Tune In Saturdays: Lift to Experience

It's not often a band so powerful and unique as Lift to Experience comes along. 

LTE makes anthems, soft music that builds into breathtaking crescendos, tinged with the religious struggle in frontman Josh Pearson's life.  A son of a preacher, Pearson's music is absorbed with the embattlement of these theological demons.

"The Texas Jerusalem Crossroads" is an album based on the concept of Texas as the promised land in the end times.  The story goes like this, the USA is the center of JER USA LEM, and Texas is the center of the USA, and as such, is God's land.

"Waiting to Hit" rips at your soul, blazing through heavy rhythms and searing guitars at times, and quiet poetry at others.  The song gives an intoxicating indoctrination into the LTE experience.  Download here.

Unfortunately, Lift was short-lived as they broke up not long after the release of this record.  Josh Pearson remains, occasionally playing in Europe, and apparently getting closer to releasing his first solo record.

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Below is the video for "These are the Days".

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX2Xzl6bylc]

Tune In Saturdays: Heaven is a Hotel

A Saturday quickie featuring Heaven is a Hotel. 

One of the best names ever from this indie rock trio, with emphasis on the ROCK.

They drive me nuts because they never play, and hardly ever record anything for release.  It's unnerving, but fortunately, when they do, they always do me right.

They remind me of a little Modest Mouse, a little Arcade Fire, mixed with just a taste of screamo.  Yummy.

Their home page is, not-surprisingly, down, so head over to their MySpace page.  Start with either brake failure or second story man.  Get it.

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UPDATE: Is anyone actually listening to this stuff?  This is the one thing I never get feedback on.  It's not like I'm trying to sell you on shitty Ashlee Simpson, or even any of the Simpsons for that matter, including that Cabrerra guy.  I'll continue posting "Tune In Saturdays" cause I like to, but let me know if anything you've heard catches your fancy.  I'm big on finding and trading new stuff.  So, uh, word to your mother.

Some Sweet Songs for Your Sweet Ads

On to this weeks featured artist, Sorta, the winner of the Best Act Overall in the 2006 Dallas Observer Awards.  This mellow rock meets country outfit sounds just like they describe themselves.  A little Wilco, a little Elliot Smith, and a dash of Dylan. I couldn't describe it any better if I tried, so I won't.

In August, they will be releasing Strange and Sad, but True, which they very Web 2 .0ishly pre-released on MySpace for free, 4 songs at a time, all downloadable.  Although, they recently split from their previous label, Summer Break Records, we're all keeping our fingers crossed that they'll find someone new so they can pull off a timely release.

So, I recommend you hit up their MySpace site, start with 'Tell Me A Story', lay back on your couch, and prepare to be blown away with the niceties of true musical craftsman.  You'll notice the careful nature of their songs, like they've been cared for and nurtured.  They ebb and flow, and ultimately build into colored explosions. 

If you head over to the home site, give '85 feet' a spin second, and I guarantee you'll be hooked.  And if you are, just send me your address and I'll be sure to pass along the entire album, since it's not releasing for awhile.  Hopefully, they will be ok with that, but from the pre-release, it sounds to me that they're more concerned with getting the most ears, rather than the most dollars at this point.  You just have to make one promise; If you like it, you have to buy it when it comes out.  Fair?

Perfect for: Top-Down rides in the country, Wry smiles

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Trendy Music for Your Next Trendy Commercial

And the next band to be featured in my rotating-name Saturday special, Midlake.  By my estimations, these guys will fall under the category of unknowns for roughly another month, so if you want to get 'em cheap, you better get 'em now.

These boys hail from my old stomping grounds, Denton, Texas, USA, and were regular patrons of my former bar of employment and over-consumption, Lucky Lou's.

Now, for a proclamation:  This is the album of 2006, and you'll hear this album over and over.  MTV, VH1, whatever.  Hearing the first song on the album was reminiscent of the first time I heard Coldplay's "Yellow".  You just know it's going to be huge.  Although they recorded the album in their living room, it's got an amazingly soothing, polished finish to it.  Imagine 1 part Fleetwood Mac, 1 part Flaming Lips, and 1 part Radiohead.

I'll leave it at that and let the music speak for itself.  Make sure you start with 'Roscoe' and then you can watch the video for 'Young Bride' below. The Trials of Van Occupanther is due out in the States July 25.

Perfect for:  Rocky montages and bicycle rides

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