WE'LL DO IT ACOUSTIC! - Motion City Soundtrack

who: Motion City Soundtrack

why: fresh off their new release 'My Dinosaur Life', here's a live acoustic performance of their single "Her Words Destroyed My Planet".

Eargasm - Happy Belated 2009

who: The Republic of Wolves and The Temper Trap
why: because it never fails that every year I leave out at least one amazing album from my "Best of" lists... In 2006 it was Manchester Orchestra and This Will Destroy You. In 2007, Lady Radiator. In 2008, I somehow missed out on all of Bon Iver, The Glass Ocean, La Dispute and Wild Sweet Orange's albums.

And now it's just barely 2010 and I've already found two albums I managed to ignore last year. Fans of Brand New need to immediately hop on The Republic of Wolves bandwagon. If you liked 'Daisy', I guarantee you won't be disappointed in this, their debut EP - 'His Old Branches'. Lala isn't streaming their album yet, but be sure to check out their myspace for a few choice tracks.

The Temper Trap are the latest belated edition to my essential albums list. I don't really know the best way to describe their sound so I'll just go with what their twitter says - "4 aussie kids just rockin' it". This album caught me immediately... I listened to it on repeat all day and I still can't get enough.

Conditions - The Temper Trap

Man Crush - Dave Davison

who: Dave Davison of Maps & Atlases

why: if you don't know this man, you need to become acquainted. Easily one of the most talented musicians I've ever had the privilege of watching, he's also like THE nicest guy to ever walk the Earth and now he's somehow gone months? growing this crazy delicious beard without me finding out.

Premature Infatuation - Portugal. The Man

who: Portugal. The Man

why: I don't know how these guys find time to sleep and eat... every time I blink they're announcing news, and I'm not sure even they can keep up with it all. I was already waist deep in anticipation for this year's release 'American Ghetto', and now I've just learned about this, The Oregon City Sessions.

"With one of our most intensive years of touring complete we decided the best way to finish the year would be to head into a studio and to play our live set from beginning to end. No overdubs, just the band as they sounded in December 2008. This was our first year doing several headline tours in the US and Europe and we felt like we had come a long way.

We spent one intensive day in Super Natural Sound Studio in Oregon City recording and filming the performance. Our great friend, Graham Baclagon, was the director, editor, cameraman. Intercut with footage from around the world each song has it's own feel. Jacob Portrait recorded the sound.

"The Oregon City Session" is a film and a live album that we will release soon on Approaching AIRballoons. There will be chances to view the film in its entirety before we release so keep in touch."

Check out Portugal. The Man wherever you can find them...
YouTube | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook

In the Fresh - Portugal. The Man

who: Portugal. The Man

why: have planned a U.S. tour with band Port O'Brien and The Dig. If you've never seen Portugal live, they are easily one of the best bands I have ever seen and I would highly recommend going, even if you've never heard their stuff.

I've posted live stuff of these guys before, and have several times claimed JBG to be one of my idols... but here's an acoustic version of them playing "Colors" from their 2008 release, 'Censored Colors'.

Feb 24 Fargo, ND @ Aquarium
Feb 25 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
Feb 26 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Feb 27 Louis, MO @ The Gargoyle
Mar 01 Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry's
Mar 03 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues / Pontiac Garage
Mar 04 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live (Studio)
Mar 05 Austin, TX @ The Parish
Mar 06 Austin, TX @ The Parish
Mar 09 Gainesville, FL @ Common Ground
Mar 10 Ybor City, FL @ Crowbar
Mar 11 Orlando, FL @ The Social
Mar 12 Elkton, FL @ Harvest of Hope Festival
Mar 13 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
Mar 18 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Mar 19 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
Mar 20 Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small's Theatre
Mar 21 Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre
Mar 24 Columbia, MO @ Mojo's
Mar 26 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theatre
Mar 27 Vail, CO @ The Sandbar
Mar 28 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen

Watch Out - Sundiata Gaines (Utah Jazz)

who: Sundiata Gaines

why: because if you're like me and didn't see the game last night... you have no idea what you missed.

VOTW - January 15, 2010

who: OK Go

why: with their video for "This Too Shall Pass" from this year's album 'Of the Blue Colour of the Sky'.

WE'LL DO IT ACOUSTIC! - Neil Young

who: Neil Young

why: performs his own rendition of the infamous "Pants on the Ground"... You might not get it because you haven't been watching American Idol... but you should still be able to understand that's not Neil Young.

For those of you with actual lives... you might want to check out the original "Pants on the Ground", here.

LMAO! - Aziz Ansari

who: Aziz Ansari

why: if you've somehow managed to miss Human Giant, Parks and Recreation, Funny People or any of the many roles he's played, then you're probably also not reading this. But if you are, say hello to Aziz Ansari. He went on Jimmy Kimmel the other night and had a casual conversation about R. Kelly - but even that was fucking hilarious. Click on his name above to check out his other videos on Funny or Die, follow him on twitter, and make sure you check out his Comedy Central Presents special titled 'Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Special Evening' on Sunday at 10pm eastern time.

Watch Out - Of Mice & Men

who: Of Mice & Men

why: have posted a tour update video on YouTube... You should also know that their self-titled release will be out February 23rd.