Here's another edition of the New Music Sampler, where I go through some of the promising releases that have just come in at WMBR. As I've mentioned before, I burn one track from each disc that I think bears further investigation, usually about 25% of our total new rack.

1. A Sunny Day In Glasgow - "5:15 Train"
We recieved a promising self-releasted ep from these shoegazers last year, now they've backed it up with a more eclectic offering that still harkens back to the days of My Bloody Valentine but definitely finds it's own personality. Pretty, but not predictable. Played on 2/8/07.

2. Christ. - "Ganky"
Yes, the period is part of the band name. Concert report music for 2/15/07. Pleasantly fun electronic instrumentals with a bit of drift.

3. Do Make Say Think - "Her Story of Glory"
Quite possibly the best release by this Godspeed related project, some really strong instrumental rock that enter into the Mogwai realm without going overboard on the multi-layered instruments. Much more cohesive than previous releases. Perhaps a future concert report selection, or perhaps foreground.

4. Peter Bjorn & John - "Self-Pity"
The best album of the year so far gets its US release with a 2nd CD of rather inessential b-sides and alternate takes. I'll be sticking with the fantastically simple yet addictive disc 1, but took this tune for the compilation since my Swedish copy doesn't have disc 2.

5. The Western States Motel - "Row of Homes"
Nice indie-pop record out of LA that straddles the line between an early 90's and light new wave influence. Played a different cut on 2/8/07 though there are several fine selections here. Nice bassline.

6. Le Peuple De L'Herbe - "Sexual Attraction"

From the Normal series of HeavyBreathing compilations comes this French techno confection with sampled moans n groans. Played on 2/15/07. HeavyBreathing deals with overt sexual content in music, this volume contained all sampled sounds of coitus.

7. Nurse & Soldier - "Bought Up Too Soon"
Onieda side project sounds like an early 70's psych-pop confection and not much like its paternal lineage. A driving little number that will certainly make the cut, especially like the vocal reach on the chorus.

8. The Slip - "The Soft Machine"

Don't know if I'll get to this one, sounds like they're trying to meld the normal side of an Olivia Tremor Control release with something more contemporary.

9. The Brothers Martin - "The Behavior Explains"

Yes, they're actually brothers - one from Starflyer 59 and one from Joy Electric. Which makes me assume shoegazery new wave, not far off actually. This is retro new wave with a commercial flair, no post-punk affliction here. Played a different song on 2/15/07 but all cuts are strong, reminds me of the early 90's Romania record on Teenbeat.

10. Primitive Calculators - "Do That Dance"

Pulled this off a station purchase of a 2001 compilation of late 70's/early 80's aussie post-punk called Inner City Sound. Looks like they've just released an import collection of their stuff overseas, I'll have to try and track it down.

11. Audionom - "Kristall"

This should be huge at WMBR, BoC/LRC crossover hit potential. Kemado collection of a late-90's Stockholm band with definite no-wave flair, these guys hit hard with powerful instrumentals and some occasional shouted vocals. We'll see how many others discover its charms. Played on 2/15/07.

12. The Noisettes - "IWE"

Import is already out for this art-punk band, US gets the full length in two months. Two months! Makes me wonder why Universal bothered to send it out so early. In any case I played a different (and methinks better) cut on 2/15/07. Powerful female vocals behind some stammering punk-blues backing.

13. The Elastik Band - "Spazz"

US late 60's psych-rock band gets its own career retrospective. This one's the hit and pretty much the only one note in my book, the lead vocal has a crazy-guy-on-the-street kinda quality held together with a fuzzy guitar lead.

14. The Hero Cycle - "Lovers Crime"

Well, the fact that I just listened to it again and can't quite remember what the heck it is doesn't bode well for its chances on the show. Plus I think my favorite song off the record cursed.

15. Bob Parins and True Love Always - "Mr. Face"

Other than this first track it sounds almost nothing like the lovely indie-pop that we've come to expect from TLA. This tune is an ebullient 70's power pop throwback (this Jellyfish) that unfortunately drops an f-bomb. The rest of the album also harkens back to the 70's, but the influences are a bit dirtier and not as impeccibly carried out. Played one of them on 2/15/07.

16. Lavendar Diamond

Matador signs itself and faux-folk-a-go-go band, this one is far more palatable than Brightblack Morning Light's faux-authentic new age hippiesms. Delicate folk which occasionally layers a little sparkly dust on the proceedings.

17. The Finches - "Nightswimming, AR"

Liked the first album of introspective boy/girl plucking a bit better than this one, which strays slightly from the pop blueprint and into folkish territory. Quotes "Don't Let Our Youth Go To Waste" which made me save the track, unlikely to make the show though.

18. The Last Town Chorus - "It's Not Over"

I like the obsessive on the verge of a mental breakdown feel of this sweetly flowing pop tune, especially the repetition of the chorus as if she's willing herself to believe it's true. The cover of Bowie's "Modern Love" is appreciated as well for cover-show possibilities. Played on 2/15/07.

19. The National Lights - "The Dead Will Walk"

Played a different song on 2/15/07, mainly because that one was shorter. Quiet indie pop on the low end of the scale, using spare instrumentation and hushed vocals to create a feeling of rainy days and mondays.

20. Loney, Dear - "I Will Call You Lover Again"

Sub Pop's attempt to save indie-pop from complete irrelevancy. Played this repetitive (chorusless?) tune on 2/1/07. I do like how the song layers upon itself as it builds, but I'm not banking on a fervent conversion to their church on my part.

21. Avenue D - "2d2f"
Not a new release, instead from Erlend Oye's DJ-Kicks session. An incredibly smutty electro dance tune helmed by a pair of women admonishing their boyfriends for liquoring up during the night on the town. Can't help but laugh. Good pick, Erlend.