Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch 
In his quest to continue to give away great music for free, King Post Kitsch really does rule the roost. This week he decided to share a new EP with the world and rather ace it is too, coming in at just under 6 minutes it's a short but sweet trip, but one well worth taking. I am particularly taken with the lead instrumental track, 'Nocturnal Wandering', but as always with these things you don't need to take my word for it, find out for yourself by downloading the EP for free here.

Blue Sky Archives
On Wednesday I spent my evening back and forth between Bloc and King Tuts as I had tickets for Beerjacket and Micahel Cassidy, but I also wanted to catch my new favourite band, Behold, The Old Bear play their first ever gig. What does that have to do with Blue Sky Archives you might ask, well kids they were the headline band at Bloc. Sadly I didn't get to catch their set as I was up at Tuts catching Beerjacket, but I did hear their soundcheck which sounded pretty good, as is their new single ,Cosplay The Hard Way, which is available as a free download here. The track is the first taster from their forthcoming Triple A Side, which is scheduled for release at the end of February.

Kowalskiy
With his 19th (yes 19th) Free Monthly 5-track Scottish EP, my fellow music blogger Kowalskiy has pulled out another fine collection of the Scottish music scene. This month he's got free tracks from My Tiny Robots, PET, The Machine Room, Wolves Of Winter and a wee cover from French Wives. You can find out more details on the EP and how you can download it over on his blog.

Schwervon!
This freebie comes courtesy of my friend through in the East, the fabulous podcaster and new dad, Edinburgh Man (if you get the chance check out his shows!). He pointed me in the direction of this track from the New York duo, Schwervon! Not only is it a great wee pop tune, but it also features backing vocals from none other than Frances McKee from the Vaselines. You can download the tune for nowt on their Bandcamp page.

Errors
Momentum is really starting to build for the forthcoming album, Have Some Faith In Magic, which is due out at the end of this month on Rock Action Records. As a wee teaser of what you can expect Drowned in Sound have posted up a free download of an album track, 'Pleasure Palaces', remixed by Brassic, which you can find here.

Delta Spirit
I had totally forgotten about Delta Spirit until I got one of those NoiseTrade emails in my inbox telling me that I could download two of their EPs for nowt. I originally came across them a goof while back when I ordered the first ever Cold War Kids EP. Anyway enough of me and my pish, what you need to know is that you can download the EPs for free here. Fans of My Morning Jacket and Dr. Dog should enjoy this.

Peenko's Albums of 2011

It's the moment you've really not been waiting for, yes folks, it's time for me to share with you all my favourite albums of the past twelve months. I fully appreciate that what I say doesn't really matter all that much and nor should it, but hey indulge me a little. This is now the fourth year that I have found myself compiling these lists. Back in 2008 and 2009 I came up with a Top 50 for each year which just seems insane to me these days. This year I have stuck with a top ten, mainly because I didn't want to bore you all to death. This of course means that I have missed out a lot of stuff, including King Creosote & John Hopkins, Come on Gang!, Metronomy, Indian Red Lopez and The Black Keys (which came in that bit too late). Also, I didn't really think it would be fair to include any Olive Grove releases in my choices, I wouldn't want any of them to think that they're not my favourite baby. Anyway without further a do, here's my top ten albums of 2011...

10. The Shivers - More

When it comes to releases from the Fence stable, it's usually a straight bet that you're going to be getting something fairly folky. However, with this release from New York duo, The Shivers, we got something quite different from the norm. What with the majority of Fence's back catalogue being made up of folk based music, The Shivers sixth album, but first for Fence, is a no holds barred rock n roll record. One minute you feel that you're listening to The Strokes, then The Velvet Underground and then Tom Waits. Every time I listen to this album it grows on me more and more. Full of vitality and raw emotion, I can see why Fence were so keen to add them to their ranks.

The Shivers - Love Is In The Air

9. John Knox Sex Club - Raise Ravens

Being a man who loves his catchy tunes, The John Knox Sex Club wouldn't usually be the kind of band that I would find myself listening to much, but listen I did. Raise Ravens is a dark unsettling album full of raw Scottish emotion, at no point does it ever let you settle into any kind of comfort zone. It's a record that will continue to challenge your emotions and I fucking love it.

John Knox Sex Club - Above Us The Waves

8. King Post Kitsch - The Party's Over

So how do you critique the work of someone you now consider to be a friend, well in King Post Kitsch's case I don't feel I have to as I loved his music well before we ever met. Much of his debut album, 'The Party's Over', is made up of older songs that featured in his earlier EPs, which I guess makes me love them even more as they're songs that I have treasured as my own (I am still taking unjustified credit rights for being the one to 'discover' his music). With the possibility of live shows in the new year, plus some other potential projects on the go, keep your eye on King Post Kitsch as he's got plenty more tricks up his sleeve.

King Post Kitsch - Fante's Last Stand

7. Martin John Henry - The Other Half Of Everything

Out of all of the albums that came out this year, this was the one that I had been most looking forward to, and it didn't disappoint. The demise of Martin's old band De Rosa was a real kick in the teeth, their two albums Mend and Prevention rank in my eyes as being some of the finest records to have ever come out of Scotland. So with the release of The Other Half Of Everything, Martin had some pretty massive expectations to live up. Thankfully though he delivers the goods and then some. Scotland may well have lost one their greatest bands, but in turn we have gained one hell of a songwriter.

