Friday Freebies

As there was no Friday Freebies last week as I was still up north recovering from my post-goNorth hangover, this weeks post is a bit a monster. A good friendly monster, filled with lots of free goodness...


The State Broadcasters
I haven't really posted much about what has been going on with the label I co-run, Olive Grove Records, for a while now. Not because I have intentionally tried to keep the two apart, more so because I am a bit forgetful, once I have been doing all of my promo stuff for Olive Grove, it doesn't dawn on me that I haven't bothered to mention it on my own fucking blog. That's what old age and sleep deprivation does to you kids. If you want to remember things, don't try running a label and a blog whilst also trying to maintain some kind of sanity. Oh and adding a child to the mix would just be crazy. Anyway, I'll get to the point, in September we're going to be releasing our first album of 2012 and it's ridiculously good. It's from a Glasgow 6 piece, the State Broadcasters, who some of you might remember from their debut album, 'The Ship & The Iceberg' which came out all the way back in 2009. In a few months time we'll be releasing the follow up album. 'Ghosts We Must Carry' and we're understandably pretty damn excited about it. On Monday their we made their track, 'Trespassers' available as a free download on SoundCloud.  I hope you like it.




Touch Sensitive
Our friends at Touch Sensitive launched their first ever album last week in Glasgow and from all accounts it sounds like it was a pretty successful evening. The online directory is looking to establish greater links between underground and alternative music coming out of Scotland, Spain and the rest of the world. As part of their efforts to create greater links between the different nations they've released a compilation which features six of their favourite artists from Spain and Scotland respectively. It's available now as a free download over on their Bandcamp page, featuring tracks from the likes of The Son(s), Plastic Animals and Zoey Van Goey, plus six Spanish bands that are all well worth checking out.





I Build Collapsible Mountains
There's nothing quite like a new I Build Collapsible Mountains to make the day feel that little bit better, admittedly his songs aren't always the cheeriest, but you can always be assured that they'll be good. Luke, aka  Mr Mountain, has posted up a free download of a new instrumental song by the name of 'Sleeplesser', bloody great it is too. You can find it on his SoundCloud page, if you're looking for something to soothe you into the wee hours of the night, then this my friend is the perfect soundtrack, lovely lovely stuff.



Campfires In Winter 
Croy four piece, Campfires In Winter have pretty much become synonymous with this blog, not only have I been championing the band for several years now, I also have their lead singer writing reviews for me. So I guess I am ever so slightly biased about their music, but fuck it, I wouldn't champion the band if I didn't actually like their music. Having been a bit sporadic with their releases, they continually seem to emerge with new demos which are a massive improvement on the last. In the case of the new songs that they've just posted on their Bandcamp page, they do appear to have developed a much more mature sound that bodes well for their debut album, which should hopefully see the light of day before the year is out. Although I wouldn't hold my breath as I have been waiting for an album for more years than I care to remember. For now though get stuck into these new demos, be warned they're catchy as fuck.

Secret Motorbikes
Do you know what Glasgow really needs, a great surf-pop band and you know what, Secret Motorbikes might well be that band. They've got two EPs up for free download on their Bandcamp page, both of which are pretty damn ace. Ch-ch-check 'em out.





Capitals
Edinburgh electronic duo, Capitals, released their new single 'All These Years' on a pay what you want basis on their Bandcamp page. Dare I say it, but this might well be the best thing they've released to date.





Gummy Stumps 
If you like your pop music to be a wee bit bonkers, then you really need to check out the new Gummy Stumps album, "New House Whites" which is available for free download from the good folk over at Winning Sperm Party.





Allan James
Sick of all of the downbeat indie nonsense? well then Mr James might well be your man. His track Don't Look Down is pretty damn awesome, it's also free to download, making it doubly awesome. Nab it for free from his SoundCloud page.





Honey
Glasgow shoegazers, Honey, have two new songs available for free download, if you're not sure which one to check out first, then I'd go for Cape Canaveral, as that's my personal favourite.

The Last Battle
Edinburgh folk-pop outfit, The Last Battle, released their new single, 'Hope Is Gold' earlier this week, as a wee teaser they've made the B-Side to the single, 'The Crunching' available as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Actually scrap that, it's not free anymore, sorry. It's still worth checking out though. The band launch the single with a gig on the 22nd of June at Pilrig St. Paul's Church Hall in Edinburgh.




Supermarionation
Another Edinburgh band who this time are actually giving away a free download are Edinburgh power pop punks Supermarionation who are giving away a free live recording of a couple of tracks on their Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear and you've got a spare grand kicking about, then you could always invest your pennies in their Limited Edition Supermarionation Card Holder!

Friday Freebies

GoldFlakePaint
One of my favourite non-Scottish blogs, GoldFlakePaint celebrated their second birthday last week. To mark the occasion they have compiled a cracking wee compilation album featuring some of their favourite artists. Released on limited edition CD and as a free download, the compilation features tracks from some cracking artists, including a few Scottish acts such as PAWS, Sparrow & The Workshop and Loch Awe. You can download the album for free via Bandcamp, also while you're at it check out GoldFlakePaint's site as it comes highly recommended.



Part-Time Waitress
That Jill from Sparrow & The Workshop certainly has knack of cropping on exciting new musical projects. Not only does she front one of the best bands in Scotland, she also appears on the excellent forthcoming from the Grand Gestures. As if that wasn't enough she's recorded a song with mysterious outfit by the name of Part Time Waitress. I'm pretty confident that some of the boys from John Knox Sex Club are involved in the project, but so far I haven't been able to find anything on the web to confirm my suspicions. All you need to know is that there is a whole host of free tunes up for grabs in exchange for tweet here.

