Friday Freebies

Right I know I said I wasn't going to do one of these for a few weeks, but seeing as my favourite bookmarks is getting out of control I thought I'd post up some links to some of the best stuff that I've found recently.

We Were Promised Jetpacks
One of the main reason for me wanting to post a Freebies was the new Jetpacks song, I fully appreciate that most of you will have already downloaded their new song 'Act On Impulse', but if you haven't then you really should as it's fucking ace, a welcome return and then some.

Letters
When Letters first burst onto the scene at the start of the year I must admit that I was a bit taken aback by the amount of hype they got from many of my fellow blogger friends. After hearing their new single, 'Flash! Lights', I have to put my hands up and admit that I was wrong, as this song is a wee belter and best of all it's free. You can download yourself a copy for free using the following link.

Bear Bones
I'll warn you now, I am going to mention Wickerman a few times in this post. Last weekend Bear Bones were the biggest surprise for me, I have heard songs in the past and enjoyed them, but I rally hadn't listened to them enough to fully appreciate just how good they were. They really impressed me with how good they were live, tight as fuck, with tunes to boot. You can download yourself one of these said tunes by signing up to their mailing list and they'll send you their track 'I Scare Easily'. Dae it!

Spaghetti Anywhere
It's almost a year and half since Jim Ayetunes sent me over an email about Spaghetti Anywhere, at the time we got ourselves just a little over excited about their self titled debut EP. Since then they've kind of disappeared of my radar a little, mainly because they're based in London and they haven't ventured north of the border for a gig yet. Hopefully they'll make it up one day, until then we can content ourselves with a free download of their new EP 'Doolally' which you can find on their Bandcamp page.

Amber Wilson
Hailing from Aberdeen, Amber Wilson was fucking great when I saw her play with Endor and Randolph's Leap a few months back. She's about to release her new double a-side single on Monday 15th August, again it's fucking great. You don't have to take my word for it as to how talented she is, you can find out for yourself, as by signing up to her mailing list you'll get a free MP3 of her song 'Things Will Be Better'.

Citizens
I might well have mentioned that I was at the Wickerman Festival last weekend, if not, I was and I had a fucking great time. I have promised myself that I will try and write a review when I get the chance. Although I have to admit that my memories are somewhat hazy, so a 2,000 word article on how I was drunk and can't remember anything might not be the most interesting post. One thing that I do recall is drunkenly debating (arguing) with one of Citizens about god only knows what. I think we must have talked all the way through Rachel Sermanni's set, but then again fuck it she was about 2 hours late for her headline slot. The following day I went to see Citizens play and they kicked the fucking arse out of the Solus Tent they were playing in. I also bonded with the same guy that I'd been arguing with. Fun fun times were had.
You can enjoy some fun too by downloading their EP Try Harder for free on their Bandcamp, those of a nervous disposition might want to avoid this one.

Kobi Onyame
Another act that I caught at Wickerman who surprised me a lot, was Kobi Onyame. I'll admit that I know fuck all about hip-hop, but I really enjoyed his set, so when I got back I did some hunting and found out that he has a free download up for grabs on his Bandcamp.

The Phantom Band
Having done Wickerman, I am now getting pretty excited about next weeks Belladrum Festival near Inverness. I know I am going to lose what little credibility I have built up already, but I must admit that I am pretty excited about seeing Deacon Blue. There I have said it, mock me all you want, but when I was very young they were one of the first Scottish bands that I really got into. Since then it's safe to say that my tastes have changed a tad, which leads me to the band that I am most looking forward to seeing, Glasgow's finest, The Phantom Band. It's only been a few months since I last saw them playing live, but it feels like it's been fecking ages.
Having messed about on their new Bandcamp page a week or so back, I came across this free download of their live cover version of Moondog's Fujiyama which was originally recorded as part of a Moondog tribute album that the band missed the submission deadline too. You can download it for free on their Bandcamp.

