It's been four years since the last Radio Dept album (a statistic that no one--especially you, me and the band--are pleased with), but thankfully the band has made sure the wait is worth it. The result is Clinging to a Scheme, an album that has been greeted with a flurry of hipster's jumping up and down like they just got an American Girl doll (I think even Pitchfork squealed with joy) and catapulted the band onto the official Top 5 of Most Blogged About Artists list.

Of course this new album is more important than the hype surrounding it. The album builds on the signature Labrador Records stamp of high quality swirls of vocals and C86 orchestration over the lush backdrop of keyboards, beats and sassy tambourine. Songs like "This Time Around" and "Never Follow Suite" will bring back memories of Saint Etienne, Pet Shop Boys and your dream of what would have happened if the Stone Roses and My Bloody Valentine would have joined forces.

One of the more beguiling things about the album is that one of this year's most important indie pop releases will be available on vinyl in a strictly limited edition batch of 500 copies... and we've got one of those 500 records to give away! There's also a *slight* chance that we'll be able to get it autographed for you (no promises, but all hands in the air if it happens!).

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I have the major hots for just about anything with the Labrador Records stamp. Although I can't verbalize it as well as Steve Thornton, imaginary staffer who objectively and positively swooned over the comprehensive Labrador compilation, Labrador 100 - A Complete History Of Popular Music, in 2007, the label's decade plus of solid releases has cemented them as a staple conversation topic in any indie-pop thinkthank... and therefore, recipient of my lustful gazes from across the crowded dance floor.

On April 25th, Labrador Records' The Mary Onettes will be in Seattle at the Sunset Tavern in support of their new album Islands with Hotels and Erik Blood opening.  The Mary O's new full length is a dreamy set of modern day anthems fit for any John Hughes soundtrack. The songs are exceptional pieces of beautiful orchestrated indie-pop that flows with pretty angst ("Now I dared to think I'm something that I'm not " from the song "Dare" which you can sing along to in the video below).

In short, if you like your mix tapes chock full of Jesus and Mary Chain, Cure, New Order, and Pains of Being Pure at Heart you'll kick yourself for missing this show.

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The Hives are one of the most energetic and entertaining bands when they are at ease with the material. They are a rock band, period. And a very good one at that.

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Nancy Baym, who studies "Online Freedom" at the University of Kansas, recently finished a study on Swedish Independent Music Fandom.

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Today I think we've all earned some Swedish electronica spiced up indie-pop from Club 8.

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From his website:
Tuesday, November 6th - Seattle, WA - Nectar

No announcements on who the opening bands are (although rumor has it that they've already picked out who the lucky bands are)... but the answer to your question is "Yes, the Nectar."

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I was too excited to read that Jens Lekman will be returning in the fall (at least stateside) according to his label.

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What is it about Sweden anyways? Is it the long winter nights? The long summer days? The frightening good looks? The socialized medicine? Hell, they have socialized BOOZE (Absolut vodka is owned by the government). They do give grants to musicians, which might strike your average starving band in the US as bizarre, but these bands earn it.

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In an obvious effort to make our hearts flutter, Dylan emailed us to let us know he's got a new single out, "Wishing Well."

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