  Part-Time Waitress - 3 (MP3 FREE DOWNLOAD) by Part-Time Waitress

FatCat
If you head on over to the FatCat homepage you will find yourself a whole heap of free MP3 goodness, including tracks from U.S. Girls, Milk Maid, PAWS, Hauschka and Odonis Odonis. Thanks to The Beautiful Lies for the tip off - much appreciated gents!

Cleavers
Elgin's noisiest sons, Cleavers, are giving away 3 songs as a free download on their Bandcamp page. If you're going to be at this years goNorth, then you catch the boys at Detour's Offical Showcase gig on the Thursday alongside Olympic Swimmers, Lady North and DARC.



The Last Battle
Ahead of the release of their new single, Hope Is Gold, Edinburgh outfit The Last Battle have posted up a free download of a home recorded demo version of their song 'Viv Nicholson', which featured on last years The Springwell E.P. You can catch them playing live at Pilrig St Paul's Church in Edinburgh on the 22nd of June with support from the 'mysterious' William Henry Miller, Star Wheel Press and Where We Lay Our Heads.

  Viv Nicholson (Acoustic Demo) by thelastbattlemusic

Gaz Coombes
This is the first that I have heard of former Supergrass frontman, Gaz Coombes solo material and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Whether I'll ever find the time to listen to his album, Here Come The Bombs, I don't know, the one thing I do know is that Sub Divider which is taken from it, is a cracking wee tune and it's also free to download via Amazon.

Wolves Of Winter
I have to admit that Wolves Of Winter debut single, The Art of Temptation, didn't do all that much for me, but their new single The Thaw might just make me change my mind about them. The only downside is that they've just released a dark wintery song in the middle of the week that is our summer. You can download The Thaw for free from Bandcamp.





The Little Mill of Happiness
Up and coming Invernesian outfit, The Little Mill of Happiness, are giving away an exclusive unreleased track to anyone who signs up to their mailing list. With a promise not to spam you unless it's to let you know about gigs and other free downloads that they have to offer you can hardly say no. Fans of Tom Waits, Joy Division and Dinosaur Jnr might want to take note.

Saint Max
I don't half post some downbeat tunes at times, I'm not such a misery guts in real life, honest. I do like a good up beat tune that makes me want to dance (who doesn't). If you're looking for a great wee pop tune to soundtrack this sunny weather we're enjoying, then look no further than Saint Max. There's everything from 60's pop to a bit of ska going on in their track A Life Worth Living, which is free to download on SoundCloud.

  A Life Worth Living (Band) by Saint Max

Thank You So Nice
In case you missed Boab's 62 Word Review yesterday, you should check out his review of the new EP from Edinburgh outift, Thank You So Nice. If you want to know what they sound like then you can either read his review, or you can just stream the EP on their Bandcamp page, or you could do both. Yes, that would make the most sense. Shit. I am rambling again, that's what being woken up at half five does to me...



Poor Things
Perth indie-popsters Poor Things have another free demo up for grabs on their SoundCloud page, it's full of lo-fi goodness so get downloading if you know what's good for you.

  Schoolhouse song DEMO by POOR THINGS

Betatone Distraction
Fresh from being hand picked to support Graham Coxon at his recent Glasgow show, Betatone Distraction have decided to make their Process Replaces Content EP free to download. If you like what you hear then you can catch them live tomorrow night at Pivo Pivo in Glasgow.

Friday Freebies

Father Sculptor
Sadly it looks like Johnny Reb have called it a day, the good news however is that some of the band have gone on to form Father Sculptor, a cracking wee pop band, who I think it's safe to say might own a few Smiths records. Their new double A-side single 'Ember/Blue' is free to download on Bandcamp and it comes highly recommended.




The Last Battle
Edinburgh folk-pop outfit The Last Battle are set to release the follow up to their cracking debut album, Heart Of The Land, Soul Of The Sea later in the year. They are due to release their first single from said album in June, to celebrate the release of 'Hope Is Gold', they're going to be playing a wee gig at Pilrig St Pauls Church in Leith on the 22nd of June. Support on the evening comes from the 'mysterious' William Henry Miller and Where We Lay Our Heads. As a wee prelude to the gig, the band have made their EP, The Springwell free to download on Bandcamp. The band are also going to playing an instore gig at Avalanche tomorrow as part of the Record Store Day celebrations, they've even promised to play a couple of covers too.



Kowalskiy's free EP 
Bloody nora, we're now up to #22 in Kowalskiy's free EP series, not one for dropping his standards he's lined up another corking line up, including Father Sculptor, Miniature Dinosaurs, Kill The Waves, Zefs Chasing Cara and Toy Machene. Find out more and get downloading here.



Damon Albarn
Next month see the release of Damon Albarn's next release,  'Dr. Dee', an album of music taken from his opera of the same name. The album which was recorded with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is out on the 7th of May, as a wee teaser the NME have gotten an exclusive free download of 'The Dancing King' which can be dowloaded in exchange for an email address.
 

Pixies 
Frank Black and co are giving away free four-track EP on their official website. The EP consists of four live tracks which were recorded during the band's set at Coachella in 2004 and is available to be downloaded now from Pixiesmusic.com.

 

No Comet
Fans of drone music take note, Glasgow outfit, No Comet have posted up a couple of demos for free download. Get downloading over on their Bandcamp page.



Richard Hawley
If you head over to Amazon you can find yourself a free download of 'Standing At The Sky's Edge', the lead track from the new Richard Hawley album.

Friday Freebies

 

The Twilight Sad
Kilsyth's finest sons are all set to release their much anticipated third album (proper), No One Can Ever Know, next month. Having heard the album I reckon it's going to take a lot of folk by surprise with the new direction they've taken. As a wee teaser of what to expect, you can download Another Bed from it for free via both the Skinny and Spin.

