[sugar-free] july 22 – august 5

what’s on sugar-free for july 22 through august 5:

audiocandy+radio has decided to compile the must-hear albums of the summer for this serving of sugar-free. consider it your cheat sheet for all the jamz to keep your street cred. we know it’s hard to keep up with new music between all your beach va-cays.

Best Coast’s Crazy For You

Lands & People EP

Wavves’ King of the Beach

The Roots’ How I Got Over

Menomena’s Mines

Tobacco’s Fucked Up Friends

Villagers’ Becoming a Jackal

Scary Mansion’s Make Me Cry

[sugar-free] june 3 – june 10

what’s on sugar-free for the week of june 3 through june 10:

Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid
Outkast prodigy Janelle Monae just dropper her highly anticipated The ArchAndroid album, which features a whole gang of cool collaborations from Saul Williams to Of Montrel. Big Boi gets on board for the album’s first single “Tightrope.” Homegirl is paving a musical revolution, and making sure girls everywhere know its possible to do big things. Preach.

Buy the album here.

Drake’s Thank Me Later
Drizzy lived up to his hype with his 2009 debut album So Far Gone. He’s doin it again with Thank Me Later, which finally came out late May after several push backs. He was able to sync up with heavy-hitters Kanye West, Swizz Beats, Nicki Menja and Alicia Keys, creating an album that is destined to get a lot of airtime.

Buy the album here.

Wild Nothing’s Gemini
Guitared with a Smiths-esque style, Jack Tatum dishes some prime dream-pop from Virginia. Oh yeah, he’s touring with Neon Indian so you know he’s gonna blow up this summer.

Buy the album here.

Beach fossils
Beach-pop propelled by dreamy Cali guitar riffs. Ride the chillwave; this is the summer of 2010.

Buy the album here.

Do Make Say Think’s You, You’re a History in Rust
If you’ve never gotten into ambient, lyric-less music, this is the perfect album to open your self to and discover the beauty in the basics.

Buy the album here.

[ac+r golden show] Beats of Resonance
Listen to Rachel every Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4.  Check out all her shows here.

[ac+r debut] Dawn’s Early Light
Listen to Dawn every Tuesday from noon to 3pm. Check out all her shows here.

[ac+r debut] Nite Klub
Listen to Mikey every Saturday night from 11 to 2am. Check out all of his shows here.

[ac+r golden show] tasteBUDZ
Listen to Andres every Wednesday night from 7 to 10pm. Check out all of his shows here.

[ac+r special] JAWBREAKER
You might have missed it. Or you might have danced so hard you were drenched with sweat and had dreams of glow sticks for many nights after. Either way, (re)live the night by listening to our raw cut of the night.

[sugar-free] may 13 – may 20

what’s on sugar-free for the week of may 13 through may 20:

Woods’ At Echo Lake
There’s no other way to describe Woods but as psychedlic folk. Each song has such a vintage feel to it in every way, from guitar riff to lo-fi quality to overall sound. Get this on vinyl and get some wine. It’s going to be great night.

Jonsi’ Go
Chelsea of Beauty and the Beats has been obsessed with Jonsi since her run-in with the whimsical Icelander at Coachella. Can you really blame her? Listen to a beautiful collection of arrangements known as Jonsi’ first solo record, guareenteed to brighten your mood.

Born Ruffians’ Say It
Another band bred from the many years spent studying away at school (and probably partying and goofing off), Born Ruffians solidify their commitment to making it as a band with their sophomore release Say It. The bouncy bass lines and playful guitar are still there.

The Great Collide EP
Formed on a post-graduation whim, The Great Collide have a quality EP to show for their first year out of school and as a band. This five-track EP definitely shows the great potential this young band has and how it’s only up from here. Be that kid who was a fan “before they got big,” because it’s gonna happen.

Malory’s Pearl Diver
Germany is home to a lot of bad music. We all remember “du hast mich,” the lyrics that put Rammstein on the map. But we’ve moved past that. And for the better. And so we showcase Malory, a quality shoegaze-pop foursome.

Sleigh Bells’ Treats
We’ve all been waiting for this. Max out your speakers. Max out your energy. Max out to the max. You didn’t even think that was possible. Oh but it is, thanks to Sleigh Bells.

[ac+r golden show] Philos Adelphos
The boys are wrapping up their loose ends at school, and still manage to put together killer shows. Here’s their last Thursday night show of the school year. Don’t worry though; Andrew and Joey plan to keep on truckin through the whole summer.

Check Philos Adelphos every Tuesday 3pm to 5pm and Thursday 8pm to 10pm.

Health’s Disco 2
Health came out with Disco in 2008 chalk-full of remixes by tons of people including Crystal Castles and Pictureplane. They’ve done it again, and appropriately titled the album Disco 2. They’ve invited back some of the same purpertrators, and added a few hard-hitters to the mix (i.e. Gold Panda, Small Black, Blondes, Salem).

[ac+r golden show] Hip-Hop 101: Lesson 23
Guru made a huge contribution to hip-hop via Gang Starr. Remember him fondly with Hip-Hop 101’s tribute to the late and great rapper.

