Listen To This: Buy One Get One Flea Sampler - Dog on Fleas

It started as a trickle -- an offer of a free track, "Hinterlands," from the next Dog on Fleas album, punnily titled, Buy One Get One Flea.

And now, while I hesitate to call it a flood -- a stream, perhaps -- more music from the beloved New York everything-including-the-kitchen-sink band is making its way to the public's ears.

The sampler below not only features "Hinterlands" but three other tracks in the same jazzy, picnic blanket sound of some of the band's earlier work.  It also features the "Grand March" from Verdi's Aida, which you'll probably recognize once you hear the melody, though I feel confident in saying James Levine never conducted a version like this.

Buy One Get One Flea will be released February 2, 2014.

Dog on Fleas - Buy One Get One Flea Sampler [Bandcamp]

Listen To This: The Misty Cowboy and Other Songs to Dream By - Mr. & Mrs. Muffins

I talked with Mr. & Mrs. Muffins (aka Noah and Nanda Wilson) back in July on an episode of the Bake Sale podcast, and now, 5 months later not only do they have a brand new baby (literally), they have a brand new baby (musically).

That's right, The Misty Cowboy and Other Songs to Dream By is now available for listening (and purchasing in both electronic and vinyl formats).  It is, if you'll pardon the obvious adjective, a dreamy set of tracks, mostly instrumental, and lovely to listen to on a cold winter's day.  (It feels more Christmas-y to me than many holiday albums I've heard this year.)  Also: serious bonus points for including a cover of Mr. Rogers' "It's Such a Good Feeling" as the closing track.

Listen To This: Justin Roberts "Recess" Sampler

Yay, Justin Roberts' new album Recess  is out this week, and to further whet your appetite if you haven't already snagged your copy, Roberts has put a sampler featuring the first three tracks online.

Sadly, as the page notes, no pop-up robot included. 

Justin Roberts - Recess  sampler [Soundcloud]

The first three tracks from Justin Roberts Recess. Available now on Compact Disc. Includes a Pop Up Robot and special secret website access. Also available on iTunes. No Pop Up included.

Listen To This: "Texas" - Rocknoceros

Last month the Virginia-based band Rocknoceros released a single called "Ohio."  I liked it. 

So now they have a new single -- it's called "Texas" and if the state's BBQ doesn't hit you in the solar plexus, perhaps Williebob's guitar work will.  Really, the whole song is pretty nifty and I suggest you check it out via YouTube, which is where the younguns these days find out about their music.   (If you like it, you can download "Texas" here.)

Rocknoceros - "Texas" [YouTube]

Listen To This: Singing Our Way Through - Alastair Moock & Friends

I was pleased to hear that Alastair Moock had turned the devastating news that his Clio had been leukemia into a fundraising project to record an album of songs to share with kids and families "traveling similar paths," as Moock puts it.

The result -- Singing Our Way Through: Songs for the World's Bravest Kids​ -- is now available.  It features a bunch of guest artists (hi, Elizabeth Mitchell, hi, Rani Arbo!) and songs that are much more upbeat than you might expect given the topic matter.

The whole album is now available [Ed: the album has been pulled from public view for the moment].  The first couple tracks are fairly cancer-specific, but after those tracks, it's accessible to listeners regardless of medical situation (if any).  You should definitely take a listen [when, er, it becomes public again].

Radio Playlist: New Music March 2013

It's been about two since my last Spotify update for new music (see January playlist here), so time to publish a new playlist.  As always, it's limited in that if an artist hasn't chosen to post a song on Spotify, I can't put it on the list, nor can I feature songs from as-yet-unreleased albums.  But next month's playlist is only, er, a month away.

Check out the list here or go right here if you're in Spotify.

**** New Music March 2013 (March Kindie Playlist) ****

The Not-Its! – Busy

Moona Luna – No Me Digas

Cat Doorman – Peaceful

Bill Harley & Keith Munslow – Everybody's a Baby 'bout Something

Marcy Marxer – Things Are Coming My Way

Alphabet Rockers – Shape Rap (Remix)

Jambo – Hootenanny

The Golden Records Orchestra – The Noise Song

nick cope – Crazy Crazy Dinner Lady

Like Totally! – Things That Fly

The Non-Toxic Band – Have I Got a Tail for You

Wayne Potash – Allis Chalmers