Aloha Tigers!
My good friend Ian, who used to run the blog Have Fun At Dinner has set up his very own wee record label, Kircudbright Tape Club, and his first release is going to be with a band he's been championing for some time now, Bloomington-based dream-pop outfit, Aloa Tigers! Their debut album is due out later this year, but as a wee teaser of what to expect they've made their single, The Kind of Girl U Like, free to download on SoundCloud.

Mike Nisbet
Thanks to his placing in last years BAMS award, a lot of folk seem to now be taking notice of Oban's singer songwriter, Mike Nisbet. If you haven't already checked him out out, then now's your chance as he's made his song, Not Long, free to download here. It comes highly recommended kids.

The Last Battle
Around this time last year, Edinburgh folksters The Last Battle recorded recorded a New Years song called '365 days', and they're now very kindly giving it away as a free download on their Bandcamp. Look out for the follow up to their excellent debut album, Heart of the Land, Soul of the Sea, later in the year.

Hey Marseilles
It's been a while since I mentioned anything about Seattle septet Hey Marseilles, a band that I first heard after my friend Luke, aka I Build Collapsible Mountains, played them on an episode of the Glasgow Podcart. I'd actually forgotten how much I liked this lot, so it came as a nice surprise to find out that the influential radio station, KEXP are giving away a free download of their song “Elegy” here. 2012 looks set to be a big year for this lot, look out for a follow up to their debut self release, To Travels & Trunks later in the year, just cross those fingers that they make it over to these shores.

Monoganon
Those who frequent these parts on a regular basis might recall that I was raving about Monoganon's last album, Songs To Swim To, so much so that I had it was my second favourite album of 2011. So you can imagine my excitement in finding out that John B McKenna & Co have just released a new mini album called Help through those nice folk at Winning Sperm Party. Although not as immediate as their last release, this might not be for everyone, but I promise you that if you stick with it, it improves with every listen.

Trapped in Kansas
Those lovely Trapped in Kansas boys have very kindly decided that it might be a nice to give away all of the music that they record prior to the release of their last EP 'How To Go'. Just head on over to their label, Overlook Records where you can find a link to a whole load of goodies.

The Give It Ups
There are a few different record labels that continue to impress me with the music that they put out, one label that continues to impress are London DIY label, Odd Box Records. Their most recent release comes from twee indie four piece, The Give It Ups, and their single 'Let's Be Frank / If Everything Ends' which is fucking ace and free to download here.

Conquering Animal Sound
Having spent much of last year touring round Europe, Conquering Animal Sound have decided that it would be a nice idea to give something back to everyone who came out to see them. As a wee treat they're giving away a free live EP, featuring a couple of album tracks and some works in progress. Download it for nowt here.

No Island
Do you love your hardcore! No seriously, do you love your hardcore? If you do, then Glasgow hardcore punks No Island might well end up being your new favourite band. Their self-titled debut EP is free to download on their Bandcamp page and I can't help but think that these guys would be fucking awesome love. I guess I'll have to find out for myself some time soon.


Niki And The Dove 
Earlier this week it was announced that Niki And The Dove came 5th in this years BBC's Sound of 2012 new music list, if you fancy finding out what this fuss is about this Swedish electronic duo then you can download their song 'The Fox'  for free right now by clicking on 'Free Download' under their Facebook profile photo.

As In Bear
For quite a while now, my partner in crime Halina from Glasgow Podcart has been banging on about an Ayrshire outfit by the name of As In Bear. It wasn't until they got voted in as one of the Best New Bands in the recent Ayetunes Readers' Poll that I finally took note (my bad). If you fancy finding out what all the fuss is about then head on over to their SoundCloud page where you will find a whole host of free tunes.

Matt Norris & the Moon
Having just supported Primal Scream at their Hogmanay show, Edinburgh outfit Matt Norris & the Moon are unsurprisingly on a bit of a high, so much so that they've posted up an improved version of  their song First Light of Day for free download on their SoundCloud page.

Fat Janitor
I still don't know too much about this noisy lot, the only thing that I can now tell you for certain is that they've posted up a mini album called Lurk for free. If you feel like giving your ears a healthy battering then getting downloading here.


Hipster Death Squad 
The best named band in the world with the tunes to back it up are back, yup those prolific young fellas have crafted yet another corking wee tunes. It's called Good Times Again, which you can download for free on their Bandcamp page.



Seafieldroad 
I would argue that the solo project from Andrew Eaton-Lewis from the band Swimmer One, is one of the most under rated Scottish acts out there at the moment. You don't have to take my word for it though, if you head over to their Bandcamp where you can find two new songs which are available on a pay what you want basis. Even if you don't fancy shelling out any pennies for them, I'd urge you to get them downloaded.

The Martial Arts
Glasgow indie power pop outfit, The Martial Arts are giving away their new album Your Sinclair for nowt over here.

coma emilio
Last, but certainly not least we have one man project 'coma emilio' who's been busy working away on new material. Fans of lo-fi experimental music should find themselves right at home with his new album, Not Songs Not Sung Not Sad, which you can download for free here.

Sunday Round Up...

Holy fuck a McMoly, time certainly does fly in doesn't! Was it really way back in May that we announced that myself and Ayetunes were going to putting on another one of our 'leg-end-ary' gigs together. I guess that time has a certain way of creeping up on you, as in less than a week away we'll be taking over Stereo for our fourth 'vs' gig and desperately pretending that we're proper promoters and that we know what we're doing (usually the bands see us right!).
In case you'd forgotten the line up it looks something like this Mondegreen, Miaoux Miaoux, PAWS and Adam Stafford - whose been daft enough to let us use this as his album launch.
If you haven't heard any of the bands before, then trust me they're all fucking great, but then again I would think that as we chose them.
I will warn you in advance there will be more shameless plugging of the gig throughout this week, so don't start moaning if I start to repeat myself, I'm just a little bit excited that's all.
If you get the chance make sure you tune into Vic Galloway's Radio Scotland show tomorrow night as Adam Stafford is in doing a wee session, which I am really looking forward to.
If you fancy booking your tickets in advance then you can buy them online here or you could always head down to Ticket Scotland as I think they had a handful left. Either way it'd be great to see some of you coming along for what should be a great night of music, plus there may also be sweets and hugs, but don't let that put you off.

