Altered Zones

[image by Max Capacity]

In celebration of one full year of Altered Zones, we're going back to where we began and observing our very favorite tracks of 2011 thus far. We pulled together all of AZ's contributing blogs' top picks and assembled a 25-song list of cuts that can't missed. --Ric Leichtung, Altered Zones

AZ's Favorites of 2011.5

Balam Acab: "Oh, Why"
Bill Callahan: "Baby's Breath"
Clams Casino: "I'm God (Instrumental)"
Devin Gary & Ross: "Four Corners"
Dirty Beaches: "Lord Knows Best"
Ford & Lopatin: "Emergency Room"
Gang Gang Dance: "Glass Jar"
Grimes: "Vanessa"
Holy Other: "With U"
Iceage: "White Rune"
John Maus: "Believer"
Julian Lynch: "Terra"
LA Vampires Goes Ital: "Streetwise"
Light Asylum: "Dark Allies"
Matthewdavid: "Like You Mean It"
Panda Bear: "Alsatian Darn"
Peaking Lights: "Tiger Eyes (Laid Back)"
Protect-U: "U-Uno"
Pure X: "Don't Wanna Live, Don't Wanna Die"
Purity Ring: "Loftcries"
Puro Instinct: "Stilyagi"
Sic Alps: "Do You Want To Give $$?"
Sleep ∞ Over: "Casual Diamond"
The Weeknd: "The Morning"
Woods: "Pushing Onlys"

The loony online variety show, Friday Night Somewhere, invites you to "spit up, drop out, and tone down" for their fourth and latest episode. Bill Callahan's new music video for "AMERICA!"--the centerpiece of his latest, Apocalypse-- is debuted, closing out the episode appropriately with a cartoonish romp through America's notable landmarks and more dubious historical moments. Vivid visions of bold, less-than-beautiful America are juxtaposed perfectly with Callahan's dry delivery for optimal irony. The music video starts at about the 7:13 minute mark, but be sure to check out the whole episode. Besides, who could pass up a visit from Uncle Braxton? --Matt Sullivan, Altered Zones

You can scoop the Apocalypse CD/LP from Drag City and Boomkat, or grab digitally from iTunes

--Previously

MP3: Bill Callahan: "Baby's Breath"

[photo by Terry Knox]

Daytrotter hosted a session with lo-fi enigma turned countryman Bill Callahan, who treated us to three oldies but goodies. He kicks off with "Honeymoon Child" from his first departure from the Smog moniker, Woke on a Whaleheart, then launches into one of his highlights from Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle, "Eid Ma Clack Shaw," and finishes the session with one of his best from the Knock Knock years, "River Guard." Maladjusted fans from the early Smog days are sure to hold their tongues after hearing the newer rendition of "River Guard," which has only ripened with age. --Ric Leichtung, Altered Zones

MP3: Bill Callahan: "River Guard (Daytrotter Session)"

Check out sessions from Mount Eerie, Woods, Woodsman, and the late Charlie Louvin on Daytrotter. Pick up Callahan's latest, Apocalypse, out now on Drag City

--Previously

MP3: Bill Callahan: "Baby's Breath"

Drag City just debuted the exquisite "Baby's Breath" by Smog's Bill Callahan, a month ahead of the Aberdeen-born singer/writer's new Apocalypse album. Only on the 3rd or 4th listen, but this is already sounding like one of the most stunning fusions of poetic storytelling, americana/blues, and deep existential melancholy that we've heard from the self-styled country anti-hero since his A River Ain't Too Much To Love days. Certainly a very good omen for the record to come. --Emilie Friedlander, Altered Zones

MP3: Bill Callahan: "Baby's Breath"

Apocalypse is out April 19th on Drag City in LP and CD formats

01 Drover
02 Baby's Breath
03 America!
04 Universal Applicant
05 Riding for the Feeling
06 Free's
07 One Fine Morning