Hot. Hot. Hot. Get up and shake your thing because this song absolutely smokes. It's the brand new Duffy single, the retro soul Mercy, as performed on Later With Jools Holland.

Today's random song of the day is from Philadelphia's RunRunner, That's What You Get is an addictive nugget of of power-pop-punk, chock full of crunchy guitars that'll have you turning it up and singing along in no time. And be sure to pick up the RunRunner album for nine more songs just as good.

RunRunner :
Graham Gormley- Guitar and Vocals
David Kain- Bass and Vocals
Adam Herndon- Drums and Vocals

MP3: RunRunner - That's What You Get
Buy RunRunner

[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

Something new to start your Monday off. Hailing from Oxford, Mississippi, John Barrett's Bass Drum Of Death consists of John Barrett playing an assortment of instruments himself- guitar, bass drum, vocals, shaker, tambourine, etc. It's a raw, rootsy, footstomping, hand clapping, blend of music that's as rooted in the traditional blues like Robert Johnson or Elmore James as it is in the current wave of artists like The White Stripes or The Black Keys.

John recorded these songs himself and is releasing them free via his myspace page as well as selling them on cassette at his live shows. Check out his myspace for some more and be sure catch him out playing live somewhere near you.


MP3: John Barrett's Bass Drum Of Death - P Ghost
MP3: John Barrett's Bass Drum Of Death - My Baby's Layin In The Ground
MP3: John Barrett's Bass Drum Of Death - Slow Eyes
More at Myspace

Upcoming Shows
Mar 6 2008 8:00P Juanita’s (w/ DM+HMU, MIDWEST CARAVAN, FRIENDLY FRIENDS) Little Rock, AK
Mar 7 2008 10:00P Springwater (w/ HAMMERTORCH, DM+HMU) Nashville, TN
Mar 8 2008 10:00P Go Bar (w/ DM+HMU) Athens, GA
Mar 9 2008 10:00P The Cave (w/ DM+HMU) Chapel Hill, NC
Mar 10 2008 10:00P Spazzatorium (w/ DM+HMU, TWANCE COP, SHAMS) Greenville, NC
Mar 11 2008 8:00P The Party Pit (early show w/ DM+HMU, MONUMENT) house party, Washington DC
Mar 11 2008 10:00P DC9 (w/ MIKAL EVANS) WASHINGTON, Washington DC
Mar 12 2008 9:00P Hullabaloo @ Matchless (w/ DM+HMU, 2 TBA) Brooklyn, NY
Mar 14 2008 10:00P Smog @ Bard College (w/ DM+HMU, FROG EYES) Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Mar 15 2008 10:00P Pete’s Candy Store (w/ DM+HMU, ANDY FRIEDMAN) Brooklyn, NY
[MYSPACE]

Sure Yeasayer's All Hour Cymbals album came out last fall, but I somehow managed to avoid hearing any of it until now so I'm sure it'll most likely be new to some of you too. I can't seem to get the song 2080 off repeat the past week, but the rest of the album is excellent as well. It's got a rhythmic folky vibe, but also a healthy dose of more ethereal electronic sounds, and lots of layered spiritual sounding vocals in the mix. It's full of the familar, yet still somehwat disorienting as it all coalesces to sound completely different. Like one of those 3D holographic pictures where if you stare at it long enough an image suddenly appears. Hard to describe, but if you like this song, pick it up, as you're sure to enjoy the rest. Missed them myself this time through Philadelphia on their tour with MGMT, but from what I've been hearing their live show is a must see as well.

MP3: Yeasayer-2080
Buy All Hour Cymbals

[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE]

A few pictures from last nights dazzling, sold out Black Mountain and Bon Iver show at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia. Bon Iver's hushed acoustic numbers took on an even greater intensity as they opened with a set that held the audience in silent rapture for the whole thing. It reminded me a lot of the shows Ryan Adams used to do with just himself and a guitar in his early post Whiskeytown days. A powerful quiet intensity. Black Mountain then turned it around 180 degrees with their thundering psychedelic juggernaut of sound. Playing a set consisting of mostly material from their new In The Future disc and closing out with a blistering encore of Don't Run Our Hearts Around from their first disc. A stunning live band not to be missed if their tour comes near your city. Check out more photos from SinABox Camera along with Carly's excellent writeup of the show over at Girl About Town.

Bon Iver Black Mountain

A brand new song today from Chelsea Taube, one of my absolute favorite unsigned songwriters that I've featured here at Bag Of Songs. Someone give this girl a record deal.