Martin John Henry - Span

6. Sparrow & The Workshop - Spitting Daggers

I remember reading a review in Uncut of Spitting Daggers shortly after it came out, in which the reviewer pretty much slated the whole album. Having just bought the album that day I knew what a load of old pish they were talking, as this is one hell of an amazing album. Their debut album Crystal Falls was impressive, but this really feels like a massive step up in them progressing as a band. Snakes In The Grass, the lead single from the album is by far and away the greatest song I have heard in 2011. If you don't believe me then check out this video then come back and apologise. Also, for the record I cancelled my Uncut subscription very shortly after that review.

Sparrow & The Workshop - Our Lady Of The Potatoes

5. The Antlers - Burst Apart

I bet you were starting to think that this list would completely taken over by Scottish bands, which kind of makes sense as I so rarely find the time to listen to anything that doesn't have a touch of 'Scot' about it. For The Antlers though I am always willing to make an exception to this rule. Having first gotten into the band through their last album, Hospice, which I liked a lot, I was genuinely surprised by just how good Burst Apart really is. Having heard them being played countless times on Marc Riley's 6Music show, I now have the album etched into my brain and I feel a lot better for it.

The Antlers - Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out

4. Emily Scott - I Write Letters I Never Send

One of the things that really stood out for me as I looked back over my previous albums of the years lists, was the lack of female singers. With Sparrow & The Workshop and Emily Scott featuring highly this year, hopefully this years choices will go some way to rectifying this oversight on my part. I think I have been pretty vocal about the albums that I felt disappointed by this year, Bon Iver being the main one, the other being St. Vincent's album. Thankfully though I had Emily Scott's 'I Write Letters I Never Send' which more than made up for it. It's an album that I happily find myself getting lost in, it's surprising just how enjoyable one woman and a ukulele can really be.

Emily Scott - I'd Hardly Know

3. Beerjacket - The White Feather Trail

I must admit that in comparison to my fellow Scottish bloggers I was a bit behind the game in getting into Beerjacket. In fact until we got him to record a Peenko session back in March, I'd never actually seen him live. Having witnessed the live experience in such intimate surroundings just added to the experience, which I guess in turn made me love The White Feather Trail all the more. Out of everything he's recorded to date,I think this stands way above it all.

Beerjacket - Eggshells

2. Monoganon - Songs To Swim To

The best things in life are free - try telling that to a ten year old kid who's asked for a new XBox for his Christmas. However, in the case of Monoganon's Songs To Swim To, the best things really are free. The album which is out on super sexy vinyl, is also free to download from Winning Sperm Party's website. I fucking love this record, so much so that I went and bought the bloody thing on vinyl and I still don't own a record player (I'm working on that though).

Monoganon- Eternal See You Soon

1. Adam Stafford - Build a Harbour Immediately

There can be only one, or so the bloke in Highlander said. In 2011 there really is no real debate as to what my favourite of this year would be, Adam Stafford's Build A Harbour Immediately won this race back in January. Since then nobody else has really had any sort of a look in. Putting on Adam's album launch alongside my partner in crime Jim 'Ayetunes' at our last AvP gig, was one of the highlights for me of this year, as I was honoured to be in anyway connected with something so good. It's an album that lures you in with promises of indie pop magic, before descending into full on fucking loop pedal craziness and somehow it all fits together perfectly. If you do one thing with your Christmas money this year, invest yer pennies in a copy. I promise you, it won't disappoint.

Adam Stafford - A Temple of The Holy Ghost

We've Got It Covered #58

Some of you might have noticed that there was a distinct lack of a cover version last Saturday, that was because it was my birthday and I was away visiting my folks. That and I felt that you guys had kind of earned a day off from having to read my ramblings. In case you were wondering I turned 33, which when I type it out it sounds fucking ancient, possibly because it is. When I was younger I always thought I'd act much more mature by the time I was in my thirties, in fact the opposite seems to have happened. The older I get, the more immature I seem to act, that could be down to me trying to rebel against old age, yes I am grasping at straws.
I always remember when I was younger, that my parents would sometimes forget exactly how old they actually were. I have now found myself doing the same thing, which is probably down to the fact that I no longer place such an emphasis on the importance of being a year older. No you might be starting to wonder where I am going with this ramble, to be honest with you I don't know. It's early on a Saturday morning and I am writing this up whilst trying to ensure that Erin doesn't trash the house (no easy feat). Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that age is just a state of mind, but then again someone who's as old as I am would say something like that as I try and grasp onto what's let of my fading youth. Still though last week I got a Star Wars birthday cake, so I can't be that old, can I?!
Anyway, that's of me, here's this weeks cover version which sees one King covering another. A while back I had emailed my friend Charlie, aka King Post Kitsch, to see if he had ever recorded a cover version that he might be up for sharing with you all. He reckoned that he had a wee cover of a Leonard Coen song kicking abut somewhere, but in the end he couldn't find it anywhere. So he duly recorded a version for me, but seeing as he wasn't too happy with it, he suggested that he tried something else and here it is, King Post Kitsch covering Elvis Presley. On first listen I must admit that I really wasn't too sure about this one, but trust me it's a grower.


King Post Kitsch - Don't (Elvis Presley cover)

Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch
I know I have been banging on about King Post Kitsch for a while now and I will continue to do so as his new album is fucking ace. If you still haven't checked him out then head over to Song By Toad where you will find a free download of the excellent 'Fante’s Last Stand'.

