I haven't updated in forevers!
And since so many of the very few people who occasionally check this blog are going away soon (and may be going to a land of slooooow internet!) I decided I should have a blowout celebration.
THIS CELEBRATION IS COMPOSED OF THINGS FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD

Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche
This just leaked last night. It's outtakes from Illinoise, and isn't set to be officially released until July(!) Part 1 Part 2

Outkast - "The Mighty O"
(Read this part in a Home Shopping Network voice) Have you been sitting around, head in your hands, thinking, "When are Outkast going to blow my motherfucking socks off with a new single?" I know I have! And now, here it is. This might not be the final mix, but it's Andre rapping again, and it's exactly what your speakers have been waiting to play. Don't hesitate, call now!

Walkmen - A Hundred Miles Off
Some of you are bigger Walkmen fans than others, but their upcoming album just hit the internet a few days back. You should give it a shot.


FREE SCOTT PILGRIM
FREE SCOTT PILGRIM
FREE SCOTT PILGRIM
If you've never read Scott Pilgrim, you really don't understand how incomplete your life is. This is a free Scott Pilgrim comic, so I don't feel bad about sharing it. Of all the things I have read in my life, and of all the things available here, Scott Pilgrim is most likely the absolute awesomest. The (tiny and very simple) program you'll need to read it on your computer can be downloaded here.

Jens Lekman and The Boy Least Likely To and Lucksmiths
Here's a bunch of EP and B-side stuff by these three great pop bands, mixed together into two zip files. The Jens songs are (unless I wasn't paying attention) all ones that didn't show up on either When I Said I Wanted to be Your Dog or Oh You're So Silent, Jens. The Boy Least Likely To B-sides are off singles from their extremely fun album, The Best Party Ever. The Lucksmiths songs are from their new EP for "A Hiccup in Your Happiness," the lead track from last year's Warmer Corners LP. You may remember it as being my second favorite album of the year - the Lucksmiths remain one of my most beloved bands, and their new songs on this EP are characteristically great. Get 'em all here and here.

Fred Thomas - Sink Like a Symphony
Those of you who know me well may be aware of my pseudo-obsession with Fred Thomas. He's the guy behind Saturday Looks Good to Me, which is one of my favorite bands. But on top of that, he's been a member of Flashpapr and Lovesick, both of which are very good bands. And for the past few years, along with constant single/album releases in SLGTM, he's been releasing solo albums/EPs. Which are totally great! AHHH HOW CAN HE BE SO TALENTED AND SO PROLIFIC!? Anyway, his new album is out this summer. It's his best yet. If you saw them open for Of Montreal at the Canopy this spring, you'll recognize "Wet as a Cloud," which was the best of the new songs he played that night. Smoke like a factory, steal my identity, sell it right back to me now.

Function - The Secret Miracle Fountain
Someone on a messageboard I frequent recommended this, and I'm glad I gave it a try. Most of the stuff in this post is very accessible - this album is not. But as the person recommending it said, it sounds exactly like you'd expect, based on the title. The music ranges from straightforward, catchy indie pop to drawn out sound collages - fitting, considering that it was recorded over a period of three years and many continents. It's ridiculously sprawling and occasionally challenging - particularly when the sound quality degrades as a result of the recordings' age and wear. But it's probably the most interesting, and potentially the most worthwhile, album I've heard so far this year. Be more adventurous, give it a few listens.