San Francisco

Mahgeetah’s Full-Length Album and Upcoming Show at The Night Light, Dec. 7

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Let’s start by saying Mahgeetah’s first full-length album Heavy Baby doesn’t qualify as your typical SF indie scene staple. 

Beginning with a single interval on a B3 organ—or a B3 imposter—and ending with a classic blues-rock jam, the album is truck stop music’s sensitive cousin who went off to college, but still gets nostalgic for his blues and folk rock roots. It would gladly trade your Bay Area reverb for a little distortion any day.

Heavy Baby uses influences like Dr. Dog and Wilco as a compass, but ventures into territory of its own. It is constructed of propulsive rhythms with easy riding guitars, and furnished with Cat Stevens-like electric piano riffs with soulful, staccato vocals that call to mind Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug.

Listen to the album all the way through; this is much more than a catchy road trip playlist.  

Here’s the only track from the album I could find for free download, but you can stream it on major streaming platforms like Rdio, and buy it on major buying platforms like iTunes. 

Get convinced you want to buy or stream Mahgeetah’s album by watching their show at The Night Light, December 7, with T.V. Mike and Scarecrows. 

NYC

ARMS releases new video + plays Union Hall on 11.30

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For years, ARMS’ Todd Goldstein has been a mainstay of the Brooklyn music scene, releasing gorgeous and dark pop songs. ARMS’ 2011 release "Summer Skills" was in Goldstein’s words “a magical realism break-up record” full of nostalgic tunes and bittersweet endings.

One of ARMS’ most loved tracks, “Heat and Hot Water” finally received the video treatment last week with an unveiling courtesy of IFC (streaming below).The video portrays a young relationship at the brink of its boiling point, featuring a cameo from Goldstein himself as “the devil .” Directed by White Rabbits’ video director Andrew Droz Palermo, the video shows two lovers about to explode and visually captures the slightly unsettling sound of the album.  "Summer Skills," produced by Shane Stoneback (Sleigh Bells, Fucked Up, Vampire Weekend) is now out on vinyl on the band’s bandcamp.

Also, check out the band’s magnetic live show this Friday November 30th at Union Hall with performances from Neighbors, KNTRLR, and Fasano (featuring former ARMS bassist Matty Fasano!) – Amanda Dissinger

ARMS – Heat & Hot Water (Official Video) from ARMSvideos on Vimeo.

Philadelphia

New Track: “Yrslf” – Tours

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Check out a new track from Tours (a.k.a. Dylan Sieh) called “Yrslf” that appears on his latest EP Okay, which dropped today. You can “name your price” or download the album for free HERE. It is also available on cassette via Purr Tapes. Below are a few words that he shared about the release. Special thanks to Pasta Primavera for bringing it to our attention.

"Okay is the continuation from Tours’ previous EP, Stay. Stay dealt with the challenges of moving forward despite the difficulties of losing something dear to you. It’s follow-up is the realization that everything is Okay. The release conveys the importance of improving yourself and learning to let things go. Thank you for taking the time to listen."

Philadelphia

Freeway Album Release Party at The Blockley Nov. 26

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If you are fan of Freeway and you follow him on Twitter, then you should already know that it is a big week for the bearded veteran spitter. Tonight the Philly emcee and his pals are taking over The Blockley to celebrate his long-awaited release Diamond In The Ruff, which come out tomorrow via Babygrande Records. On the album, you’ll find contributions from the likes of Just Blaze, Wale, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius, Neef Buck and Nikki Jean. Ms. Jade and DJ Afrodjiak are already slated on the bill, but you can also expect appearances from Young Gunz, Memphis Bleek, and many others to help Freeway throwdown the way only Philly knows how. The Blockley, 3801 Chestnut St., 9pm, $20, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman

NYC

NYC artist on the rise: Vandana Jain, live at Studio A at Ella on 11.29

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Fair or not, it’s not always easy to make sense of artists. It can often be a dizzying experience for the uninitiated fan to penetrate into their microcosms. So that’s why I approached

But the more I visit Jain, the more I come to see the Brooklyn-by-India artist as an extremely emotional, vulnerable artist, speaking to us from the inside out. Hers is a message that has to first be felt on the body, before translating to your mind. At least… That’s the way I understand it. Hear her latest record ‘Vandamner’ here, and see Vandana when she plays Studio A at Ella on Thursday, Nov 29th. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets) – Photo by David Shults

Philadelphia

New Music Video: “Cotton” – Chill Moody

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Here’s a new music video from Chill Moody for the fan favorite track "Cotton," which was directed by Brad Watts. The song is off his collaborative mixtape with Joe Logic titled The Gam3Plan Stage Two. The rising West Philly emcee has a new album, #RFM, coming out, and he’ll be celebrating its release on December 28 when he headlines at the TLA.