Kowalskiy
Hopefully you've been keeping up with Kowalskiy's blog so you'll already know that he posted his 13th Free Monthly EP a few weeks back. If you missed it, then you missed getting your hands on free tracks from Verse Metrics, Letters and Campfires in Winter amongst others. Getting downloading it here.

Dolfinz
Credit for this find goes out Matthew from Song By Toad, after he posted about them a couple of weeks back, I checked them out and was mightily impressed by what I heard. You can find out what all the fuss is about by downloading some free tune-age from their Soundcloud page.

The Strokes
Stereogum have posted up a tribute album of folk covering songs from The Strokes (only good album) 'Is This It', featuring contributions from folk such as Peter, Bjorn and John, The Morning Benders and Owen Pallett. Download it for free here.

M83
My partner in crime, Halina has spent the past week 'spaffing' about how amazing the new M83 song is. I actually still haven't heard this song, so I can't comment, all I know is that their new song 'Midnight City' is free to download in exchange for your email address.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
The come back I never thought would happen is about to happen, yes the worlds most stupidly named band are going to release a new album. As I have said before I am really looking forward to hearing some new material from them, their new single Maniac is free to download and I think it sounds ace.

Bobby Womb
Jon McCall, ex-Y’all is Fantasy Island drummer has issued his 2nd EP on Wise Blood entitled Dwarf Management, you can download it for free here.

Friday Freebies

Sorry about the lack of Freebies last week, as I was putting on the Kid Canaveral gig last week, I didn't get home till late. Then the distractions of real life such as sleep, a baby and having to go to work all conspired against me. On the plus side, that means that this weeks post is a double roll over of awesome free tunes. Right, I guess I best get on with the show then...

Dananananaykroyd
They're baaaack! Yes boys and girls, it's the long awaited return of the most fun band in Scotland. Having spent the end of last year over in LA recording their new album with Ross Robinson, the band are giving away a free download of their awesome new song E Numbers for nowt. Also, if you're quick off the mark then you might still be able to get your grubby paws on a ticket for their very intimate show at the The Ivy in Glasgow. I got my ticket through today and Mrs Peenko took the huff as I am taking Jim Ayetunes and not her. Last time we saw Dananana she hated them, you really can't win some times.

Homework
It's been a long time since we've heard anything from Edinburgh's Homework, having checked back from my archives it was way back in August of 2009 that I last featured them. Hasn't the time just flown in, well now they're back and they're giving away a free download of Why Oh Why, which is taken from their forthcoming debut album. A welcome return indeed.

Spaghetti Anywhere
Another band making a welcome return are the amazing Spaghetti Anywhere, who are giving away a free download of their new single Arrochar. Nice to have the boys back, hopefully this is means that there is an album somewhere in the pipeline.

White Denim
Austin is one lucky city, not only do they get to host the coolest music festival in the world, but it's also the home town of one of the finest rock bands of the moment. Having broken through with the briliant Workout Holiday, the band are set to return with a new album shortly. You can download new song Drug for free here.

FOUND
As I am sitting typing this weeks freebies up, FOUND are launching their awesome new album Factory Craft with a gig in Edinburgh. Next Friday they'll be doing the same in Glasgow, awesome times await. Soon we'll be coming to the end of their series of Friday give aways, as always I am in the dark as to what you can expect. It'll be good and it will be free that's all I can tell you for certain.

Guillemots
I am not sure if I'll ever go back and listen to the Guillemots ever again, their second album was such an abomination that it pretty much ruined it for me. Yes, I'm fickle, but in a world were I get bombarded with loads of new music every day I can be as choosy as I want. If you're still willing to give them a chance, or they never fell out of favour in your eyes, then you might be interested to learn that they've made new song 'Walk The River' available for download.

Debutant
It's good to see that the rumours of Debutant's demise were just rumours as he's back and he's even got a free album up for you to download for free.

Trapped Mice
The up and coming Edinburgh starlets are giving away a free download of their song, Pioneer Song on their Bandcamp page. The song is a wee teaser in anticipation of the bands forthcoming EP launch tomorrow night at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh with Loch Awe. Sterling work.

