The video doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the song, but it’s a mildly interesting visual representation. Guitarist Brian Oblivion fails to jump through a ring of fire, and Madeleine Follin laments the outcome of his ill-fated stunt.

Always a lightning rod, not always a great musician, this song at least gives glimmers of hope for upcoming material. Hopefully she’ll let the music do the talking for her.

Here is an analog celebration of a new track from The Shins. Entitled “September,” the track is the b-side to the Simple Song 7″ due out on Hallmark Card Day.

I don’t know what it is that I’ve recently been experiencing, but I’m mired in some sort of musical lull. I have found myself nearly unmoved by any and all music lately, and I’m fairly discouraged by it – especially seeing as, you know, I have a music blog. I’ve taken steps to dislodge this malaise, or whatever it might be, by searching out things I may have missed or not given proper due. SiriusXM is doing a free two-week trial, which has moderately helped in giving me some new research material, but I’m still dispassionate and it sucks. Luckily, today I found a few things that are clearly good; mostly older music from long before I was born.

[mp3] COOLRUNNINGS // Spirit of the High

Fittingly then perhaps, I came across a grungy tune reminiscent of a bygone era. I checked the archives, and though it doesn’t seem we’ve written of Knoxville’s COOLRUNNINGS, we’ve certainly been aware of them. On new track “Spirit of the High,” the band incorporates southern rock elements for a sound that is dirty and quite good. The sound is a bit of a departure from what I am most accustomed to from the outfit, that being the more avant garde and electronically tinged BABES FOREVER EP. It’s a direction I can see myself getting behind.

This video premiered on Spin, where they described it as a hipster version of Soul Train. Pretty spot on if I do say so.

From 2011′s incredibly well-received Slave Ambient, here is the video for The War on Drugs’ “Brothers.” It’s surprising, given the tune, and quite suspenseful.

From the recent Strange Weekend, here is Porcelain Raft’s video for “Unless You Speak From Your Heart.”

I love the power of music. I love that at times I get goosebumps listening to a powerful piece of songwriting, including when set to any combination of moving images on a screen. I also love hockey. Upon a recent switch in cable providers, HBO and other premium cable channels became available in my household. Of the programs I decided to catch up on, a series I lamented being unable to watch prior was the documentation of the NHL’s Winter Classic, entitled “24/7 Flyers/Rangers.” I came away from viewing the four episode series with a few observations, mostly negative in regards to a few certain members of the Flyers organization, but overwhelmingly positive otherwise. Following the filmed action of the decisive game on January 2nd, a series defining recap set to Sigur Rós’ anthemic “Festival” closed out the final episode. I already knew the outcome of that particular game, but came to enjoy the people involved within it, getting a glimpse into the lives and actions of world class athletes. When set to the arching crescendo of “Festival,” the closing images and narration, which otherwise might not have as much meaning, took on emotional depth that I continue to get goosebumps from. Such is the power of music: able to enhance things I like, into things I love.

Here is an animated video for Wilco’s “Dawned On Me,” off 2011′s The Whole Love. It’s an animated affair, featuring cartoon versions of the band alongside a certain spinach-eating character and his mates.

Since being released a week ago, I’ve been allowing the new track from Jana Hunter and her band Lower Dens, entitled “Brains,” to marinate within mine. Amidst the soupy brain matter of forgotten memories and useless sports knowledge, the track has not gained the same footing as Hunter’s prior Dens’ work. That said, doing such a thing would be difficult.

[mp3] Lower Dens // Brains

On 2010′s Twin-Hand Movement there is an abundance of woozy guitar work and raw textures. “Brains” on the other hand feels more subtle and motorik, slowly building behind the steady pacing. The track is the lead single from the upcoming second LP Nootropics, which is due out in late April on Ribbon Music – a label which also boasts the likes of Laura Marling, Black Dice, and personal favorite John Maus. A 10″ single will precede the LP, and will feature “Brains” as well as two other cuts.