are a brilliant newish band fron NY that I recently stumbled upon. One of the best stumbles I've taken a dive on in some time, too. They play songs influenced by the likes of MBV, and Swirlies, but ultimately sounding a lot like For If You Cannot Fly-era Small Factory with notably catchy melodies, great boy/girl alternating vocals, and a whole lotta noise. Since their four-song demo made it's way into my life last week, a day hasn't gone by that I haven't listened to it all the way through at least twice. At the moment I would have to say my favorite is either "Save Me From My Lethargy" or "Embrace (More Or Less)" (Which appears on the September mix).

[MP3]: Weed Hounds :: Save Me From My Lethargy (Verrrrry Recommended!)

Their demo cassette is available to buy now from Crooked Direction Records, and you would do well to buy one immediately! They've also got a split 7" with Dude Japan on Rok Lok Records due out sometime in the hopefully near future.

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If you wanted to, you could walk away

Ampersand

On a recent online hunt for Juniper records I ended up on the Fantastic Records website, where I'd also ended up several times in the past, only this time I had some expendable cash. Alongside #Poundsign#, Juniper, and The Shapiros, there were a few names that were pretty unfamiliar to me, so I took a look through the catalog. After a quick listen to "Tokyo Girl" by Ampersand, I immediately ordered their <<<<<<<< EP (along with a Sparklers 7" – more on that later). I can't recall being as excited as I was for a CD to arrive in the mail as I was for this one in quite some time. It finally showed up and just as I had hoped – Bay-area pop bliss.

It reminds me of a lot of things I love, but a few names that stick out would be The Ropers (on "Paramour"), Small Factory (on "I'm Still Waiting"), and even labelmates #Poundsign#. After probably 15 or more listens all the way through, I can safely say that is one of the best records to come out of that whole late-90s-early-00s San Fransisco pop scene. Unfortunately, as far as I know, <<<<<<<< is the only record they ever released. Quite a shame, too, because I would kill for some more of this stuff! Eight songs is just not enough. Okay, I've talked enough now, just listen.

[MP3]: Ampersand :: I'm Still Waiting (Highly recommended!)
[MP3]: Ampersand :: Tokyo Girl (Also very recommended!!!)

Order the EP from Fantastic Records (there are still copies!)

Also, if more songs do exist somewhere and you know where, please let me know!

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Blame Love!

Boy Genius

I have to admit, I wasn't all too into Brooklyn band Boy Genius when I first heard them last year, but upon hearing their new single "Blame Love" about a month ago, I'll proudly fly the Boy genius flag now. "Blame Love" sounds to me like some great Small Factory song that sadly never was. No worries though, because Boy Genius wear it well. They deliver perfect boy/girl harmonies in all the right spots and right where I was hoping for it – a killer solo! I reckon Alex, Dave, and Phoebe would be proud.

[MP3]: Boy Genius :: Blame Love (Highly Recommended!)

The "Blame Love" 7" can be ordered via the band's MySpace page and I would really suggest doing so. They've also got a few dates coming up, including a spot at the NYC Popfest! Dates on MySpace, too.

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