Michael Cassidy
First off he records a Peenko Session, then the next thing you know Michael Cassidy is being voted as one of Scotland on Sunday's Eligibles for 2011. I am sure the fact that he's handsome man and talented as fuck has nothing to do with it, it was all about the influential power of Peenko, or perhaps not. If you haven't checked the sexy beast out already, then you're in luck as he's just posted a free download of a new demo called 'You do it again' on his Soundcloud page.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
I am guessing that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's wee hiatus was brought to a bit of an abrupt end seeing as nobody gave a shit about any of their side projects, or am I just getting cynical in my old age. Whatever the reasons for them returning, it's nice to have them back, yes their second album wasn't the greatest but I did miss those odd sounding vocals. In September they're releasing their third album, Hysterical, to remind us that they exist(ed) the band are giving away a free download of new track 'Same Mistake'. A welcome return? that's up for you to decide, personally I like this new song and am looking forward to hearing more.

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks
Having spent most of time recently touring with his old band, Pavement, Stephen Malkmus is set to release a new album, Mirror Traffic' with his new old band (that makes sense right?!), The Jicks. You can find yourself a free download of new song 'Senator' on his homepage.

Campfires in Winter
It's been a while since we've heard anything new from 'my boys', but Croy's finest are back and they finally managed to nab themselves a new drummer in the form of the awesome Denny, formerly of Macabre Scene, who sadly called it a day this week. Anyway to remind you all that they've not disappeared off the face of the earth they've posted up 3 demo tracks for free download. Two of the songs are new and the other is a reworking of an older song, With A Ragged Diamond, I know you probably haven't been itching for this as much I have, but I must say it's nice to have them back.

Vetiver
The rather ace Vetiver are giving away a free download of their song 'Wonder Why' from their new album, The Errant Charm, which is out now on SubPop.



The Pineapple Chunks
They're based in Edinburgh, they sound ramshackle as fuck but I can't stop listening to them, so they must be doing something right. Hopefully we'll have more information on them for you soon, for now you can help yourself to a couple of free downloads on their Bandcamp page.

The Deportees
Our friends up in Aberdeen, Bedford Records are set to put out their third release next month with Americana outfit The Deportees. In anticipation of it's release they've posted a free download up on their Bandcamp page.

Maydays
Originally from the North East of Scotland, but now having relocated to Edinburgh, Maydays are purveyors of charming indie pop. You can find out for yourself by downloading their songs for free on their Bandcamp.

The Boosts
Invernessian band, The Boosts have been developing a bit a buzz up in their neck of the woods, they write catchy as fuck pop tunes and they give all of their music away for free, what's not to like. Their Soundcloud page is full of infectious wee pop gems all of which are free, don't say they're not good to you.

Honey
Glasgow based band Honey, recently released their debut E.P, Taste It And See, which they've posted up for free download. It reminds me a bit of the Stone Roses but with a touch of post rock thrown into the mix. I still haven't quite my mind up if it's for me or not, if it sounds like it could be for you then you can download it for free on their Bandcamp page, they're also playing tonight at Slouch in Glasgow.

The Tolbooth Sessions 2011
There is a free compilation of local talent up for grabs on Bandcamp, which includes the much hyped Friends in America, Hey Enemy and Miniature Dinosaurs. Download it here.

How To Swim
If you're heading up to the Insider Festial this weekend then you might want to check out How To Swim before you head off. They've posted a couple of singles for free download via bandcamp, you can get ‘Corpsing’ and ‘She Gets Around’ for nowt here.

Breton
Fat Cat have signed yet another awesome band, fuck knows how they do it. This lot are called Breton and they have a free download up on their Soundcloud page.

Vigo Thieves
You can get yourself a free download of their song Love Is Dead in exchange for a tweet.

Fountains Of Wayne
Bloody hell they're still going, I remember listening to these guys when I was in fifth year school (which was a long long time ago), then they released that song about Staceys Mom, or whatever it was and to be honest it totally turned me off them. Anyway if you still like them and want to hear more they're about to return with their fifth LP. You can download a free MP3 of new song "Richie & Rubin" for free via Stereogum.

King Post Kitsch - The Party's Over: Track By Track

On Friday afternoon there I took part on a bloggers panel at goNorth up in Inverness, at which we could asked about how influential Scottish blogs are. I answered the question as honestly as I could, I simply don't know. I don't want to get a point were I get so big headed that I think everyone hangs on every word I say, although I would like to think I play a small part in making a difference to up and coming Scottish artists. One such act that I can say for certain that I have played my small part in helping is Charlie Ward, aka King Post Kitsch. Today he released his debut album, 'The Part's Over' today on Song By Toad Records, a stunning wee debut it is too.
So how did I play my part, well almost a year and a half ago Charlie emailed his self titled debut EP, which sat in my inbox for almost two months before I finally got round to listening to it. By the time that I did I was so impressed that I genuinely thought I'd missed the boat and that the rest of the blogosphere would already be all over him like a rash. In the end it turned out that everyone else had pretty much done the same as me, so after hearing his songs I almost took it as my personal mission to help him out a little, although I must I am surprised by how well things have worked out. In less than twelve months he's produced an album which is currently receiving rave reviews in both the mainstream press and through the blogosphere, plus he's 6Music legend, Marc Riley is a massive fan. Now I am not claiming that I managed to elevate him to that level, we have his label Song By Toad to thank for all of that. My claim to fame is that it was me that recommended that Matthew from Song By Toad check him out, he liked him enough that he offered to put his album out and the rest as they say is history. Seeing as I don't do reviews (cause I am not very good at them), I thought I'd get Charlie to tell you a bit more about the album so here he is to talk you through the album...

