From the opening seconds of "Maniacal Mechanic", its clear that NYC's Dream Bitches have turned up the volume for their sophomore LP, Coke-and-Spiriters. Pounding drum beats and dirty guitars anchor this treasure of a song. As on their debut, lead Dream Bitches Yoko Kikuchi and Ann Zakaluk deliver pitch-perfect harmonies that cut through the band's new cacophonous sound. Though Coke-and-Spiriters is not all rock and bombast, over the course of the record's ten songs, the band proves that its a force to be reckoned with.

“Maniacal Mechanic”
from Coke-and-Spiriters

The original version of Casey Holford's "That Song" was the penultimate track on his stellar 2005 release, All Young and Beautiful. It was one of the highlights of that album - lushly produced and beautifully performed. Here, Casey deconstructs the song, speeding the tempo and offering a more punky and playful performance. It shows Casey's range and offers a unique interpretation of a song so great it doesn't matter how its played! Download it here and find it on his 2007 split release with Yoko Kikuchi, the "This Song / That Song" EP.

“That Song”
from This Song / That Song

Since I first heard Throw Me The Statue's "Lolita" a few months ago, I've been waiting with bated breath for Seattle's Baskerville Hill label to post an MP3 of it. Now, at long last, my desire has been fulfilled! This flawless pop-gem is the first single from TMTS's recently-released debut record, Moonbeams. It delivers everything you could want from a 3 1/2 minute pop song: An impeccable arrangement enthusiastically executed, eclectic but coherent instrumentation and the goddamn catchiest melody this side of Paul McCartney's house. Listen to those crazy guitar riffs! Listen to the spot-on drumming! The handclaps, tambourine, melodica and glockenspiel! How could you NOT fall in love with "Lolita"? What's more, the rest of Moonbeams lives up to the incredibly high standard that this song sets. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy RIGHT NOW!

“Lolita”
from Moonbeams

After a few months of silence, The Pathways are back and ready to release their second album, Gray Blaze, on the Athens, Georgia CDR-label Asaurus Records. The record was recorded just prior to second drummer Mike Dempsy's departure from the band and features many live favorites from the Boat of Confidence days. One of them is this, "Last Buffalo", a David Yourdon-helmed tune featuring an Evan Kindley-led middle-eight. Mike's steady backbeat keeps the song trotting along while Leo Goldsmith's twisting basslines suffiently jazz things up. Oh, and there's enough explosive guitar interplay to make any diehard Pathways fan happy. Once the record is released, we'll be sure to stock it in the RiYL Store. In the meantime, enjoy this preview!

“Last Buffalo”
from Gray Blaze (Asaurus)