Another gig that I am involved with is the launch of The Moth & The Mirror's first single on Olive Grove Records, 'Germany'. The gig is on Friday the 2nd of September, so get it noted in your diary/smart phone. It's only £5 plus there will be three cracking support bands, Amber Wilson, Blood Blood and I Build Collapsible Mountains. The Moth & The Mirror's song 'Lights in the sky' is still available to download for free on their Bandcamp page.

On Friday coming, Song By Toad is putting on the second of his 'Toad at the Circus' gigs at the funnily enough the Electric Circus in Edinburgh. This week he has our very own Randolph's Leap, Amber Wilson and Matthew Healy (from Awe), it's only £5 to get in and it all kicks off at half seven. Without wanting to sound like I am bowing smoke up their arse, Randolph's Leap now have the added bonus of having a brass section which makes them even more enjoyable to watch, yeah I know what you're thinking 'is that really possible?', but trust me it's fucking awesome, or at least it was at Wickerman. Plus Amber and Matthew are both fucking great, if we weren't doing AvP the next day I would have gone for this for certain (I'm using my one weekly pass for out gig). Aye so go, it will be dead good...

If you can't make it to our AvP gig next Saturday (20th) and you reside in Edinburgh, then you might want to get yourself along to Pilrig Church, where Oxjam are putting on one of their takeover gigs featuring The Last Battle, Sebastian Dangerfield and Letters. Tickets for the gig are available from online here or you could get your backside down to Avalanche and get them for just £5, otherwise it's £7 on the door, plus it's BYOB, nice. Further information can be found on Facebook.

45/R are putting a cracking wee gig on Sunday the 28th of August at the Captain's Rest in Glasgow, featuring Dundee legends Avast! (feat. members of Stapleton) who have reformed and are playing Glasgow for the first time in many many years. Support on the evening comes from the excellent Happy Particles and GRNR (Gav from Findo Gask's solo project). Tickets for the gig can be bought in advance via the following link.

On the Friday the 26th, Pin Up Nights have James and Doc from the Twilight Sad joining them on the decks at the Flying Duck. Plus there will also be live sets from electronic act Machines in Heaven, "purveyor of beats" Oh You Dancer and the pleasingly Sonic Youth-sound-a-likes Ev.


One of my favourite local bands, French Wives have been busy in the studio recording their debut album, which is due out on Electric Honey Records next year. They've just completed tracking the album, so to celebrate they're putting on an intimate wee gig in Glasgow at the 13th Note on the 4th of September. Support on the evening comes from Shields from Newcastle and Perthshire outift, Poor Things. Tickets are for the gig are only £5 on the door, you might want to make sure you get down nice and early to this one as it should be pretty rammed.

After giving away new song 'Act On Impulse', We Were Promised Jetpacks have provided us with another wee taster of what to expect from their forthcoming album, by posting up their new single 'Medicine' to stream on Souncloud. The band are also going to be playing live on Ally McCrae's BBC Introducing show on Radio 1 live from The Bongo Club in Edinburgh on September 4th. Joining them on the evening will be Profisee, Bwani Junction and Hostage, there were some free tickets for the gig up for grabs here, but I am guessing that by the time that this goes up they'll be well gone.


Right we'll wrap this wee ramble up and leave you with this odd as fuck video from Lady North, who's split single with PAWS came out on Monday there through Gerry Loves Records

Lady North - "It's All About Gettin' That Claude Monet" from Gerry Loves on Vimeo.

Talking More Rubbish Than Normal...

I know I keep moaning about how tired I am, today I have done relatively little but I still feel whacked. Please take this into consideration if you start to think that this post is a bit of ramble...


This week sees innovative arts facility, Platform celebrating their 5th birthday, in the next few weeks they have a series of special gigs lined up. Based out in Easterhouse in the East End of Glasgow, Platform will be hosting Ethiopian, Mulatu Astatke on the 30th June, were he will be playing his only Scottish show. On the 1st of July, they have Zu, a 3 piece from Rome who play a style of music best described as math/ jazz/ prog/ metal and a few others, will be at Platform, then the following night Aidan Moffat and Bill Wells will be playing songs from their fabulous new album, Everything's Getting Younger. This will be their first Scottish show since release and it promises to be something rather special, support comes from The Bill Wells Trio featuring Gail Brand. Details on tickets and the like can be found on the Platform website.




Edinburgh's finest, The Last Battle have new EP coming out next month. It's called, 'The Springwell E.P' and as a wee teaser they've put up a new song, Viv Nicholson to stream on their Soundcloud. The song is all about the tragic tale of 1960's Littlewoods pool's winner Viv Nicholson, who also featured on the sleeve of The Smiths single 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now'. You can pre-order the EP via their Bandcamp which includes an instant download of this track.
The band are having a couple of launch nights to celebrate the EPs release with two gigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow. On the 30th of June they'll be at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh, support comes from King Creosote, plus a DJ set from wur blogger mate Stuart from Tidal Wave of Indifference. Last I heard this gig was sold out online, however, Avalanche have a few left so if you fancy going get your skates on. Talking off blogger mates, my partner in crime Jim Ayetunes will be putting on the Glasgow gig at Stereo, with support from the Second Hand Marching Band and Loch Awe. You can get tickets for this gig online via Jim's Big Cartel page. They round up their tour with a gig up in Aberdeen at Cafe Drummonds along with Second Hand Marching Band & R.M Hubbert. Tickets for that gig are available here.