Listen to Hip-Hop 101 every Sunday night from midnight to 2am.

[ac+r debut] Whale in a Cubicle
Like Murphy says, this is her second offical debut. The first take was a little bumpy, but listen to lil’ miss Murph in full glory on her first full-length broadcast. We welcome her with open arms.

Listen to Whale in a Cubicle every Saturday night from 9 to 11.

[sugar-free] april 29 – may 6

what’s on sugar-free for the week of april 29 through may 6:

[ac+r debut] BABY EAGLE
“I’ve said it before….I’ll say it again… Im droppin show stoppaz n panty droppazz… Born n raised in Phila PA… Droppin bombs outta greensboro NC… Hola Back…I keep the rotation spinning from oldies to goodies, the smoothest R n B to the grimey BMORE club…. I like to wobble with some Dub STeppa and bounce to some hip hop…Either way i gotch covered…. So listen up and listen good… International BABY E is FLYING to every Comp Comp NEar and Far….” – BABY EAGLE

You will dance.

Check out BABY EAGLE presents: S MY DJ every Wednesday night 10 to 1am.

[ac+r golden show] tasteBUDZ

[ac+r golden show] what’s good dance party

CALLmeKAT’s Fall Down
“my first full-length album, recorded with friend and keyboard wiz Daniel Fridell in his studio in copenhagen. it’s called ‘fall down’.
it was recorded over quite a bit of time, while falling in love with sounds from beautiful keyboards, ugly keyboards, old bass guitars and drums and whatever else was sitting around the room and in the computer. sometimes a sound wasn’t any of those places. then we’d create it. that’s more fun anyway. there’s a beat made of a noisy chair and pixie noises that are really just the sound of an old very blue organ, artificial mice dancing on the table and playing percussion or other instruments in their own subtle way, and much much more. Valgeir Sigurdsson took care of the mastering. enjoy!”

CALLmeKAT – Glass Wall from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Buy the album here.

Diamond District’s In the Ruff
“The District of Columbia is home to our nations politics and some of the wealthiest African Americans in the country. It is also home to one of the nations largest income gaps with some of the highest crime, murder and STD rates. It is the culmination of these statics that defines DC Hip Hop. Oddisee (producer/MC from Prince George’s county, Maryland) formed this group with solo artist, XO and YU. The idea was to create a mid-90’s boom-bap themed record for the DC, Maryland & Virginia metropolitan area. XO, (born & raised in North West DC) defines what it is to be a black male raised in the district, with lyrics that have a way of philosophizing that street life. Oddisee defines the experience of growing up in black middle class Maryland. Bordering the poverty his and many other families fled to escape, they found the troubles of the inner city came along with them. YU, having been raised in the district, Maryland & Virginia, shows that DC culture exceeds it’s 10 mile radius. “In The Ruff” is the DMV’s soundtrack. its street savvy, politically conscious lyrics and grimy beats depict life in and around our nations capitol.”

Buy the album here.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings’ I Learned the Hard Way
Ms. Jones graces us with another album, and we gladly accept. This one is a little less on the let’s-tear-the-roof-off-this-mother and airs on the side of pickin’ up the chins of her soul sistas than have been wronged in the past (and present). Consider this a good serving of chicken soup for the soul, in the truest sense possible.

Buy the album here.

twin sister’s color your life EP & bear in heaven’s beast rest forth mouth
These two acts are going to be touring together this summer. Definitely try and catch them if you’re into experimental, indie, dream-pop, or all three.

07/13 July 13th Cambridge TT The Bears w/ Bear in Heaven 07/15 July 15th Toronto El Mocambo w/ Bear in Heaven 07/16 July 16th Ann Arbor Blind Pig w/ Bear in Heaven 07/19 July 19th Madison High Noon Saloon w/ Bear in Heaven 07/20 July 20th St. Paul Turf Club w/ Bear in Heaven 07/24 July 24th Vancouver The Biltmore Cabinet w/ Bear in Heaven 07/25 July 25th Portland Doug Fir Lounge w/ Bear in Heaven 07/26 July 26th San Francisco The Rickshaw Shop w/ Bear in Heaven 07/27 July 27th Los Angeles The Echo w/ Bear in Heaven 07/29 July 29th Denver Hi Dive w/ Bear in Heaven 07/30 July 30th Lawrence Replay Lounge w/ Bear in Heaven 07/31 July 31st St. Louis Luminary w/ Bear in Heaven 08/02 August 2nd Cleveland Grog Shop w/ Bear in Heaven

Pre-order twin sister’s album here. Buy the bear in heaven album here.

[sugar-free] april 22 – april 29

what’s on sugar-free for the week of april 22 through april 29:

The National’s High Violet
Since “Bloodbuzz Ohio” premiered last month, there’s been nothing but great anticipation for the release of High Violet. Listen to the new National album in preparation for their spring/summer tour, which kicked off today in Virginia at the National Theater (how fitting).

Buy the album here.