Manchester Orchestra
I am still of the opinion that this band are too good to have such a shit name, I guess there's no turning back now. They have a new album out in May which I am pretty excited about, you can find a free download of the title track Simple Math here. Good times await.

Bear Driver
They're off to SXSW in a week or so, if you're going to be out in Austin I'd urge you to check this mob out. They've been giving away an array of free songs in anticipation of heading across the pond, you'll find them all here.

Mark Corbett
I will be running a wee feature with Mark in a few weeks time, so I won't divulge too much just yet. All that you need to know for now is he's from Edinburgh, he's got a cracking wee EP and you can download one of the songs from it for free here.

The Fire And I
Having featured pretty well in last years Scottish BAMS awards, the Bathgate four piece are giving away a free download in exchange for you signing up to their official fan list.

Bottle of Evil
Former Fresh Meat stars, Bottle of Evil are giving away a free download of an instrumental version of their self titled album, you can get yourself a copy here.

Evil Hand
Following on from Bottle of Evil, their side project Evil Hand also has a free download of their album Huldra up for grabs.

Summer Camp
The ultimate hipster duo are all set to release their debut album later this summer, as a wee teaser of what you can expect, Gorilla vs Bear have a free download of new song I Want You up for grabs.

Carnivores
Paisley's finest rock outfit, Carnivores are giving away a free track from their mini-album, get Nights of Infinity here.

Hauschka
The only things that I really know about Hauschka are that he's signed to Fat Cat, he did something on the last Frabbit album and that he has a free download of his new song 'Ping' up for grabs here.

Stray Kites
Hailing from Virginia, Stray Kites are a cracking wee band who have causing a fair bit of excitement on the old blogosphere. You can find out what's been getting the kids all excited by downloading their new single Misanthrope for free.

Anni Rossi
Go here to get yourself a free download Anni Rossi's new single 'Land Majestic' here.

Starshy
Bubblegum Records have put a collection of 3 songs from Starshy up for free download, find it here.

How Garbo Died
The Glasgow post punk electronica outfit have made a collection of their songs available for free download here.

Fenech-Soler
Download their WhiteVersions for free here.

Metronomy
Download their new song She Wants taken from their forthcoming new album The English Riveria here.

Young Legionnaire
Sign up to their mailing list to get the brand new song 'Chapter, Verse'.

Columbia Label Sampler
Last but not least for this week, Amazon have a free compilation from Columbia up for grabs, it includes tracks from Band of Horses, Sleigh Bells and loads of shite stuff. Download it here.

Friday Freebies

The National
I was a bit late in actually listening to The National, it wasn't until about a year after 'Boxer' was released that I cottoned on what I was missing out on. My fail, I know. On the plus side though I did have one hell of a back catalogue to work my way through. Anyway, I digress, on Tuesday Lauren Laverne debuted new “Bloddbuzz Ohio” on her 6Music show. This led to several blogs posting radio rips of it. In reaction to this their label 4AD have posted a high quality version of the song to download here. It’s really fucking good, if you only download one freebie today, make sure it's this one.

Adam Stafford
This week we have not one but two freebies from the lovely folk over from Scottish indie 'internet' label Wiseblood Industries. First up is the new album from Adam Stafford, the man who not only runs the label, but is also the lead singer of Falkirk outfit Y'all Is Fantasy Island. His album 'Miniature Porcelain Horse Emporium' is up for free download, bloody good it is too.

Jocky Venkataraman
The second free download from Wiseblood comes from Jocky Venkataraman & Jim Megaw, who's new Post Post Office EP, is also available for free download, go grab yourself a copy here. I'll be honest and admit that I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, hey there's only so much time that I have each week. If Jocky's previous material is anything to go by, then you're in for a treat.

Phoenix
Out of of all of the freebies that I came across this week , this one of my favourites. It's a free download of French band Phoenix recorded live in Sydney. Originally it was made available by the Observer, however, you can bypass all of the filling in your details part by clicking here. It features 9 out of the 10 tracks from their latest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and it is cracking.