Viv Nicholson by thelastbattlemusic

In terms of hotness, I think it's safe to say that Discopolis are the hottest band in Scotland at the moment, or at least that's what those in the know seem to be saying (I wouldn't include myself under this bracket). Since they created such a buzz about themselves after the T Break judges started creaming their pants over them. In the past month they've supported FOUND at a Detour night in Edinburgh, they're now about to release a single with uber cool label, Eli & Oz, and that's before they've even graced the stage at T in the Park. So is all the hype justified, well I'll let you make your own mind up as you can stream their new song 'We Should Have Been Born In Canada' below. I know I have said it before, but the only thing I dislike about this lot was the fact that it wasn't me that first 'discovered' them.

Discopolis - We Should Have Been Born In Canada by discopolismusic

Next Friday night Glasgow Podcart are taking over Bar Bloc in Glasgow for another of their Mix Up Mayhem Nights. This time round they've roped in So Many Animal Calls, Kill The Waves and The Dirty Beggars. For those of you unfamiliar with the night, the rules are pretty simple, basically each band covers each other as well as performing a well-known cover, amongst their own songs. The night kicks off at around 9pm running through until 3am, so expect things to get messy (in a good way), further details on the event can be found here.


Right time stop rambling, here's the beautiful new video from King Creosote & Jon Hopkins for their new single 'Bubble'...

We've Got It Covered #43

I know that I posted a link to download this song in yesterdays Friday Freebies, but as I am sure that it would have passed a number of you by I thought I'd post it again today, just in case you missed it. Earlier in the week legendary hip-hop artist, Nate Dogg, passed away. I am not going to bullshit you and pretend that I was a massive fan or anything like that, but it does make me sad when folk die young. As a wee tribute, Edinburgh's finest, The Last Battle have posted up their cover of 'Regulate', it's free to download on their Bandcamp or you could just click on the link below.

The Last Battle - Regulate (Warren G & Nate Dogg Cover)

Friday Freebies

TV On The Radio
Brooklyn's finest release their new album 'Nine Types Of Light' next month, having blown me away with their last album 'Dear Science', I must admit to being just a little bit excited about this one. They're currently giving away new song “Caffeinated Consciousness” in exchange for your email address.

PAWS
Having blown several folk away at their EP launch a few weeks back, those awesome PAWS boys have posted up a live bootleg of a show they last year at Stereo in Glasgow. As if that wasn't enough they've also posted the rest of their releases to date (excluding their new EP, The Mermaid) up for free download too. The boys will be returning to the scene of the crime tomorrow as they're playing with The Babies and Schnapps at Stereo.

Kowalskiy
Our good mate Kowalskiy has just released 9th free monthly EP, bloody hell 9th? How time flies by, this month he's got another corker in store for you. If you fancy five free songs from some of the most exciting emerging artists in Scotland, then look no further. This month he has roped in Night Noise Team, Rose Parade, Chasing Owls, Two Zebras and The Mouse That Ate The Cat.

The Last Battle
As a tribute to the untimely passing of Nate Dogg, those lovely Edinburgh folkies The Last Battle have posted up their cover of Warren G & Nate Dogg's classic, 'Regulate'

Penguins Kill Polar Bears
Another Edinburgh band trying their hand a cover version are those rocktastic Penguins Kill Polar Bears kids who have covered PJ Harveys 'This Is Love', rather nifty it is too.

Andrew Lindsay & the Coat Hooks
A few weeks back I got sent the forthcoming EP by Andrew Lindsay & the Coat Hooks, to my discredit I didn't get round to listening to it properly until just a couple of days ago. Having given it the once over I must admit that I was pretty damn impressed, then again if you rope in are Loch Awe's Matthew Healy, Shambles Miller and Reverie to appear on an EP, then you're certainly onto a winner there. The EP, The Whittling, comes out on Monday coming through new Scottish DIY label, After the Hush, founded by former Stereokill editor Marcus Kernohan. As a wee taster they've very kindly made "Bearded Author" from it available for free download.

Skies Fell
The Glasgow rock outfit have now added a hidden bonus track to their single 'Statues', which is free to download on Bandcamp.

Toro Y Moi
Here's one for you hipsters, KEXP have a free download of“New Beat” by Toro Y Moi from the 2011 album Underneath The Pine.

Bear Driver
I am trying my best to avoid mentioning what's going on in Austin at the moment, purely out of jealousy I might add. One such band that are out wowing the good folk of Texas are the awesome Bear Driver, who have posted their Fugitive EP up for free download to celebrate this momentous event for them.

Neil Milton
Scots artist Neil Milton who is now based out in Poland has a new EP which is up for free download though Valentine Records, you can find it here.

Waterson
Glasgow electronica artist from has made his new single 'When You Tell Me That You Love Me' which was remixed by UK House legend, Ashley Beedle, available to download for free on Soundcloud.

Friday Freebies

The Son(s)
In case you missed our big Olive Grove announcement last week, we're going to be releasing their debut album in March. As a wee teaser of what you can expect from the album, you can now download a new version of 'Dogs, Boys & Men' over on Soundcloud. I genuinely think we have one of the albums of 2011, if you don't believe me, then go and give the song a listen. You won't regret it.

Bright Eyes
If like me you were one of the unlucky few that didn't manage to buy tickets for Conor Oberst and co at Oran Mor, then you can console yourself with this free download of his new track "Haile Selassie" (via Pitchfork).