MP3: Chelsea Taube - She Cheats
more at Myspace

Some brand new music today from one of my favorite Philadelphia bands. The jangly guitars and sweet sounding harmonies of Canadian Invasion. You may have heard the song My Swashbuckling Days are Over played on WXPN recently. BIG thanks to Andy from the band for supplying me with the "exclusive internet premiere" of the track for you all. It's from their upcoming cd recorded with Philadelphia's amazing producer Brian McTear (also responsible for last year's brilliant disc from the Philly's A-Sides). Based on what I've heard so far it's going to be a power pop gem and a surefire contender for one of 2008's best discs. Check it out.

MP3: Canadian Invasion - My Swashbuckling Days Are Over
more at [MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

Some softly meandering trippy psychedelic sounds from Philadelphia's Photon Band to contemplate the world to while sitting back and having your Sunday morning coffee. Float on.

MP3: Photon Band - Words (get in the way)
Buy Get Down Here In The Stratosphere EP

[MYSPACE]

Hey since almost everyone has tomorrow off or even if you don't(like me), come on down to The Khyber and rock like it's a Saturday night and support a good cause at the same time. See you there.

Rarebirds, Scary Monster, Papertrees, and Dan Malloy
with Y-Rock DJ John Vettese spinning between sets
8:oo PM Sunday February 17th
at The Khyber 56 S 2nd Street Philadelphia PA

A few photos from Thursday night's blistering Valentine's Day soul work out by Eli " Paperboy" Reed and his hot 6 piece band the True Loves at Philadelphia's M Room. Catch these guys now, they surely will not be playing the small rooms for very long with a show this hot. They'll be ripping it up at a sold out show at Union Hall in Brooklyn NY tonight before heading off to SXSW and then on tour with Say Anything.

College years are one of the most exciting times of your life as far as exposure to new and amazing discoveries about life, th eworld and yourself are concerned. It is the time when the music you listen to is the soundtrack to all your hopes and dreams and becomes ingrained in your memory's DNA for the rest of your life. The songs that in the years following can flash an entire night or day through your mind in the first few notes. The early eighties were those years for me, a time before cds when scouring independent records stores for the newest hard to find vinyl singles and import records. Joy Division,Gang Of Four,The Cure, U2,The Psychedelic Furs, Killing Joke,Echo And The Bunnymen and on and on were all brand new back then and driving the sound of underground college radio stations everywhere. In small dark clubs with the music swirling all around dancing was still a legitimate response.


Sweden's The Bell have captured the essence of that era and distilled it for you on their new record Make Some Quiet. Dark and mysterious yet somehow joyous and upbeat all at the same time. Who can forget the rush the first time you heard a song like Temptation by New Order. The Bell certainly hasn't. Thirteen songs that will have you singing and dancing along in no time soundtracking your memories. Make Some Quiet sees a US release today, February 12. Remember to pick up your copy.


MP3: The Bell - I Am History
MP3: The Bell - Never Had To Pay Before
Buy Make Some Quiet

[WEBSITE] [MYSPACE]

There's a new R&B Soul revolution going on with the likes of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Ryan Shaw, Amy Winehouse and others being the current torchbearers. Well, you can add Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves to that evergrowing list, their new album Roll With You is being released April 29th on Q Division records and is sure to be an instant soul classic.

Eli Reed's story:
Eli Reed grew up listening to his music critic father’s collection of gospel, blues, country, soul, and R&B records and eventually taught himself to play guitar, piano, and harmonica. Then, at age 18, he got a first-hand education when he moved to Clarksdale, MS, one of the birthplaces of the blues, in the North Mississippi Delta, where he sang and played guitar with various soul, R&B, and blues bands at local clubs, and received informal lessons in performing from legendary blues drummer Sam Carr.
“I learned a lot about singing because the audiences are very tough,” says Reed, whose has both a spine-tingling soul scream and a pleading falsetto in his vocal arsenal. “You really have to be on your game just to be able to last the night. If you’re going to perform for three or four hours, you’ve got to have stamina.” After spending nine months in Mississippi, Reed enrolled at the University of Chicago and got himself a gig singing and playing piano on the city’s South Side at a church run by former Chess Records’ soul singer-turned-minister Mitty Collier, using the $50 a week he earned to buy records for his college radio show.

In 2004, after a year of school, Reed returned to Boston and began to assemble the True Loves, which has undergone several line-up changes in the last three years, but now features Mike Montgomery (bass), Ryan Spraker (guitar), Paul Jones (tenor sax), Ben Jaffe (tenor sax), Patriq Moody (trumpet), and Andy Bauer (drums). Reed self-released an album of soul covers and originals, entitled Eli “Paperboy” Reed Sings Walkin’ and Talkin’ and the band played out all over the Northeast, earning glowing praise from the local press. The Boston Phoenix called Reed “a gifted young singer and guitarist,” while the Boston Globe raved about Reed’s “authentic and sincere music and vision,” calling him “a consummate musician.”

Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - The Satisfier
(via The Phoenix)
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Am I Wasting My Time
(via Spinner)
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Take My Love With You
(via SXSW 2007)

Eli and his band bring their red hot show to Philadelphia this Thursday February 14th, for a Valentine's Day blowout you and your honey won't soon forget. So head on down to the M-Room and remember to bring your dancing shoes.

Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves with DJ Kyle {m} of Intensified! and Ten Commandmants
Thursday February 14th 8:00PM [BUY TICKETS]
The M-Room 15 W. Girard Ave Philadelphia PA

Upcoming Shows
Feb 14 2008 7:00P Listen to a live Eli "Paperboy" Reed show 7:00 PM on WFUV! New York, NY
Feb 14 2008 8:00P M Room Philadelphia, PA
Feb 16 2008 8:00P Union Hall Brooklyn Brooklyn, NY
Mar 12 2008 8:00P TBA at SXSW Austin, TX
Mar 13 2008 3:00P Redeye Showcase at The Dirty Dog @ SXSW Austin, TX
Mar 13 2008 11:00P BMI Showcase at The Club Deville @ SXSW Austin, TX
Mar 14 2008 8:00P TBA at SXSW Austin, TX
Mar 15 2008 8:00P TBA at SXSW Austin, TX
Apr 5 2008 6:30P House of Blues Orlando w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Orlando, FL
Apr 6 2008 6:00P State Theater w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. St. Petersburg, FL
Apr 8 2008 6:00P Warehouse Live w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Houston, TX
Apr 9 2008 6:30P La Zona Rosa w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Austin, TX
Apr 10 2008 6:00P Plunkett Park @ U. of Oklahoma w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Edmond, OK
Apr 12 2008 7:00P Clubhouse w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Tempe, AZ
Apr 13 2008 6:00P House of Blues San Diego w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. San Diego, CA
Apr 14 2008 6:00P Glasshouse w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Pomona, CA
Apr 15 2008 8:00P TBA Los Angeles w/Say Anything & Manchester Orch. Los Angeles, CA

[MYSPACE]

Looking for something to do tonight ? Head on out and see recent BOS Artist Of The Day and and one of Philadelphia's best live bands at the moment, The Shots.

MP3: The Shots - Do Me Wrong
More On Myspace

The Shots w/The Minor White, Kate Starr, and Missing Palmer West
Saturday February 9th at the North Star Bar 27th and Poplar Philadelphia PA

Some photos of the Photon Band from last night's CD release party at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia. It was an all Philadelphia night with excellent opening sets by The Novenas and Canadian Invasion capped off by the Photon Band's amazing set of psychedelic-funk-power-garage-pop featuring plenty of songs from their brand new Get Down Here In The Stratosphere EP.

Starting the Chinese new year today for "The Year Of The Rat"
Those born in the "Year of the Rat" are clever, ambitious, creative, hard-working, fastidious, charming and sociable, but can be a bit stingy when it comes to sharing their wealth or possessions. [SOURCE]

MP3 : The Slip - Even Rats
Buy Eisenhower

Bloomington, Indiana's Aviary Ghost started out for Charlie Crimando and Stephen Kemsley as songwriting project to make some long winter days go by an ended up up as their first full album Memory Is A Hallway. It's a smooth, soothing blend of bright breezy pop songs with a sound along the lines of early Smiths or The Go Betweens. The perfect soundtrack for sitting back and daydreaming your day away.

MP3: Aviary Ghost - Somewhere Else
Buy Memory Is A Hallway

Aviary Ghost is
Charlie Crimando - vocals, guitar, mandolin
Stephen Kemsley - piano, gizmos, vocals
Jon Clark - electric guitar, keys, vocals
Patrick Moore - bass guitar
CJ Young - Drums

Upcoming Shows
Feb 12 2008 The Bluebird Bloomington, Indiana
Mar 8 2008 Radio Radio w/ Red Light Driver, 8-bit Revival, Small Arms Boy Indianapolis, Indiana
Mar 19 2008 Bear’s Place Bloomington, Indiana
Mar 20 2008 WIUX in-studio (99.1FM) Bloomington, Indiana
Apr 3 2008 NOISE (IU Memorial Union) Bloomington, Indiana
Apr 17 2008 LFB Club Night @ A lot of Bloomington bars Bloomington, Indiana
Apr 18 2008 LFB Club Night @ A lot of All Ages Venues in Bloomington! Bloomington, Indiana
Apr 25 2008 Rhino’s All-Ages Club Bloomington, Indiana

[MYSPACE] [WEBSITE]

A couple of songs to soundtrack your Groundhog Day today. So, is it six more weeks of winter or is it going to be an early spring in just six weeks ? I guess only the shadow knows for sure.

MP3: Brandi Carlile - Shadow On The Wall
Buy The Story
MP3: Velvet Underground - Who Loves The Sun
Buy Loaded

[PHOTO CREDIT]