Copeland

“You break your neck to keep your chin up.”

Oh man. These days have loooong since passed, but I guess I can’t help but revisiting bygones once in awhile. Aaron Marsh and his band Copeland were favorites of mine back in my high school years – the glory days…? Anyway, they released their debut album, Beneath Medicine Tree back when I was still an underclassman. I’m a sucker for falsettos, and have been following them relatively closely for the past 5 or 6 years. My super-crush has since faded as I’ve gotten along, but I figured I’d provide you with a brief glimpse into my formative years…I know you’re all interested (hardly.). The band just released Dressed Up & In Line last week. The disc is a collection of b-sides and acoustic tracks, covers, and “archived” tracks – along with a couple of newly recorded ones.

Copeland – No One Really Wins (acoustic)
Copeland – Chin Up

more info…
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the Magnolias

“When you ask me how I’m feeling, do you really want to know?”

Twin Cities punk rock confabs are almost invariably laced with mentions of bands like the Replacements (rightly so), Husker Du or Soul Asylum. Why does the ball have to stop rolling there? Doesn’t anyone remember John Freeman and the Magnolias? Godddd you’re missing out. They’re very nearly one of my favorite bands. Although they were certainly preceeded by Westerberg and his boys, and even shared a home at Twin Tone Records, Freeman’s efforts aren’t completely derivative. Surprisingly, after almost 10 years of little activity, the band made an appearance in 2006 at SXSW. Moreover, it looks like they have plans for some upcoming European dates. The two songs included are from the 1992 release Off The Hook.

The Magnolias – When I’m Not
The Magnolias – Don’t Pack It In

more info…
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Marvins Revolt

“Fires burn out, it’s true.”

Mostly, I like my music organic – a bit rough around the edges…both of which Copenhagen based four piece Marvins Revolt is not. But hey, the end all is that stellar songs are stellar songs, no matter how you cut it. It’s simply not in my nature to overlook kickin’ tunes, you know? Interestingly enough, these Danes found their way into the UK by way of Irish indie label Popular Records. Their super technical, complex guitar licks and instrumentation don’t make for an easy listen – MR is well worth it, though, if you’re willing to invest the time. Music listening isn’t a passive experience, anyway. Killec, the band’s most recent disc, just dropped in late September. Those of you here in the States might have a harder time tracking the disc down, but UK residents shouldn’t have much trouble getting their hands on it…

Marvins Revolt – Deliberate Deeds

more info…
Official Site
Myspace