I have been downloading stuff more than usual lately, using MP3 blogs rather than slsk which I have not bothered to install on my new mac yet. I like this way better as you don’t have to think about what you want, instead you just cherrypick from a rush of MP3s being flung at your ears. And, as a bonus, sometimes you get some good writing about the tracks. It’s even good for The Artists as MP3 blogs generally only post 2 or 3 tracks from an album, making me much more likely to buy the album than if I’ve got all the tracks off slsk.

So, here are some new things I have heard that I have added to my buy list.

…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – So Divided (some MP3s here and here)
Oh, how times have changed. I didn’t even know Trail of Dead had a new album coming out! This is where MP3 aggregators are great. I spotted some unfamiliar TOD tracks, clicked over and discovered the new TOD album, complete with pretty cover art. By the sounds of things, TOD have finally made the major label album they always intended to. Where Source Tags was a bit too commercial and throwaway and Worlds Apart a bit too sprawling and bloated, So Divided sounds like it could be the one where they get their prog-pop in perfect balance. Stand In Silence, the only likely hit song so far, sounds so much like another band but who? Anyone?

Squarepusher – Hello Everything(some MP3s here)
These tracks are so good that after one listen I was all set to get off the bus and go buy the album before the shops shut. Except it’s not out til next week. I’m no major Squarepusher fan, more someone who picks up a cheap album here and there bt nothing I have sounds as great as this. It’s so clean and warm and layered. I love Hello Meow’s xylophones, like Tortoise gone pop and Welcome to Europe’s insanely clever interlacing, warped melodies. I am so excited about this album.

Joanna Newsom – Ys (some MP3s here)
I was pretty much in love with The Milk-Eyed Mender when it came out but I wasn’t entirely sure whether I’d buy her new one. A long wait at the bus stop on a rainy morning listening to these two 10 minute long songs and I’m thinking I probably will. These songs seem less attention-grabbing, more subdued but still sweet and strong. Sounds like it will be perfect for cold, damp autumn days.

Ellen Allien & Apparat – Orchestra of Bubbles (some MP3s here)
I’ve been pondering buying this for a while now but it hadn’t drawn enough attention to itself. I’m a big fan of Ellen Allien who I find so much more playful than your average techno artist and so far this is softer than her recent releases, sounding vulnerable and a little unsettling.

MP3 BONUS – Those of you who haven’t heard the wonder that is Gay Against You, you can now download their CDR album for FREE! Do it.

I will try and do this on a regular basis and if anyone else wants to join in please do. What have you been downloading lately?

Posted: 10|7|06 at 1:36 pm. Filed under: interweb.
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