Portland Street Pt 2

I like that little riff, it's a piccolo. Piccolo-rock. The first song I recorded for the album.

01.King Post Kitsch - Portland Street Pt.2 by peenko2

Don't You Touch My Fucking Honeytone

Looking back now, I think this may be influenced by Too Much Monkey Business and The Sonics. It's should be, I listen to them often enough.

02.King Post Kitsch - Don't You Touch My Fucking Honeytone by peenko2

Fante's Last Stand

Wrote this after reading an article about John Fante writing his final book.

03.King Post Kitsch - Fante's Last Stand by peenko2

The Werewolf Hop

Typical song about wanting something you cant have and making a racket about it. Howling at the moon and all that.

04.King Post Kitsch - The Werewolf Hop by peenko2

Bricks and Bones

A song about a man who works in a factory all day, then goes home to a baby factory.

05.King Post Kitsch - Brick and Bones by peenko2

The New Gang

This is about an episode of Band of Brothers. I wrote a song for each episode but I thought better of a Band of Brothers concept album.

06.King Post Kitsch - The New Gang by peenko2

Walking On Eggshells

This started of as a folk song before I put an organ through a distortion pedal and my life changed forever.

07.King Post Kitsch - Walking on Eggshells by peenko2

You Talk Too Much

A song about good people doing bad things. The last song to be recorded for the album.

08.King Post Kitsch - You Talk Too Much by peenko2

Portland Street Pt 1

A song about the idiots who tore down tenements in Glasgow and replaced them with tower blocks.

09.King Post Kitsch - Portland Street Pt.1 by peenko2

Closing Time

About the last hour in an old mans pub when everyone is wired to the moon.

10.King Post Kitsch - Closing Time by peenko2

'The Party's Over' is available to order now through Song By Toad Records for the measly sum of £8, it's already one of my favourite albums of 2011, hopefully it will be for some of you too.

King Post Kitsch
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Song By Toad Records

Friday Freebies

King Tut's Summer Nights 2011
"Bu-ut oh, those su-ummer nights....", once again Glasgow's legendary King Tuts Wah Wah Hut are going to be running their Summer Nights gigs this July, which basically sees some of the best (and some god awful pish) bands in Scotland playing at Tuts over a period of 2 weeks. You can download a free sampler of some of the bands that are playing using the following link.

The Last September
Edinburgh band The Last September have just released their new single, Precious Time, which they've made free to download on their homepage. A catchy wee number it is too, they describe themselves as sounding reminiscent of early REM with a touch of sixties California, which is pretty spot on I reckon.

English Bore
The some time Fence-associate, English Bore has posted up new track 'coda one' on a pay what you want basis, although he did say that it was cool for folk to download it for free, so if you can grab it for free if you like. Stream then download it here.

Cities and Skylines
This freebie came courtesy of my blogger friend Chris who runs the excellent Favourite Son blog, he very kindly pointed me in the direction of a free download from Cities and Skylines. If you give them your email address they'll very kindly let you grab their song 'We All Were Young Men Once'.

Silverbacks
On Wednesday Song By Toad posted a wee article all about a new band that have been particularly exciting me, that band would be Silverbanks, and reluctantly I guess I have to agree that he's right. Fans of lo-fi pop are going to lap this stuff up, all you need to do if you want to see if you agree is to head over to their Bandcamp then you'll find yourself a free download of their self titled EP.

Forget Moscow
I do like to try and credit any freebie finds, however, I can't for the life of me remember how I came across this find. Forget Moscow are a Dundee based band that flirt with ambient and post rock sounds, if that sound like your cup of tea then you can download their song 'Open Folds and Open Hands' for free on Soundcloud.

FOUND
I still miss my weekly FOUND freebie, it was always my starting place when it came to writing these posts. Then again I guess the freebies did lead up their stunning album Factorycraft, so I can't really complain. If you haven't already picked yourself up a copy it certainly comes with the Peenko seal of approval, although I am not sure whether that's going to actually encourage or put you off! Anyway enough of ramblings on with the free stuff cause that's what you're hear for isn't it?! The good folk at S-Type have done a wee instrumental remix of FOUND's Anti Climb Paint which you can find here.

WATERS
I only found out recently that Port O'Brien had called it a day, I guess that really shouldn't have been much of a surprise as they had pretty much disappeared off the radar. Thankfully though he band’s lead singer, Van Pierszalowski has a new project on the offeing. They're called WATERS (I do like this new trend of bands 'shouting' their names) and they have a new single, “For The One” up for free download here.

King Post Kitsch
A very addition to this weeks freebies comes courtesy of Peenko favourite and man of the moment King Post Kitsch. Not only is he releasing his awesome debut album in just over a week on Song By Toad Records, but he has also Marc Riley as a massive fan. As a wee prelude to the albums release you can download the song Walking On Eggshells for nowt here.

Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch
I know I have said this umpteen times before, but I'll say it again. I am very fucking excited about the forthcoming King Post Kitsch album. If his new EP, 'Some Call It Hell, But It's Home' is anything to go by then I am pretty sure I won't be disappointed. You too can feel the excitement by downloading the EP for free here.

