Arctic Monkeys Editors Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers

Huh? I don't know - it's a stream of consciousness post title. Anyway, I just discovered that Insound.com is offering free downloads of MP3s by several artists we've discussed here recently. First, they have I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor by the much-hyped Arctic Monkeys, which Steve mentioned here. Second, they have Munich by Editors, which I've mentioned here and here. And, of course, they have dozens of other great MP3s for free.

Melismatics

This morning, RadioK played 2songs by The Melismatics as part of their Concert Box segment, in which they feature bands that will be playing concerts in the Twin Cities over the weekend. The Melismatics are a local band that I've heard of but never really heard; apparently, I've been missing out. The songs New Infection and Rite Where You Belong from their 2003 album New Infection are very catchy indie power pop on the harder end of the spectrum. Think Cheap Trick. You can download 2songs from the website of their label, Susstones. Also, you can listen to other songs on their website or MySpace.com space.

Figurines

3Hive.com has been posting some great stuff lately, including Field Music, The Stills, and Tapes 'n Tapes (a Mpls band), but the Danish group Figurines is my favorite. Apparently, they turned quite a few heads at this year's SXSW festival and were a Spin band-of-the-day. Read more about them on their official site.

Free Editors Single

This week, iTunes is offering Editors' great song Munich, which I previously raved about here. I imagine that it will be available until next Wed or so (~3/22/06). Definitely check it out if you haven't already heard it! And yes, it still sounds A LOT like Interpol's Obstacle 1, but who cares?

Rip It Up and Start Again : Postpunk 1978-1984

The New York Times had a review today of a new book called Rip It Up and Start Again : Postpunk 1978-1984 by English music critic Simon Reynolds. It traces the aftermath of punk rock beginning with the fall of the Sex Pistols to the death knell allegedly sounded by Frankie Goes to Hollywood's release of Relax in 1984 (but I kinda like that song...). It looks like an interesting read, although the review is a bit mixed. It's worth noting that on Amazon.com, a customer review mentions that 3 complete chapters plus parts of other chapters have been removed from the U.S. release of the book, making it ~200 pages shorter than the U.K. release. It remains to be seen [read] whether that's a good or bad thing.

Shoes

Shoes are an incredible late 70's/early 80's band that I've often read about in articles about power pop. I finally heard them on Bomp! Records' great compilation Roots of Power Pop, which I blogged about here. Today, I finally got around to downloading their greatest hits album SHOES Best from eMusic.com. I haven't been this thrilled since I bought The Record's greatest hits album, Smashes, Crashes, And Near Misses, which is similar power pop from the same era. I have to say that I'm in love all over again.