All posts by owl and bear staff

MP3: Tennis – “Is It True”


Listen: Tennis – “Is it True”

Acclaimed Colorado duo Tennis has released a new single, the Brenda Lee song “Is It True.” Alaina Moore explains why they chose the cover:

“Brenda Lee has been a great source of inspiration for me. We stumbled across the song “Is It True,” a less popular single she recorded later in her career and loved it not just for her more mature, crackly voice, but for the randomly awesome inclusion of a very young Jimmy Page on electric guitar. The song is such a jam, we really enjoyed the chance to record it ourselves. Despite the limitations of recording it on a 4-track cassette, and then having to mix it in a pinch on an 11 year old lap top, that crashed regularly, all the parts we love are there.”

You can stream the track by clicking on the link above, or download it in exchange for your email address. The band is currently on a European tour through July, but will return to the U.S. on August 5 for Lollapalooza.

Poetic Memory: Paleo (List)

Full album stream: Paleo – Fruit of the Spirit
MP3: Paleo – “Holly Would”

David Strackany, also known as Paleo, is perhaps best known for The Song Diary, wherein he undertook the monumental effort of writing 365 songs in a single year. As an added bonus, he used a “half-size children’s guitar” while living out of his car and being essentially homeless. Continue reading…

Contest: Win Tickets to See Sondre Lerche at the Belly Up on 6/30

Listen: Sondre Lerche – “Private Caller”
Listen: Sondre Lerche – “Domino”

Sondre Lerche just released his self-titled seventh album on June 7, and in a publicity blitz, he’s performed for KEXP, KCRW, KFOG, WNKU, Daytrotter, and others. Now, the Norwegian singer/songwriter is heading to San Diego.

The Los Angeles Times has called Lerche “one of the most talented names in contemporary pop” with “a live performance that should not be missed,” and that’s why we’re super excited to be offering two pairs of tickets to see him at the Belly Up on June 30.

In anticipation of the Belly Up show — which will mark the end of Lerche’s U.S. tour — check out the video and two streaming tracks (above). For your chance to win a pair of tickets, simply comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The two winners will be selected at random and contacted on June 29.

TV Girl Issues Statement Over Warner Music Takedown Notice

San Diego’s TV Girl made a national splash last year after releasing their Todd Rundgren-sampling song “If You Want It” on Bandamp. With its forlorn musings and bubblegum charm, the track had all the hallmarks of the digital millennium — seemingly spontaneous creativity, a new twist on something lame old, and what felt like fair use. Continue reading…

Poetic Memory: Peter Case (List)

MP3: Peter Case – Round Trip Stranger Blues

Peter Case follows in a grand tradition of rock music, existing in the vein of pioneers like Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, The Clash, and other musical heroes who live to break ground and make new things. Continue reading…