Honk: Beep Seals, Spectacular Fantastic, Japan Air, Airfields, Superfantastics

Bonkers over Conkers

Sorry not to have posted for a couple of days. Oh, you didn’t notice? Phweww.`````` (simulated flicked sweatdrops) Today, a novel approach: I’m going to post some mp3s I’ve recently found and like. Maybe you will, too. (Post some mp3s, I mean. If so, please let me know.) Now. . .

The Beep Seals – Stars mp3 – Delighted I was to hear from Jack Beep Seal (aka, "Cooper"), who told me the Manchester band's forthcoming album is to be produced by Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub. Were we supposed to be impressed or something? Duh, rah-ther. I can't wait to hear what else these Mancunians lay down. (Oh, and after intensive study, I have deduced that Jack is the bloke on the far left in the pic.)

The Spectacular Fantastic – Also invigorating was word from Mike Detmer of these longtime (two whole years for me now) Cincinnatti faves that the band are being delivered of a new double EP. True to TSF tradition, much of it is available free at their website, here and here. I'm posting three of my favorites among the newbies, plus two I previously posted here and here.

Reward

We're Alone Again mp3

Feelings mp3

Ordinary Man mp3

Outer space is nothing but a lie
Honey Money mp3

The Spectacular Fantastic/Tessitura (split single)

You mp3

A theme accidentally takes wing:

Japan Air – Stars mp3 – Thanks to Morten at Hits in the Car for the headsup on this Stockholm/Kalmar/Malmö outfit. Morten has another downloadable here, and the band’s MySpace has some here.

The Airfields – Never See You Smile mp3 – I love the way these Torontans (insert appropriate aeronautical witticism). More than that (whatever it might be), I love their music.

The Aimless Never Miss – Oh, If They Could Fly mp3 – These San Franciscans' aimlessness is true, and their music truly satisfying.

The Superfantastics – Rites of Spring mp3 – from Choose Your Destination Now we wax almost brutally subtle. See the connection? I'm sorry, it's late again, and I'm waning wanting. Next time I start at 1:30 A.M. Does an italicized 1 qualify as a Roman numeral? Over and out. Plus, we get the jump on all the bloggers who are waiting till 3/21 (or 21.3, if you prefer) to post this one. Oh, yeah.

The Spectacular Fantastic: Their Name is True

I got pretty hopped up a few minutes ago to hear from Mike Detmer of Cincinnati band, The Spectacular Fantastic, who have just released their latest full length, Outer space is nothing but a lie. In the case of this excellent outfit, “release” has special meaning: they offer up their entire catalogue for free at their bandsite. How uncapitalistic, and you will never see a better cost-to-profit ratio on this terrestrial ball, nevermind the great out-there. As I indicated in one of my earliest posts, I’ve loved the band since early '06. For a couple of months “You” held the honored opening-song slot on faves CDs I made for friends. You’ve maybe noticed (not that it matters) I tend to like my songs uptempo; this is one of the few bands that can move me at any speed. Here are four favorites from Outer space. I hope you’ll be joining me at TFS’s bandsite to take advantage of their system of a-downloadin’. Also, please to explain “Outer space is nothing but a lie.” Close attention might pay off.

The Spectacular Fantastic - Outer space is nothing but a lie

Honey Money mp3

Out of time mp3

Summer toes mp3

As long as mp3