The Last Battle
This freebie was originally pencilled in to go up at the start of the year, the only downfall was that the band went and got so popular that they ran out of free downloads to offer. I guess they must have shifted a few more albums as they've posted their new year treat/single, '365 Days' up for you all to download for nowt. What a luverly bunch they are.

Esperi
Not one, but two freebies from our Olive Grove stable in one post, god we really do spoil you lot.
If you sign up to Esperi's mailing list you will get a track from his forthcoming album.

Zefs Chasing Cara
On Wednesday I had the last of my series of Ones To Watch in 2011 posts with an interview with the amazing 'Finn Le Marinel'. If you'd were paying attention then you might well have noticed that he suggested an array of artists that we check out, one of which was Zefs Chasing Cara. If you head over to their Myspace you'll find a couple of EPs for free download.

Vasquez
This freebie was supposed to go up last week, but somehow I must have missed it in my bookmarks. Thankfully though it wasn't lost for good, so here it is in all of it's glory it's a free download of the latest EP from the Edinburgh post-rock outfit.

Penguins Kill Polar Bears
I still haven't quite made my mind up about whether or not this one of the worst or best band names on the go at the moment. Either way the Edinburgh rock outfit certainly seem to be making some pretty massive waves in their homeland. Their song 'Lungs' is free for you to download here.

FOUND
Not long now until the amazing new album from FOUND, their album launch shows look set to sell out pretty soon. So if you haven't already bought yours, then I would suggest you get that sorted as soon as. As for this weeks freebie, I've not a clue what it will be, it'll be good that's all I can tell you for certain. Download it here.

Japandroids
Featured as one the influential Seattle Radio Station, KEXP's 'song of the day', the Vancouver outfits song 'Heavenward Grand Prix' for free here.

Oh! Canada
We love Line of Best Fit, so we do. We also love their regular compilations that they put out showcasing an array of amazing talent from Canada. They're now on to their 14th Volume, a wee corker it is too, download it here.

Dave Hughes
'This was supposed to be a Hogmanay Single, but things happened and this got delayed. So, instead, I'm putting it up here as a free download. Two tracks, a band demo of The Replacement and a B-side of an older track called Midnight Walks. Download it here.

French Wives
Carrying on with their theme of a giving away one of their B-sides every week, the amazing French Wives have posted up a free download of 'Hyndland Weather Bear' in the tenth of their Homefires freebies. The song originally featured on their Me vs. Me single which was released in June of last year. Download it for free here.

BRONZE
This is the new band from Ian Menard and Charlie Davis, formerly of Detachment Kit (French Kiss Records.)Based in Brooklyn NY, they've just made their debut EP available to download for free.

People, Places, Maps...
I am not going to say too much about these guys as they will be featuring as one of my Fresh Meat bands in a few weeks time. All you need to know for now is that their self-titled single is free to download here.

Feelies
It's been a long time since we've heard anything from New Jersey postpunk, the Feelies. Their last album 'Time for a Witness' came out way back in 1991. Now they're making a return and they've made new song 'Should Be Gone' available to download (via Pitchfork).

My Satellite Music
Free download of the first single Mirrors of the new Depths EP.

Sun Dogs
This freebie tip off comes courtesy of our friend over at Traffic Cone Musi, who pointed me in the direction of this free download of Sun Dogs track 'Miwersa'

A Torn Mind
Livingston prog rock band, A Torn Mind, have made their new single 'Mindless Obsessions' available to download for free.

Friday Freebies

Aye Tunes
It's sad to say, but the series of 'Ayetunes vs Peenko' gigs are going on an indefinite hiatus. I am sure you're all gutted to hear that sad news, on the plus side it means that we are now both going to be putting on shows. So you'll have even more reason to get out there and enjoy some amazing new music. Jim has already lined up his first ever Ayetunes Presents gig at Stereo on the 21st of this month, featuring Boygiranimalcolour, Kochka and Trapped Mice. If you hadn't heard of any of the bands, or you just a bit curious to hear more then you're in luck as he's posted up a free sampler from each of the artists on his Bandcamp page. If you like what you hear then you can also buy yourself a ticket at the same time, just think how happy that'd make our favourite ginger bunny.

Lorraine McCauley
The former Scots Way-Hay starlet has posted up a free download of her amazing tune 'Haunt me', which was one of my favourite songs of last year. You can find it here for free, cheers to Jim for the tip.

French Wives
This week in the 7th of their Home Fires freebies, those lovely French Wives have posted a free download of 'Welcome In The Light (Robin Dunne Remix)', don't hang about as this freebie will be gone by Monday.

The Dears
The Canadian outfit are giving away a free MP3 download of new song, "Blood" from the new album Degeneration Street in exchange for your email address.

FOUND
So the cat is out of the bag, my love for all things FOUND is out there on the old blogosphere. Just as I thought I couldn't like this lot anymore, they crop up with this free download of their take on King Creosote's classic, 'Leslie'. 'Mon the FOUND!

Darren Hayman
For the rest of this month, the former Hefner frontman is writing and recording a song a day and giving them all away for free for a couple of days on his Soundcloud page. If oyu missed any and want tt download them, then you can buy them on his Bandcamp.

The Line of Best Fit
Those clever little Best Fitters have only gone and done it again, they've drafted up their list of ones to watch in 2011 and rather cracking it is too. If you fancy checking out who they've tipped or big things this year, then you can get downloading tracks from an array of artists including Echo Lake, Prizes, Suuns and Guards (I have no idea who half of these fucking bands are, I guess I have to admit that my hipster days are well behind me now).

KEXP
The awesome Seattle radio station offers up a free daily download, so it's defo worth checking out. This week they had free tunes from The Radio Dept, Active Child and Crocodiles. Check out what else they have on offer here.