Teenage Fanclub
Woo hoo the Fannies are back!! And there's a new song out there for free, “Baby Lee,” which is taken from the group’s forthcoming ninth album Shadows is available to download over on Stereogum right now. Bloody lovely it is too.

Trapped in Kansas
It's been quite an exciting week in terms of things news coming from the Ayrshire outfit, not only have they signed up with Daydream Management (Halina and Iona from Glasgow Podcart), but they also posted up some B-sides for free download up on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear then you might be pleased to know that they are playing at Sleazy's next Wednesday (the 31st).

Glasgow Podcart
While I am on the subject of the Podcart team, they have made a couple of their live sessions from The Scottish Enlightenment and St Deluxe available for free download. All you need to do is head on over to their flashy new Bandcamp page and get downloading.

Spaghetti Anywhere
A fair few of us Scottish bloggers have already declared our undying love for this twee pop duo, in case you weren't paying attention when Ayetunes, Have Fun at Dinner, Kowalskiy, Elba Sessions and myself posted about them, then this is the time for you to do some catching up. Head over to Toy Soldier Records, sign up to their mailing list and they'll send you a free Spaghetti Anywhere 'Girlfriends with Boyfriends' single.

Hot Chip
Their latest album 'One Life Stand' is already one of my favourite of 2010, if you haven't heard it yet then I would suggest you check it out. If you need some encouragement to check it out, then head over to the Line of Best Fit as they have an exclusive free download of a new remix of their cracking new single “I Feel Better”. Go download it here.

Aqualung
Remember this guy? one of his song was used in an advert a few years back, must have been great to get that bit of exposure, but it pretty much killed his career. Anyway, if you want to hear what he sounds like these days then head over to his homepage for a free download of a new song called 'New Friend'. It's actually pretty damn good.

Peggy Sue
The Brighton based folk trio have posted a collection of songs from all their singles and EP available as a free download! There are 10 songs up there for your aural pleasure, download them all from their Soundcloud page.

Wintersleep
They release one of my favourite albums of last year, 'Welcome to the Night Sky' (although I think it came out back in 2008, possibly 2007 - hey I am bit slow to pick up on things sometimes). They'll be back in May with a new album entitled 'New Inheritors', in promotion of it's release they're giving away a free track from it. It's one of those sign your life away/email address up and they'll send you the song.

The Girobabies
You can get 'Jeremy Kyle' from their Bandcamp page, if you like what you hear then you might be interested to know that their debut EP is released on the 1st of May. Thanks to Jim Ayetunes for the tip.

The Horns of Happiness
Indiana band, the Horns of Happiness have just made their new EP available for free. Just head over to their label Secretly Canadian to download the EP, which includes three previously unreleased songs

Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Corner

Ohbijou
This week our good friend Kowalskiy has pulled two corkers out of the bag, first up we have Ohbijou's Third Floor Session which includes 8 free MP3s. In addition if you have a scour about on the site you can find sessions from DD/MM/YYYY, Kay Pettigrew, Gravity Wave and The Wooden Sky.

Conquering Animal Sound
They might well be the latest buzz band amongst Scottish bloggers/podcasters, but I have to be honest and admit that I hadn't given them a listen until David Kowalskiy sent me this freebie,
A free MP3 of 'Alice shoes (live)' (right click save) is available for free download from the Gizeh Records website . Also up for grabs on their site are tracks from Glisando, Trespassers William and worrieaboutsatan, who in case you'd forgotten, play at the Flying Duck tomorrow night.

