All posts by owl and bear staff

Poetic Memory: STRFKR (List)

http://vimeo.com/27459663

STRFKR‘s latest album may have been inspired by the loss of a loved one, but it doesn’t show.

Written after the death of lead singer/mastermind Josh Hodges’ grandmother, Reptilians is more affirmation of life than eulogy, thanks to its highly danceable mix of layered synth melodies, energetic beats, and catchy hooks. For a sample of the album, check out the above video for “Bury Us Alive.”

The Portland trio plays the Casbah tonight; in anticipation of the show, Mr. Hodges provided us with his list of influences. Check it out below.

Owl and Bear’s Best Albums of 2011

2011 was a mixed bag. Established acts like Radiohead and The Strokes dropped duds on trusting fans, while middle-of-the-road acts like The Drums and Hunx and His Punx raised the bar with surprising sophomore efforts. Floundering bands like Iron & Wine and The Dodos made welcome returns to glory, while others merely treaded water (see She and Him’s Christmas album or MGMT’s “mix tape.”) Continue reading…

Video: Marissa Nadler – “In Your Lair, Bear”

MP3: Marissa Nadler – “Motel Blues” (Loudon Wainwright III cover)
MP3: Marissa Nadler – “Learning to Fly” (Tom Petty cover)

Boston’s Marissa Nadler just debuted the video for “In Your Lair, Bear,” the lead track off her excellent self-titled full-length, released this year. Continue reading…

Poetic Memory: Ha Ha Tonka (List)

Photo credit: Todd Roeth

MP3: Ha Ha Tonka – “The Usual Suspects”
MP3: Ha Ha Tonka – “Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart” (live)

Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka has hit the road in support of its new album, Death of a Decade. Continue reading…