Tiny Birds
I always find the best way to find out about new music is through recommendations from my peers, this little freebie came courtesy of our friend DC from the Waiting Room who tipped me off about Tiny Birds. Their new album sounds quintessentially English, it reminds a wee bit of Jeremy Warmsley's first album, no bad thing in my eyes or should that be ears? Either way you can download the album and make your own mind up.

The Darien Venture
It's been a pretty exciting week for The Darien Venture, they've been signed up by exciting new Glagsow label, Overlook Records. To celebrate this momentous occasion they're giving away 'The Back to the Future EP' for free download on their Bandcamp.

Francis Macdonald
Teenage Fanclub drummer Francis Macdonald, has just released posted "Maculate Conceptions"an instrumental album that he recorded on his MacBook computer during the Fannies European tour in Nov/Dec 2010, up for free on his Bandcamp page.

Animal Collective
In anticipation of their forthcoming ATP curation, Animal Collective have posted a mixtape featuring an array of talent, which includes songs from various artists including Beach House, Meat Puppets, Spectrum, The Frogs and of course Animal Collective. You can download it here.

Battles
The NYC experimental outfit have a free download of their new song, 'Ice Cream' up for grabs on their homepage.

FOUND
Ever wondered what FOUND covering the Quantum Leap theme tune might sound like, no me neither, but now thanks to the wonders of the internet you can. Download it here.

Pumajaw
Perth's finest, have made their new single 'Mask' free to download on their homepage. Describing themselves as being 'quite dark and cinematic but with a pop sensibility', a far better summation than I would have come up with. They will be playing King Tuts on the 25th of April, in support of the physical release of the single.

The Raveonettes
KEXP have a free download of a new tune from The Raveonettes, you'll find 'Forget That You’re Young' here.

Bill Callahan
Taken form his forthcoming new album, Apocalypse, Smog main man's new song 'Baby's Breath' is free to download over on Stereogum

The Big Nowhere
The Glasgow alt-folkers have made their new EP, 'Things We Lost In The Flood' available to download for free on their Soundcloud page.

Dropkick
Scottish alt-folk power pop outfit, Dropkick have a whole load of albums up for free download here.

Throwing Muses
You can download acoustic versions of songs from Rat Girl as performed by Throwing Muses here.

Jonnie Common
Inspector Tapehead member and all round talented fella, Jonnie Common, has posted up a wee remix for free download on his Bandcamp

Jump: Press A
Edinburgh rock outfit, Jump: Press A, have made their new EP, 'In Case Of Emergency' available to download for free on Bandcamp. You can see the band playing live when they support Scrap Brain at their single launch on the 8th April at Maggies Chamber in Edinburgh.


There will be no Friday Freebies next week as I am out at gigs on Wednesday and Thursday night, sorry kids. On the plus side that does mean a double roll over for next week.

Ones to watch in 2011 - Some familiar faces

I know it's a bit of a cliché to run end of year lists in December, followed by your tips for the year in January. But then again I never said I was one for breaking the mould, so I will be making a few suggestions of artists you might want to keep your eye out for in 2011. I have decided to split these into different posts. First up we have some artists that I have previously featured and who I have high hopes for this year, then tomorrow I will introduce four artists who I haven't really featured much before and who you really should be checking out in the next 12 months.


Martin John Henry

I have to be honest and admit that I was a bit of a late comer to Martin's former band, De Rosa, so when they broke up in June of 2009 I was a bit gutted that I hadn't had the chance to see them play live a bit more. That being said I did get to see their last ever live show at Fence's Homegame, although my memories of that are somewhat hazy due to a few too many shandies.
I remember thinking they were amazing, although my more sober wife has somewhat different memories (Edited by Mrs Peenko to say that I loved seeing De Rosa, they just took a while to come on and play at Homegame!). Either way, it was still pretty gutting to lose such an exciting Scottish band.
Thank

The Head & The Heart

One of the best things about writing this blog is the number of tips that I get from all around the world. Through a shared love of Frightened Rabbit, I have established a pretty good friendship with a cracking fella called Ryan, who not only shares various bootlegs of gigs for me to post, but also sends me tips of bands to check out from his home town of Seattle. A lot of the stuff that he has sent my way has been pretty fucking amazing, but The Head & The Heart, stood out of the crowd for me. Their self-titled album came too late to be featured in my albums of 2010, but needless to say it would have ranked pretty high up if I had heard it before I started drafting the list. If you liked the Local Natives and Hey Marseilles (more from them very soon), then I would urge you to check them out.

The Son(s)

When trying to describe the Son(s), the word mysterious doesn't even come close. I have been a massive fan of this Scottish 3-piece for quite a while now, without even playing any gigs they've managed to create a a massive buzz about themselves. With the List already touting them as one of their acts to watch in 2011, plus debut single, 'Radar' which is coming out on Jen Anderson's new label, Eli and Oz, later this month, big things are expected of this lot. Details of their debut album, which will be out in March, should be getting announced pretty soon.

King Post Kitsch

I have always tried my best not to become one of those people that starts to brag about who 'discovered' an artist first. Mainly because it makes you sound as if you're taking credit for their work, seriously it's not that hard to decided if you like something or not. It's the artists who put the hard work and effort into creating music, all I have to do is click play and decide if I like it or not. That being said, I do like to think that I was pretty lucky in that I was one of the very few people that he first sent his songs to. That's where my bragging rights pretty much end, as it took me months to actually get round to listening to his tunes. You've no idea what a cock I felt when I first heard his tunes, as they completely blew me away.
In the end I think I suggested he get in touch with Matthew from Song By Toad, purely because I thought that it'd be right up his street. Turns out it was and in March Mr Kitsch will be releasing his debut album on Song By Toad Records. Personally I can't fucking wait to hear it!