Scots Way-Hay #3 - Spaghetti Anywhere

For a country which can be pretty miserable at times, we produce more than our fair share of happy indie-pop bands, Teenage Fan Club, Belle & Sebastian, Camera Obscura, BMX Bandits, The Pastels, etc. Now we can add Spaghetti Anywhere to that ever growing list. Residing in East London, the band are centred around Francis , who hails from Glasgow (hence my justification for including them under the 'Scots Way-Hay banner), and Valerio from Rome . The band formed in 2008 and are set to release their debut EP next week.
It was actually Jim who runs the Aye Tunes blog who brought them to my attention . It was one of those moments where I guess he couldn't believe how good the songs he was hearing actually were. Thankfully though the man has an ear for good music.

For the past month or so their EP has been my soundtrack after yet another shitty day in work, their songs just put a smile on my face and make the world feel that little bit more bearable. Be warned though if you don't like your music to be 'twee' then this might not be for you. If you do, then prepare yourself for some incredibly catchy music, with a twist of 80s pop thrown in to boot. In short this is nothing new, but with Francis Cullen 's soft Scottish voice and incredibly catchy tunes, Spaghetti Anywhere are one of the most achingly good bands and completely caught me off guard.

Would you care to introduce yourself?
Hello, I am Francis, one half of spaghetti anywhere, Valerio’s not here right now because I’m at uni and he’s in London.

How would you describe the music you make?
Um I always have difficulty in answering this question, usually I say something like ‘um I dunno, like folky kind of poppy indie stuff, sort of twee, like belle and Sebastian do you know who they are?’. I’d like to think our music makes people feel happy in a kind of melancholic way, I don’t really like writing depressing dark lyrics and if I do then there’s usually a happy ending.. I’m wondering if I answered the question.

How did you start out making music?
Well it began when I met Valerio, I had some songs already one I wrote with one of my friends Johnny way back when, but it was nowhere near finished, so Valerio suggested I go round to his house to record some of them. So we did ‘dangerous as pisa’, and I was amazed at how much better it became when he came up with some new guitar parts for it. I really liked going round his house in the day, I had nothing to do and we’d always drink and he’d make us spaghetti for lunch, good times. After that I wrote more and more songs, being slightly heart broken they all came out pretty easily, some of them were a bit too wishy washy though.


What process goes into the way you write songs?
Well I spend hours in my bedroom strumming a guitar until something sounds good, then I think of lyrics to go over it, sometimes they just write themselves and sometimes it takes forever, it’s a strange thing that I will probably never get my head around. After that it moves down the production line and Valerio puts some new guitar parts over it, a bass line, then we stick whatever synth, keyboard, glockenspiel parts in..,. then he sits me in a corner and records me singing, this is the most painful part.

Who are your big musical influences?
I think I have to be predictable and say Belle and Sebastian, I try and rip them off a lot but I do it really badly so nobody realizes, I also take a lot of influence from Daniel Johnston, ‘lousy weekend’ in particular. Valerio I think if he was here would say stuff like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and the Mr Sandman song, I’m really into that too, so it’s a nice contrast.

What are you all listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I really like Bishop Allen, we were supposed to play with him a while ago, my friend was organizing the gig, but then we didn’t in the end and I cried a bit. We did play with dent may though and he’s really good.

What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2010?
Well at the moment we are trying to sort out our live act, were looking for a band because everybody who’s played with us in the past ends up leaving, were on our third bassist, our drummer ditched us for another band and our keyboard player is off to India. I think we need to find one more guitar player too because I’m finding it difficult to stage dive with a guitar round my neck. After we do that I’m sure another EP is on the cards probably may/june time, I already have someone doing the art work for it, again with the highland cows. Oh and weve also started shooting a music video for girlfriends with boyfriends so maybe you’ll see that one day.

Can we expect to see any live shows coming up in Scotland?
I hope so!., maybe my granny will come and see us, I’m sure we will, If anyone offers of course we’d be up for coming up anytime,… Nudge nudge wink wink.


Spaghetti Anywhere- Girlfriends With Boyfriends (MP3)


If you fancy bringing a little sunshine into your life then I recommend Spaghetti Anywhere's Debut EP, which is out on the 22nd February on 10" vinyl and by digital download through Toy Soldier Records. If you like music of the twee variety, this is a must buy.

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