San Francisco

Evil Eyes’ Dreamy Singles and Impending Album Release

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Evil Eyes’ musical adventure begins with a bro jam in a shabby motel room in a mysterious, suntanned land called Florida. Four years, three new members, two singles, and one EP later, the band is preparing to release their first full-length album here in Palesville (okay, San Francisco), CA.

Their gauzy, glazed pop lives in a similar zip code as Real Estate, Beach House, and Youth Lagoon. Heavy on janglitude, guitar pedals, and pentatonicism, they should have no issue packing out a space in the prolific West Coast shoegaze scene. 

Listen to their stuff here, and look forward to their album release early next year.

Philadelphia

Hound Supported by Ted Leo at Nacho House Nov. 25

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If there’s any justice in the world, Perry A. Shall will be showered with applause, booze, and every form of holiday goodies tonight. His service to the Philly music scene is a gift that keeps on giving, especially with this evening’s musical Christmukkah bounty: not only is he rocking the Nacho House with his most excellent new project Hound, but he’s secured Ted Leo as the opener. Leo’s proclivity for randomly showing up amongst normal folks and fans to humbly bestow his awesomeness upon them rivals Bill Murray’s, and he’ll get an equally reverent welcome from the great, gritty West Philly crowd. Hound bears all the Shall trademarks: deft homage to classic garage rock, a slovenly, rollicking boogie, and impeccable arrangements that could win over even the most reticent. Rounding out the radness of this evening are amped-up angst-rockers Ghost Light, and Radiator Hospital, who have relocated to Philly from Grand Rapids, Michigan, which obviously is an all-around awesome decision. Nacho House, (Email Perryage@gmail.com for more info.), 7:30pm, $7, All Ages – Alyssa Greenberg

Philadelphia

Hurricane Sandy Benefit at The Fire Nov. 25

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Tonight the Fire hosts a benefit to help those affected by super-storm Sandy. Demonstrate your support for the plethora of people still reeling in the wake of this devastating natural disaster. This evening’s bill boasts a handful of exciting local musicians including the raw garage-rock of Purples, the harmonious retro rock of Juston Stens and the Get Real Gang, the techno explosion of City Rain, and the smooth, soul experience of Kate Faust. In the aftermath of destruction, it is important to recognize the need to help others in whatever manner possible. Please come out, and show your support for a good cause. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

Mercury Radio Theater Presents “The Gobblepocalypse” at JB’s Nov. 24

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A dark undercurrent sweeps through Johnny Brenda’s tonight as Mercury Radio Theater presents "The Gobblepocalypse." MRT has the knack for combining stalwart surf/punk instrumentation synching the fundamentally intense vibes of a thick rhythm section and guitar searing the ground that lies in its path. The band takes that “ready to launch” mentality and infuses a twisted cinematic horror narrative and other classics, but mismatched, yet well-placed tones build a scene right before your eyes. One can’t help buying in. Throw in burlesque interludes by Peek-A-Boo Revue‘s Lulu Lollipop, and this theatrical music escapade kicks it up a notch with a little va-va-va-voom. Six Acre Lake will open the show with heavy-handed mathematical guitar/percussion/synth approach, while the reinvigorated bizzaro cinema of Faquar Muckenfuss also sets the stage. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
 
Nashville

Will Hoge Plays VUMC Benefit Tonight At 3rd & Lindsley

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If you’ve missed the chatter around town as well as this week’s cover story in the Nashville Scene, you may have also missed the hype surrounding Will Hoge‘s two-night, post-Thanksgiving stint at 3rd & Lindsley.

Tonight’s show will benefit the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Trauma Center, where Will was taken after his life-threatening accident in 2008. After stating in multiple interviews that he credits VUMC with saving his life that night, Will has decided to go one step further and put his ticket sales where his mouth is. Josh Hoge will join his brother onstage for tonight’s show, and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the VUMC Trauma Center and Trauma Survivors Network.

Tomorrow’s show is slated to celebrate a much less somber cause. Just in time for the spirit of the holiday season, Will has invited a myriad of music-minded friends and special guests to join him on the Lindsley stage.

Both shows begin at 8 pm. Tickets are available here. –Brianne Turner