Fante's Last Stand from King Post Kitsch on Vimeo.

The Seventeenth Century

Yes I know One To Watch lists are all supposed to be about artists who are pretty new to you all, and yes, we did put the Seventeenth Century on at the last ever Ayetunes vs Peenko gig, but fuck it, this is my site and I can do what I like. In a world where Radio One cream their pants over Mumford & Sons, there has to be a place for the fabulous Seventeenth Century. Their forthcoming EP is a belter of a record, plus live they're tighter than lead singer, Mark Farmer's trousers, which leave little to the imagination according my friend Colette.

The Seventeenth Century - Roses In The Park - Radio Amsterdam FM from Onder Invloed on Vimeo.

So that's my first four acts to watch in 2011, starting tomorrow I'll hopefully be introducing you to some more artists who should hopefully tickle your fancy.

Festive Freebies

Apologies for the lack of a Friday Freebies last week, I'm afraid that I got struck down by a dose of the dreaded man flu and was pretty useless to man nor beast. On the plus side I now have a double dose of free shit to share with you all, bet your chuffed to bits with that news. Either that or you don't give two fucks and are too excited about the prospect of getting hammered tonight and eating the face of random strangers. Either here's this weeks freebies........

Mitchell Museum
Those luverly Mitchell Museum kids recorded an EP especially to give to you all for Christmas, what a nice bunch they are. The tunes aren't too shabby neither, in fact I'd go as far as saying they're pretty fecking awesome. Stop what you're doing and go and download 'The Closer We Got The Harder We Fell' for free on their Bandcamp.

King Post Kitsch
I must admit that I am pretty excited about the forthcoming KPK album which is due in March on Song By Toad Records, as a wee pre-cursor of what to expect he's very kindly giving away a download of a new track called 'Movies & Magazines'. After listening to the track a couple of times it just made me want to hear the album even more, you can hear what' getting me all excited by following this link where you can download the track for free.

FOUND
Not content with already having one of the greatest album you're likely to hear in 2011, those amazing FOUND boys gave away a whole albums worth of remixes last Friday. If you're quick off the mark then you might still be able to download yourself a copy. While we're on this wee FOUND-trip, I also wanted to point you in the direction of this EP that Tommy from the band recorded using car sounds, it might sound pretentious as fuck, but it's actually pretty good. It's also free (unsurprisingly) and you can find it here.

Call To Mind
For me personally, Call To Mind's debut EP was one of the most beautiful releases of this year, now they're giving it away as a free download there are no excuses for you not to check it out. With their debut album due to arrive at some point in 2011 it should be one hell of a year for these guys.

Adam Stafford
The YIFI frontman has a new solo album, 'Build a Harbour Immediately', due out early next year. As wee taster of what to expect, you can download new track 'A Temple of The Holy Ghost' for free on his Bandcamp.

King Tuts
As they did during the summer, King Tuts are running a few nights of local talent at the start of January, under the banner of New Year's Revolution. As they're getting into the festive spirit of giving stuff away fore free, they've compiled a wee compilation of some the artists they have lined up, down it in exchange for your details here.

The Darien Venture
Those lovely Darien boys are giving away their cover of the Christmas classic, 'Feed the World' as their festive gift to you all. Just right click, save and it's all yours.

How to Swim
I wouldn't even know where to start if I was to try and pigeon hole How To Swim under some kind of genre, let's just say it's not dull. If you fancy delving into the unknown then you their free festive EP, 'Santa Has All The Best Tunes' is a good starting point. It's available to download for free on their Bandcamp.

A Band Called Quinn
Louis Quinn's pop starlets have a free download of their tune 'I Wish You Love' up for grabs as part of their A Band Called Quinn Advent Calendar. Nice.

How Garbo Died
There are a whole load of goodies up for grabs for nowt on their Bandcamp page, including a festive tune which is interesting to say the least

Mariachi Eli Bronx
For one week onlry, Mariachi El Bronx are giving away a free download of their Christmas song, 'Lady Rosales', all you need to do is sign up to their mailing list and it's all yours.

Pete and the Pirates
They have posted up a new track called 'Winter 1' which you can find here.

St Etienne
Head over to RCRD LBL where you will find a free download of St. Etienne's festive song 'No Cure For The Common Christmas'

Bright Eyes
Conor Oberst is giving away a taster of what to expect from his forthcoming album The People’s Key, in the form of new track ‘Shell Games.’

Iron & Wine
Just follow this link to download “Tree By the River” from Iron & Wine’s forthcoming album Kiss Each Other Clean.

Curators
Get yourself a free download of State Of Grace by Curators here for free.

Stanley Odd
As a wee festive treat the Scottish hi-hop outfit are giving away their track 'Ten to One (Solareye Demo)' away for free on their Bandcamp.

Owen Pallett
The artist formerly known as Final Fantasy, or the guy that does the strings in Arcade Fire or the man who Poo's Clouds, however you want to know him, is giving away an EP worth of material for free here.

Gorillaz
I am guessing most of you already know about this one, but just to be on the safe side here it is. The Gorillaz gave away a whole album's worth of material on Christmas Day, recorded over the past few months on Damon Albarn's iPad, you can download 'The Fall' here.

