What to download on eMusic this month

Hi,

eMusic can be a hassle. Labels will release the albums there much later than the other online shop (money, money, money...) and some labels don't event release stuff there at all. However, the independent labels put quite a few really good records on there - if you look between the rubble. This is what I'd recommend downloading this month:

1. Beirut - The Gulag orkestar
Release Date: May 9, 2006
Genre: Alternative/Punk
Label: 4AD / Beggars Group

I discovered this record in October when I went to see the Calexico at Camden Roundhouse. Beirut was warming up for them, but he turned out to be much better! I immediately bought the album, and was amazed. Let this record bring you to Gulag land and gipsy rythms! Released in 2006, but new to emusic.

- Get it here

2. Architecture In Helsinki - We Died, They Remixed
Release Date: January 8, 2007
Genre: Alternative/Punk
Styles: Alternative
Label: Moshi Moshi / V2 Records

A great remix album from the Australian indie pop octet!

- Get it here

3. Hot Club De Paris - Drop It Till It Pops
Release Date: December 18, 2006
Genre: Alternative/Punk
Styles: Alternative
Label: Moshi Moshi / V2 Records

Released on now legendary label Moshi Moshi (Hot Chip... need I say more) and featuring ludicrous song titles like sometimesitsbetternottostickthingsinoneanotherforeachother (or something like that). This is a great album.

- Get it here

4. Cat Power - The Greatest
Genre: Alternative/Punk
Styles: Indie Rock
Label: Matador

The singer is blessed with a lovely voice! Perhaps a bit overrated, but defintely worth your while.

- Get it here

5. 120 days - 120 days
Label: Vice / Smalltown Supersound
Released: 2006

Finally a Norwegian band on my list! Norwegian teenaged friends Jonas Dahl, Arne Kvalvik, Kjetil Ovesen, and Ådne Meisfjord originally formed 120 Days under the guise of "Beautiful People" in the autumn of 2001. Now they're back with the album titled 120 days. This album was voted album of the year in Norway and we'll defintely hear more from this group in 07.

- Unfortunately 120 days is only available in eMusic US at this stage. Check back soon for updates, or get it on Amazon.uk (Import album).

6. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America
Label: Hassle (Full Time Hobby) / Vital:PIAS Digital
Released: October 3, 2006

The favorite band of the nerds, bloggers and misfits return with their 3rd album, which will without a doubt bring them into the mainstream market. Buy it now before the hype...ooh, did I mention that it's a great album? A little Springsteen inspired maybe. And don't you dare calling them the OLD steady, just cause they're not 18 in any more...

- Get it here