Shambles Miller
A massive congratulations goes out to wur pal, Shambles Miller who has been accepted into this years Strummerville DIY. As part of this he had to offer one of his songs as a free download, very kindly he's made “Things That Make Me Angry” from his latest EP “Shambles Sails the Clockwork Sea“ available as a free download. Downloads of his track count toward that weeks top 20 downloads chart on the site, as every download gives him a better chance of getting into the chart, so do yourself and him a favour and get downloading

Madness
I know Christmas is just a distant memory now, but it's still nice to get some presents. Those lovely Madness boys are still giving away a free download of 12 songs of Madness (plus a 13th… a brand new song!) all recorded live on their recent ‘Do Not Adjust Your Nut’ UK tour.

Arran Arctic
I liked the blurb that Arran sent me about this wee freebie, so I hope he won't be too offended if I quote him on it "I wasn't planning on releasing the new single All That I Can Do until later this month, however a rather sleepless night has provided me with all the time necessary to make the track available to download for free". Once again he's come up with the good, get downloading here.

Yuck
They might not be for me, but I know that some of you are fans of this lot. If you click this link you'll find a free download of them covering Porcelain Raft, and them returning the favour.

Monster Island
If you like the Fall, then this should probably be well up your street, it's a free download of Manchester's Monster Island's new EP 'The Green Room' which you'll find on their Bandcamp.

Kyla La Grange
This freebie comes courtesy of our good mate the Pop Cop, who this week posted his ones to watch in 2011. There are some pretty tasty choices in there, so make sure you give them the once over. Typically just after he'd posted his tips, he came across another artist that tickled his fancy. If you fancy checking out what got the 'Cop all excited you're in luck as Kyla La Grange has a free download up for grabs here.

Radiohead
I am not too sure if you are allowed to post bootlegs on Bandcamp, so this might not last too long. If you head here, then you can find yourself a free download of Radiohead live at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh, recorded way back in 2006. Once again, thanks to Jim for the tip.

Native
Indiana math rockers, Native are offering their first EP 'We Delete; Erase' for free on their Bandcamp

Star Slinger
Download for free the Manchester producers Rogue Cho Pa EP via Soundcloud

Lou Hickey
If you sign up to Ms Hickey's mailing list she'll send you various downloads over the next few months.

Geotic
Pitchfork - "When he's not making beat-screwed, effervescent electronic pop as Baths, California-basted singer/songwriter/producer upstart Will Wiesenfeld also maintains a more ambient-focused side project, the evocatively named Geotic. Yesterday, Wiesenfeld made available his latest LP as Geotic, Mend, free of charge, at the Geotic website."

Scots Way-Hay - The Artists Albums of the Year (Part 2)

So here we are with the second of my series of posts getting some of the artists that did interviews for me to tell me their albums of 2010. Our artists taking part this week include A Band Called Quinn, Burnt Island, Come on Gang!, RM Hubbert and The Last Battle.
We've got quite an eclectic mix of albums here, a lot of which I haven't heard yet and some albums I love. A big shout out to the Last Battle for having all of the band choosing their album of the year. Top marks, however go out to Mikey from Come on Gang! for his 'novel'-like response....

Sex, Dreams & Denim Jeans by Uffie

chosen by Louise Quinn, A Band Called Quinn

"I found this quite difficult because I've been so busy recording & releasing The Beggar's Opera album this year I've just been hearing tracks here & there & not really taking the time to get into albums. I liked what I've heard from The Arcade Fire, Caribou and Robyn albums. I was gonna say The Sexual Objects album Cucumber 'cause I think that is amazing & it's probably the closest I've came to listening to & getting into a whole album that's been released this year but I think I'll go for Sex, Dreams & Denim Jeans by Uffie. The album is a bit patchy but the title track & Illusion Of Love have been going round my head since I heard them. It's a bit of a hipster album with appearances from Pharrell Williams and Matt Safer from The rapture and producers including Mr Oizo & Mirwais. I really like the production. I like that she sings that she's not an artist & she can't sing and is the least working girl in showbusiness. It's cheeky, honest, wonky & fresh"

The Unwinding Hours by The Unwinding Hours

chosen by RM Hubbert

"Epic but not contrived. Honest and simple without being over sentimental. Beautiful and brutal. REALLY FUCKING LOUD".

The Walkmen - Lisbon

chosen by Rodge Glass, Burnt Island

"There's loads of stuff I've loved this year, especially records by The Phantom Band and The National, but at the moment I'm listening pretty solidly to The Walkmen. I got into them around the time of the first couple of records then lost track until I took a chance on the new album, Lisbon, a few weeks ago, then went backwards to the earlier albums again. I love the singer's raspy, angry voice, the weird tough sound of the guitars and the strange humming keyboards that so many of their songs have, also the way these use haunting brass sections in really simple arrangements that make the tunes sound like dark little lullabies. Songs like 'While I Shovel the Snow' and 'Stranded' are just ideal for winter in Glasgow, walking around, watching your breath in the air and shivering. In these grim old times, The Walkmen suit my mood perfectly".

Kid Canaveral - Shouting At Wildlife

chosen by Michael Morrison (aged 27 ½), Come On Gang!

"I genuinely thought and thought and thought about this one. A lot. I suspected I knew, but it seemed like far too obvious a choice, so I tried to dismiss it and choose one of the others that surprised me in 2010.

After a few days, I could deny it no longer. Shouting At Wildlife by Kid Canaveral is my favourite album of 2010, by a country mile. Here’s why.