The Decemberists
I am pretty sure I have already posted this, but in case you missed or my mind is just playing tricks on me you can download The Decemberists new single 'Down By The Water' for free on iTunes.

Verbicide Magazine
Have a wee compilation up for grabs featuring songs from Deer Tick, Slow Club and The Hush Now, you can find it here.

Yeasayer
Fancy a wee Yeasayer live album, then look no further as they've posted up a free download of one of their live shows. Recorded at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on October 28th, 2010, you can download it here.

Pixies
Another band giving away free live recording are the Pixies, who have posted up four from London in 2004, and one from Athens in 1989, which you can find here.

Domino Records
The influential label have a wee compilation up for grabs, including tracks from Four Tet, Steve Mason and Orange Juice. You can find it here here.

6DayRiot
The London based folk outfit (fronted by a Scot) have posted a free download of their cover of the Pretenders classic '2000 Miles'. Download it here.

Tracey Thorn
Download yourself a free cover version of Tracey Thorn's take on the Sufjan Stevens' seasonal classic, 'Sister Winter'.

The Klaxons
If I am honest I've never seen the appeal of the Klaxons, but I am sure that some of you out there must like/have liked them at some point. In which case you might be interested in their new EP 'Landmarks of Lunacy' which they're giving away for free.

You Animals
They've put together an EP of alternate version of some of the tracks from their forthcoming debut album and they’re giving it away absolutely free.

Gizeh Records
Home to folk like Conquering Animal Sound, worriedaboutsatan and Sleepingdog, the Leeds based indie label have a free sampler up for grabs. It includes tracks from the aforementioned bands, plus a whole load of other goodies. Download it here.

The Peenko Show on Fresh Air - Episode #2 (11/08/10)

This was the second show that I did for Fresh Air, joining me that week I had Boab from Campfires in Winter in to co-host/try and keep me in check. Not sure if he fully managed it or not though! On the plus side we did get to play loads of great music, including two exclusives (at that time) from Come On Gang! and the mysterious Let's Talk About Trees. The banter may well be pish, but the tunes are top notch!

Tracks Played

1. Come On Gang! - Fortune Favours The Brave
2. Call To Mind - All The Happiness In My Mind
3. Campfires in Winter - It's Been Months Now
4. Department of Eagles - Brightest Minds
5. King Post Kitsch - Walking On Eggshells
6. Golden Oldie; Baby Chaos - Hello
7. The Seventeenth Century - Roses in the Park
8. Washington Irving - Islands
9. Let's Talk About Trees - Lumberjacks Lament
10. Frightened Rabbit - Son C
11. Yahweh - Make Me Stop
12. Errors - A Rumour In Africa
13. The Social Services - The Baltic Sea
14. Spaghetti Anywhere - Girlfriends With Boyfriends
15. Endor - Without The Help Of Sparks
16. Admiral Fallow - Squealing Pigs

The Peenko Show On Fresh Air - Episode #2 (11/08/10) by Peenko on Mixcloud

Fresh Air

Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch
For any of you that have frequented this blog for a while, you might remember me getting just a tad excited about King Post Kitsch at the start of the year. His self-titled EP, was an absolute cracker, now he's back with his new EP, 'Monomaniac', and once again he's come up with the goods and then some. Just head on over to his Bandcamp page and get downloading, then you'll soon realise why I've been getting myself so excited about.

Edwyn Collins
If you register your email address for Edwyn updates, then in exchange they will send you a download link for the first single and title track from his album, 'Losing Sleep' for free here.

Ryan Joseph Burns
He's a member of the Seventeenth Century (mind I featured them on Wednesday there), he also has does some solo Americana type stuff on his own. If you head over to his Soundcloud page, then you can download a couple of corking wee tracks. He's one talented guy, even if he does spend most of his day in bed - his band mates words, not mine!

Trapped Mice
The Edinburgh folk-rock outfit have a whole host of free stuff up for grabs on their Bandcamp page, if you are looking for somewhere to start then I'd recommend you start with 'Secret Letters', that being said all of these tunes are pretty damn good.

El Guincho
It's been a while since we last heard anything from the Spanish tropical pop artist, well now he's back with new album 'Pop Negro' due out later in the year. As a precursor he's giving away a free download of 'Bombay' which it's taken from.

Delorean
One week, two Spanish acts, now I think that must be a first on here. This time it's from hot young band Deloran, who's alum 'Subiza' has been somewhat of a revelation this year. If you fancy checking it out then download their song 'Real Love' here.

Calexico
The Americana band have posted a free download of a live recording of a live set recorded in Nuremburg. Download it here.

Pooch
The indie pop starlets are the stars of Vic G'a 'Back of the Net' feature this week, so if you fancy checking out their song 'Lights', then you can download yourself a copy here.

Audience
The electronica outfit have posted their 'Cloudlike' EP up free download on their Bandcamp page.

The Bees
The NME has an exclusive free download of their new song 'Silver Line' up for grabs here.

School of Seven Bells
The Brooklyn three piece have made their song 'Bye Bye Bye' available for free over on RCRD LBL, get downloading here.

The Great Valley
Some of the blogosphere seems to be going mad over this, I'm not sure what to make of it yet. There are certain bits that remind me of a ramshackle Wolf Parade with added ghost cartoon noises. Sound like it be your kind of thing, then why not download their ' Holiday, Holinight EP' which is up for free on their Bandcamp page.

