speed of dark

The southwest U.S. has been experiencing a gawd-awful heatwave for the past week, and on top of that, Indie Mom and I had to go to the desert where it was officially 116 degrees but unofficially probably hotter than that. Time to crank up a mix of hot music. I love making song mixes, which you might not know because I don't do nearly enough of it here.

I wish I had discovered Two Hours' Traffic's album Little Jabs last year when it came out. There are lots of good songs on it, and I especially like this one. They remind me a lot of early Nada Surf.

I will let you sing my song, if you can relate
Let you get the lyrics wrong; they're not that great

Two Hours Traffic: Stuck For the Summer from Little Jabs (2007)
MySpace | Buy: eMusic

Singer Juliette Commagere as singer and Joachim Cooder (yes, son of Ry) on guitar make Hello Stranger a band to watch, and this track is raging hot. Check the photo of Commagere performing at the Roxy--she's got her big boots on too. Better have the fire extinguisher handy because this is scorchin'! Watch for album release soon.

I keep my boots on
I keep 'em on all night long
I keep my big boots on
Ain't nobody gonna tell me it's wrong

Hello Stranger: Big Boots
MySpace


Baltimore's Beach House bring things down with their glowing "Gila." I have kind of resisted this band, but I think the new album is gonna finally pull me in.
Beach House: Gila from Devotion (2008)
MySpace | Buy: Amazon.com


San Francisco's Lilofee, featuring Rob Easson and Kimi Recor, are an up-and-coming independent band who make some absolutely smoldering sounds. Watch for more here soon.

This fire with no control
I'll make sure you burn

Lilofee: Get Your Fill
MySpace | Buy: direct from Lilofee


I usually don't think much of shouted vocals, but you can feel the heat rise off exuberant Port O'Brien from Oakland, CA. Their current album, just released in April, is a winner. They are sharing some shows in July with the Builders and the Butchers, another hot band you need to know.
Port O'Brien: I Woke Up Today from All We Could Do Was Sing (2008)
MySpace | Buy: eMusic


Now slather on sunscreen so you can enjoy the sizzling rays of Pacific UV, sounding a little bit like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club here with this track from their current album, released in April.
Pacific UV: Need from Longplay 2 (2008)
MySpace | Buy: eMusic


Photo by alt-gramma, Speed of Dark