Aug 27, 2009 By John Everhart Web Exclusive

Comet Gain first caught my ear on their magnificent 2002 album Réalistes. It was a torrid, visceral Motown and Northern Soul-infused record, guided by an overriding aesthetic of recklessness akin to '80s indie acts, such as Orange Juice and Television Personalities. Anathema to anything remotely resembling careerism, the record tapped into an ethos of not allowing age to be an excuse to lose touch with the redemptive, galvanizing power of art and rock music. Such a philosophy has essentially informed everything they've recorded since. More

Aug 21, 2009 By Mark Redfern Web Exclusive

Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes is currently in his Athens, Georgia, home studio working on the band's tenth album, which will be titled False Priest and is tentatively due out next spring. We briefly spoke to Barnes this past Wednesday about his progress on False Priest, which he says is influenced by Parliament and the '80s No Wave scene. "We're kind of making this psychedelic, No Wave, funk album," says Barnes. More

Aug 20, 2009 By Marcus Kagler Web Exclusive

It's been over three years since Midlake made a splash with their sophomore effort, The Trials of Van Occupanther, a smooth lilting slice of '70s influenced soft rock littered with Laurel Canyon harmonies and slow rolling beauty. Currently putting the final touches on their third full length, The Courage of Others, guitarist Eric Pulido took a little time out to answer some email questions about the three-year hold up for what sounds like a vastly different, and difficult to record, new album. Midlake has been working on the album for several years now and were actually interviewed in both Under the Radar's "Most Anticipated Albums of 2008" and "Most Anticipated Albums of 2009" issues. Pulido promises less piano and "more guitars, flute, and incense." More

Aug 14, 2009 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Reflecting on a recent show at Los Angeles' Bordello Bar, Ed Harcourt sounds a bit flustered. "I always seem to be having a bad time on stage," he moans. "And then I get off stage, and I'm shocked when people say it was good." Although, when later expounding on a desire to smarten-up his stage act, Harcourt warns, "I don't think it's ever going to be too slick—I just can't do it." In his head, it's clear that he can envision the perfect performer—or rather a stereotype to avoid. "You can't just be standing there in jeans and a t-shirt, looking at your feet, pressing a few guitar pedals. It gets boring after awhile." More

Aug 04, 2009 By Matt Fink Issue #27 Summer 2009 - Jarvis Cocker

He's made a career out of examining every thread in the tapestry of British life, so it should surprise no one that Jarvis Cocker likes to ask questions. More

Aug 02, 2009 By Lorraine Carpenter Issue #27 Summer 2009 - Jarvis Cocker

At 62, Iggy Pop is the last wild man of rock 'n' roll standing, and rarely standing still. More

Jul 16, 2009 By Chris Tinkham Web Exclusive

Tegan and Sara plan to master their sixth studio album, Sainthood, at the beginning of August and release it at the end of October. Tegan Quin spoke with Under the Radar this morning to update us with some of the basic details and offer her impressions of the new music. More

Jul 02, 2009 By Aaron Passman Web Exclusive

Shortly after beginning their Spring tour in support of the recently-released third album Grr…, Bishop Allen frontman Justin Rice spoke over the phone with Under the Radar while driving on the way to a gig in Salt Lake City. Not only is Rice the band’s frontman, but he’s gained a following in film circles as well, having acted in a number of films, including Mutual Appreciation, Let Them Chirp a While, Alexander the Last and, most recently, Harmony and Me. More

Jun 29, 2009 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

Lucky Soul is currently in the studio finalizing its sophomore album, which has yet to be titled. Two years since the release of its '60s girl group and Motown soul inflected debut, The Great Unwanted, the British band is prepared to move things in a slightly different direction, adding some different flavors to its anachronistic sound, which will hopefully distance the band from the retro label with which it was tagged as a result of its last album. Songwriter and guitarist Andrew Laidlaw corresponded with Under the Radar via email in between trips to Sweden where he was recording with Stockholm Strings to give a little taste of what we will be in for come the fall. More