Fez
The London outfit have put a couple of their tracks from their forthcoming EP 'Hot Light' up for free download, get downloading here.

SUUNS
The recent signings to the Secretly Canadian label have put up a free download of their 'Zeroes EP' all you have to do is give them your email address in exchange.


Kowalskiy's Komplimentary Korner

Ra Ra Riot
Yet another band I had almost forgotten about, once tipped as a band to rival Vampire Weekend, sadly the death of their drummer put them back a step. Still though it's good to have them back, they have a free download from their forthcoming album, get yourself a copy of 'Boy From the Orchard' here.

Fresh Meat Monday - King Post Kitsch

Would you care to introduce yourself?
I am King Post Kitsch, nee Charlie, formerly of the Glasgow parish.

How would you describe the music you make?
Noisy folk music, mostly with electric guitars.

How did you start out making music?
I bought a thirty quid nylon guitar out of Argos. I beat the shite out of it. I then bought a sixty quid steel string guitar from the Barras. It beat the shite out of me. I wrote my first song about a junkie I used to see out the window doing stupid things, he died before I finished the song. Then I rewrote Scarborough Fair and Greensleeves with my own ropey lyrics. I kept doing that for a while and at some stage I guess they stopped sounding like Scarborough Fair.

What process goes into the way you write songs?
The melody usually comes first, while I’m walking around or just before I fall asleep. I generally don’t touch an instrument till I’m quite a way in, unless I get stuck.

What can people expect from your live shows?
Not a carrot unfortunately. I’m still putting it together. Hopefully when the time comes they can expect fireworks! Little tiny, reticent, fumbling, fireworks.

What are you all listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to Yeasayer, St Vincent and Al Green.

What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2010?
Another EP soon, hopefully an album and plenty of live music.

King Post Kitsch - Modern Times (MP3)


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King Post Kitsch's debut EP is available to download from his website,
I urge you to check it out as it's cracking.

Friday Freebies

King Post Kitsch
I really meant to post this ages agao, but in the clutter that is my mind it got buried under something useless, so please accept my belated apologies for not sharing this with you a fair bit sooner. KPK has posted a free download of his debut EP over at their Bandcamp page.
I have been listening to this a fair bit this week, I hope you'll like it too.

Beerjacket
Another week and another Beerjacket freebie, Peter Kelly is one helluva kid fella, this weeks offering is a download of his new song 'Island', which you can download at his Bandcamp.

Emma Curran
To coincide with launch of her her new website, the lovely lady is giving away a free download of her album track, 'Perfect Isolation'. Just head on over to her site which site is due to go live today where you should be able to grab yourself a free download (if it's not up and running just yet, check back a bit later). If you like what you hear and you live in Scotland then make sure you tune into 'The Hour Show' at 5pm tonight as she'll be doing a wee interview and playing the aforementioned song.

Where It's At Is Where You Are
The twee label have a whole host of goodies up to share with you all, if you are quick enough you might be able to download a free copy of David Tattersall's (the lead singer with the Wave Pictures) single Happy For A While', backed up with his full bands cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'Pony Boy'. You can download it plus a plethora of other stuff here.

Richard Haswell
The Edinburgh musician is giving away a free download of his EP, 'Live at Shed' which you can be downloaded here, it includes a nice little cover version of 'Solitaire' by the Carpenters.

Good Weather For An Airstrike
The latest release from Sonic Reverie Records is available now and comes in the form of Signals, the second EP by Good Weather For An Airstrike. You can download it free of charge from their Bandcamp.

Sam Amidon
You can get a free download of a new song by the indie folk singer, 'How Come That Blood' taken from 'I See The Sign' his forthcoming album due for release in March.
Kudos goes out to WeSinkShips for the heads up on this one.

Rogue Wave
The lovely folk over at Stereogum have a free download of a new song, 'Good Morning', from the Californian indie popsters Rogue Wave. Go grabe yourself a copy here.

Feeder/Renegades
Feeder have created a side-project called 'Renegades', and they've got a new song also called 'Renegades' which is available to Download for free from their website (direct link).

Erland & The Carnival
They've cropped up in a fair few lists of bands to watch this year, you can make your mind up whether they live up to the hype by downloading their song 'My Name Is Carnival' over at the excellent Line of Best Fit.

The NME
The NME have compiled a free download 'mixtape' of acts they are tipping in 2010, including The Drums, Joy Orbison, Delphic and Music Go Music. You canownload yourself a free copy here.

DFA Records
The ground breaking label have put out fourteen tracks of remixes from Brooklyn duo Holy Ghost! appropriately entitled Holy Ghost! The Remixes, Vol. 1. The track list includes their takes on songs by Phoenix, MGMT, Cut Copy and Moby, and they've very kindly put it up to download free, get yourself a copy here.

Holiday Records
If you read this blog, then there is probably quite high chance that you enjoy a bit of indie pop, and as you're reading this post you must also enjoy the odd freebie, in which case Holiday Records is for you. They're a new American indie pop label that give away free music every Friday. Wish I'd thought of that....

Certified Banger
I am clueless when it come to Hip Hop and the like, especially anything from this wee country, The Young Father are pretty much the only Scottish act I could name. So as you might imagine I was a bit surprise when I got an email about the "Best Scottish, Welsh and Irish Hip Hop" it's a a compilation of stuff from Jee4ce & Certifiedbanger.co.uk (no, me neither) called "Certified Celtic Connection" which you can download for free here.