Something Like Sound

(click cover to download)

In late 2009 Something Like Sound released Colorado Sounds, a compilation of music from the Centennial State. Two years later Colorado Sounds Volume 2 is making its debut with an expanded roster and greater diversity of sound. The new release comes just weeks before Denver bands and fans swarm Austin, TX for the annual SXSW conference (where download cards for this free compilation will be liberally distributed). Curator Tim Weilert designed this project with one goal in mind: expose people everywhere to the quality and uniqueness of modern music in Colorado.

Tracklist:

1. Dan Craig – Enough – from Alchemy
2. Gregory Alan Isakov – Evelyn – from This Empty Northern Hemisphere
3. John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light– In My Neighborhood – from Beautiful Empty
4. The Raven and the Writing Desk – Space Grenade – from RECIDIVIST
5. Flashbulb Fires – Revenge Song – from Glory
6. The Knew – Yellow Moon – previously unreleased
7. Monroe Monroe – Ready The Fall – from Love Wins EP
8. American Tomahawk – Sunshine People – from Contradictions, Generalities, and Future Criminals
9. Fingers of the Sun – In My Basement – previously unreleased
10. Amazing Twin – Naked Girl, Pt. 2 – from New Wives’ Tale
11. Makeout Point – Don’t Drown Me, Please – from Don’t Look Up
12. Safe Boating Is No Accident – Who Will Marry You? – from Isn’t It Fun?
13. Thrifty Astronaut – Middleclass Suburban Teenager Blues – from Caffeine Heartache
14. I Am The Dot – We Have Not Arrived – from Bridges EP & A Collection of Songs (2008-2010)
15. FLASHLIGHTS – More Sunlight – from FLASHLIGHTS EP
16. Fellow Citizens – Cincinnati – from Fellow Citizens
17. The Biz – Infinite Light – from The Ancient Future
18. PANAL S.A. DE C.V. – You Knew I Was A Snake – from You Knew I Was A Snake Single
19. At The Forefront – Till I Find You – previously unreleased
20. Tjutjuna – Mosquito Hawk – from Tjutjuna

Last year, when SLS was still in its first stages, we got a big boost from local music journalist Dave Herrera at Westword when he asked me to nominate 20 bands for the 2009 showcase. A year has passed and once again I was asked to nominate 20 local bands that had made an impression on me. In the spirit of transparency, I’m going to list the bands I nominated. I decided to choose acts I had not previously  nominated.

Be sure to check out these groups (even if a few didn’t make the final list) and vote for your favorites by clicking here.

In no particular order… Tim’s picks for the 2010 Westword Music Showcase:

Woodsman
Houses
Achille Lauro
Candy Claws
Tjutjuna
Old Radio
Hello Kavita
Gregory Alan Isakov
The Knew
Fissure Mystic
M. Pyres
Arliss Nancy
Fellow Citizens
John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light
Jim McTurnan & The Kids That Killed The Man
Paean
Pretty Lights
Eleanor
Weed Diamond
Flashbulb Fires

There is a sort of joyful bounce that winds itself along the melodies throughout Glory, the premiere full-length album from Denver-based Flashbulb Fires. Formerly known as Fiancé, Flashbulb Fires has taken the accessible piano-pop-rock format and produced a solid album with considerable replay value. Glory certainly appeals to fans of The Fray, but also draws enough parallels to the likes of Arcade Fire and Sufjan Stevens to be acceptable by the most staunch non-conformist music aficionados.

From the first two tracks, “Pyramid Scheme” and “Revenge Song,” it becomes obvious that the listener is in for a treat. The songs do a good job of setting up the tone for the rest of the album while showcasing the Flashbulb Fires sound at its best. While a general theme threads its way through the album, each song maintains a certain air of individuality. This, in and of itself, makes Glory one of those albums that has excellent replay value.

“Rope and River” combines Sufjan-esque bells and piano with moody vocal delivery similar to Eleanor (another Denver band). In stark contrast “Brunette” is a short, poppy number that sounds like it could be a television theme song. Toward the end of the album “Ambulance” turns up the folk with soft slide guitar, harmonized vocals, and acoustic guitar.

Flashbulb Fires will officially release Glory on December 18 at the Hi-Dive. Also playing that night are Danielle Ate The Sandwich and Kissing Party. Free downloads of the tracks “Revenge Song” and “Ambulance” are available at www.flashbulbfires.com.

Listen to “Ambulance” (via OneTrackMind)

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Hey everyone, here are a few shows of note:

TONIGHT: Young Coyotes and Fiery Furnaces (Bluebird, 8pm). Rumored to be Young Coyotes last show, if you haven’t seen this dynamic duo yet this might be your last chance. While you’re at it, download our compilation, they’re on there with “When I Was In The Fire.”

December 4: Take, Candy Claws, & Old Radio (Lion’s Lair, 9pm). See Candy Claws live and in person (as opposed to their global internet tour). Also, Old Radio puts on quite an enjoyable show (not to mention this one is only $5, so don’t miss it). Celebrate National Cookie Day in style!

December 12: Hot Congress CD Release Show (Oriental, 8pm). A few weeks back we covered the Hot Congress Prevue Party and picked up a copy of their very first compilation. Well, now they’re giving it a proper celebration and release. Performing that night will be Achille Lauro, Vitamins, Fissure Mystic, and Action Packed Thrill Ride.

December 12: The Wheel with Houses, Bad Weather California, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, Taun Taun and more! (Bluebird, 8pm). If there was ever a show that combined a bunch of my favorite local bands it would be this one. Unfortunately you’ll have to choose because it’s also on Dec. 12.

December 18: Flashbulb Fires CD Release Show (Hi-Dive, 10pm). We’ve got a full review of this group’s first full-length Glory coming next week and I can tell you that it is definitely worth checking out. Also playing that night: Danielle Ate The Sandwich.

December 31: Paper Bird & These United States New Year’s Party (Hi-Dive, 9pm). Ring in the New Year with a little bit Paper Bird’s brand of “joyful music.” Also rock out to the alt-indie goodness that is These United States.