As I moaned to Aye Tunes only yesterday, I really only get excited about albums. Sure I buy the odd EP and single (if they’re available in nice hard copies), but these formats have never been able to stand up to the scope and breadth that a good album has. I’ve always loved albums and genuinely miss the days when I would join the queue outside the local record shop to buy that month’s ‘big album’ as soon as it hit the shelves. The sense of occasion and apprehension, promise and anticipation are things which I associate with the release of an album I want and, thanks to having been friends with Kid Canaveral for years now, all of these often absent attributes were in place on the build-up to their release.


Of course David momentarily spoiled all that by sending me a promo copy, but it was just a wee taster of what was to come, so I forgave him. Unlike most releases, I was fortunate enough to have literally waited years for this album, and that made the payload all the sweeter. The first time I saw ‘The Kids’ was when both them and my own band were put together on a Rubix bill at Henry’s (along with Woodenbox if I remember correctly?). We made friends right away. Listening to their range of tunes and never-ending stock pile of potential singles really made me start to focus on what my own band was about at the time. We’d already written some good songs, but the idea of releasing them and having ‘singles’ hadn’t crossed our minds for a second. Then David started talking about working towards their debut album, and I shat it basically.


Anyway, fast forward two and half years and eventually a copy of Shouting At Wildlife drops into my inbox. No artwork on the promo so I make do with scanning the track listing instead. Good Morning? Tick. You Only Went Out To Get Drunk Last Night? Tick. Smash Hits? Tick. Couldn’t Dance? Tick. Fuck me this was going to be great! A few entirely new songs, but it was reassuring to see they hadn’t dismissed some cracking older songs for being, well, old. Sticking the album in and hitting play, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I know David’s a bit of a perfectionist and treats albums with the same kind of sanctitude I do, so I was actually quite nervous. We had been recording our album at roughly the same time too, so part of me was shitting it I’d want to go back to the drawing board after hearing Kid Canaveral’s effort.


To say I was pleasantly surprised is a monumental understatement. The album flows perfectly and is restrained in the all right places. Any fat was stripped off in favour of a confident and actually quite ballsy sound. I hate when albums (usually the 2nd or 3rd in a band’s career) are described as ‘mature’, but that is definitely a word that came to mind. I was dreading that the album would be twee and lightweight, as lazy journos had often used the ‘T’ word to describe our heroes, but what I got was a record with a layered and considered sound, something timeless and crisp. It was so refreshing to hear David and Kate’s superb lyrics get the clarity and backdrop they deserved, and that made them shine for the lovelorn tinged words they are.


Shouting At Wildlife is obviously a debut album, in all the right ways. The collection of songs have earned their place on the record, having been whittled down from dozens, and the lyrics seem to come from a wisdom that too is earned - though through life’s obligatory harsh lessons. Like all good debuts, this is songwriting at its most honest and earnest. The reprise finished and I hit play again. David asked me what I thought of it. Where to start? To me, Shouting at Wildlife sounds like a very particular part of a very particular night out. You know those nights when it’s such a big one that a little bit of drama’s almost inevitable? You maybe have a wee argument with your mates and, to spite them, stumble off in the direction of a house party you heard rumour of. When you get there a text arrives from your mate or girlfriend telling you what a fuck you are, but you don’t care ‘cos you’re hammered and you’ve just met a bunch of new friends. What happens next, when you stay up until the small hours drunkenly regaling complete strangers with the stories of your life - only to leave at 6 a.m. with the promise that you’ll stay best mates forever - that is what this album sounds like to me".

Twin Shadow - 'Forget'

chosen by Arwen, The Last Battle

"Twin Shadow - 'Forget'. Ian from Broken Records introduced me to this recently, and I instantly fell in love with it. It's just pure 80's sounding but in an weird awesome way."

Meursault 'All Creatures Will Make Merry'

chosen by Brian, The Last Battle

"My favourite album of the last year has to be Meursault's 'All Creatures Will Make Merry'. It's enough of a departure from the first record to sound fresh but not so much as to be indistinguishable as Meursault."

Admiral Fallow - 'Boots Met My Face'

chosen by Liam, The Last Battle

"I'm gonna go for Admiral Fallow's 'Boots Met My Face'. The pop harmonies and amazing musicianship blew me away the first time I heard it (and continue to do so). 'Squealing Pigs' in particular has the catchiest chorus I've heard in a long time. Also, if Guy Garvey of Elbow thinks they're good enough to play on his radio show, then they're alright by me."

Yusuf Azak - 'Turn On The Long Wire'

chosen by Flora, The Last Battle

"We played with Yusaf Asak recently and he impressed me so much I cheekily asked to swap our album for a copy of his. It wasn't meant for me but a xmas present for someone else, but I ended up listening to it and really enjoying it. I've still not wrapped it up yet!"

Foals - 'Total Life Forever''

chosen by Ella, The Last Battle

"Album of 2010 has to be Foals 'Total Life Forever'. It's just a great album, a massive step forward from their first and in 'Blue Blood' has one of the most beautiful songs of the year. It was great to see a band come back with an album to silence the naysayers"

Kid Canaveral - 'Shouting At Wildlife'

chosen by Paul and Scott, The Last Battle

Paul - "Kid Canaveral 'Shouting At Wildlife'. I've picked it as my favourite album of the year, why do I need to say anything else?"

Scott - "I'll have to be with Paul on this one and say Kid Canaveral 'Shouting At Wildlife'. Tunes like 'Good Morning', 'You Only Went Out To Get Drunk Last Night', 'Smash Hits', 'And Another Thing!' and the tender 'Her Hair Hangs Down' gave me complete and utter song envy. I nearly boaked. It's also the album that made me fall back in love with indie guitar music again instead of listening to folky stuff all the time. Some of David's lyrics are pretty funny too. I must apologise for the gushing, but that's what this band do to me. Simple, to the point, catchy, memorable chorus's - indie pop at it's best!"