New Milk Maid Single

With his band Nine Black Alps on indefinite hiatus, bassist Martin Cohen found he had time on his hands, recording at home Milk Maid’s debut album Yucca. The result is an album that might have come out on Creation Records in their 80’s heyday, recalling indie stalwarts like Comet Gain and marrying timeless pop hooks to the raw spontaneity of home recording, and sweet, sun-drenched … Continue reading New Milk Maid Single

Mad Mackerel Recommends…Mikal Cronin

Stepping away from the rhythm section of Orange County surf-punk bashers The Moonhearts, Mikal Cronin has emerged with a fully realized, cohesive and beautiful debut self-titled LP, out September 20, via Chicago’s Trouble In Mind. Cronin blends sweet melodies and chords with chunky, psychedelic guitar freak-outs so if you’ve ever wondered what the Beach Boys would sound like if they became pals with the Ramones…this is a … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Mikal Cronin

Truck Festival – In Pictures

The sun shone, the bands played, and, as ever, a good time was had by all. Roll on Truck Festival 2012. Download Richmond Fontaine – The Boyfriends mp3 (from We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River) Download Cashier No. 9 – Lost At Sea mp3 (from To The Death Of Fun) Download Pete & The Pirates – Mr Understanding mp3 (from Little Death) Download … Continue reading Truck Festival – In Pictures

More From Dave Cloud & The Gospel of Power

Fire Records released Practice In The Milky Way from Dave Cloud and the Gospel of Power last week. It is one of the more surreal and unhinged releases you’re likely to come across and Boogaloo is the second track to whet your appetite. Download Dave Cloud & The Gospel Of Power – Boogaloo mp3 (from Practice In The Milky Way) Download Dave Cloud & The … Continue reading More From Dave Cloud & The Gospel of Power

Introducing…Bigbee of the Whitetree

Some songs are perfect for sitting around the campfire, enjoying the company of friends and contemplating the interconnectedness of the universe. Beautiful (Peyote Version), the first song from Bigbee of the Whitetree’s upcoming Fairytale Dust, is one of those songs for a good reason. Bigbee has lived in some amazing places, coastal California, a geodesic dome in Joshua Tree National Park and most recently on … Continue reading Introducing…Bigbee of the Whitetree

Introducing…Case Studies

Both Mrs Mackerel and I were much saddened by the recent demise of duo the Dutchess & The Duke. Over the two albums they released together their special brand of folk harmonies and brilliant lyrical wordplay was a consistent joy to listen to. The first new activity to rise from these ashes is Case Studies, a new project from Jesse Lortz (aka The Duke), and his … Continue reading Introducing…Case Studies

Big Hitters Round Up

A few of the big hitters and bloggers favourites have released tracks lately. Here’s our round up in case you’ve missed any. Download St Vincent – Surgeon mp3 (from Strange Mercy) Download Girls – Vomit mp3 (from Father, Son, Holy Ghost) Download The War On Drugs – Come To The City mp3 (from Slave Ambient) Download M83 – Midnight City mp3  (from Midnight City) Download Twin Sister … Continue reading Big Hitters Round Up

Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Dreaming Spires

It seems entirely appropriate to post today about Oxford’s The Dreaming Spires – formed as they are by Truck Festival founders Robin and Joe Bennett. The band have already been getting critical acclaim for their debut single Everything All The Time, which is officially released on Monday. They are headlining Truck tomorrow night in what will inevitably be a legendary performance. We will be there. … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…The Dreaming Spires