APR 22-23: Richmond, VA @ The National Theater
MAY 6: London, England @ Royal Albert Hall
MAY 7: Paris, France @ Le Zenith (w/Pavement)
MAY 9: Berlin, Germany @ Astra
MAY 22: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
MAY 23: San Diego, CA @ Spreckels Theater
MAY 27: Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
JUN 02: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
JUN 5: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
JUN 6: Washington DC @ DAR Constitution Hall
JUN 8: Toronto, Ont. @ Massey Hall
JUN 16: New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall

The Black Keys’ Brothers
The southern rock duo has been nothing but busy since their 2008 album Attack and Release. Dan Auerbach has released a solo album, Patrick Carney traded in his drumsticks for bass and started a side project Drummer and the two together helped contribute to the hip-hop fusion group Blakroc. And yet, the Black Keys have managed to compose another album.

Buy the album here.

Minus the Bear’s OMNI
OMNI marks the first release for Minus the Bear under their new record label Dangerbird Records, home to Silversun Pickups. Catch the band play 9:30 Club May 7, with Everest and Young the Giant. All other dates are as detailed here.

Buy the album here.

[ac+r golden show] Buckets of Rain Presents the Beatles Acoustic Complitation
“What I really wanted to do, however, was to present music from the Beatles solo work along side their work together as a band. It is wonderful to hear these songs in a similar rotation and I hope that the overall flow of the Beatles Acoustic compilation will seem natural and moving. These are some of the most beautiful songs ever written. To hear them stripped of all their studio grandeur helps them to shine and resonate in a different but equally cosmic light. Enjoy.”

Read more about Zack’s motivation and see the full playlist here.

Listen to Buckets of Rain every Sunday, 10pm to midnight.

[ac+r golden show] tasteBUDZ
One half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr Guru passed away this week, losing a battle with cancer. Andres honors his legacy and plays three hours worth of solid jams. Enjoy and reflect.

Listen to tasteBUDZ every Wednesday, 7pm to 10 pm.

[ac+r debut] Beats of Resonance

Listen to Rachel every Saturday from 1 pm to 4pm.

Crystal Castles
Infamous electronic troublemakers Crystal Castles have released their sophomore album, under the same album title. And to make things a little more confusing, they’ve chosen to push the release date for this album up, making it available digitally tomorrow opposed to the original June 7 date. Hey, whatever works.

Pre-order the album here.

Washed Out’s Life of Leisure EP
Call him the professional surfer of chillwave, Ernest Greene is making a name for himself (and a new genre) in the music scene. Lounge to his debut EP, and wait for his next EP High Times to drop some time this year. Catch him on tour with Beach House during the upcoming week down south.

Buy the EP here.

[sugar-free] april 15 – april 22

what’s on sugar-free for the week of april 15 through april 22:

Octaves’ Greener Pastures
Baltimore hardcore crew Octaves are hitting their stride, releasing their first full-length Greener Pastures, signing with Hotfoot Records and embarking on a spring tour. Audiocandy+radio is luck enough to be exclusively streaming the new album on sugar-free and on-demand. So give it a listen, and compare your evaluation to ac+r resident blogger Brett.

LCD Soundsystem’s This is Happening
They’re back. We were scared for a little, after rumors of break-up and a three-year slint of no new material. But, rest assured, LCD Soundsystem is back.

Listen to their new album; no beat goes unloved.

Pre-order it here.

Broken Social Scene’s Forgiveness Rock Record
Forgiveness Rock Record marks the first album in five years for this Canadian super-group. Oh how sweet it is to hear their sound again. It’s hard to top their self-titled 2005 release, but with a few solid listens, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love all over again with this collective.

Listen to a few tracks on-demand:

Pre-order the joint here.

[ac+r debut] TasteBUDZ
Born into a world without music, our hero, the then young jazzy whitebass traveled through space and time and emerged in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the year 1910. He soon fell in love with a sound art called music and consumed as much of it as possible over the last century. He brings to you a collection of his evolving favorites ranging from jazz and hip hop to rock, experimental and electronic in his show TasteBUDZ Wednesday Nights on audiocandy+radio from 8-11.

[ac+r golden show] ac+ coachella special, part 1 of 3: Friday
Paige is traveling across the nation to hit up one of the biggest music festivals on American soil. And for what? To reach musical nirvana. Here’s the first installment of her three part journey in play a song for each artist playing the epic line-up. Friday’s schedule is up first.

Listen to her show audiocandy+ every Monday afternoon 3 to 6.

Tennis System’s The Future of Our History
DC natives Tennis System produce a (loud) sound similar to if the Pixies had been a new young band in 2010, with a moderately substantial diet of shoegaze and even some pop in their time off. A band not to sleep on; not like you could if you wanted to anyways.

Buy their album here.

[sugar-free] april 8 – april 15

what’s on sugar-free for the week of april 8 through april 15:

[ac+r golden show] The Dub-C Show
Sam held an all-day music festival called Grand Ram Band Jam that showcased 29 uber-talented local acts recently and he wanted to share the wealth of indie bliss with ac+r. Hear the best of the fest and other great music on this installment of The Dub-C Show. Listen to Sam every Sunday night 7 to 10.

Paul Simon’s Graceland
Maybe one of the best albums of all-time, Graceland is quintessential warm-weather collection that people start to dust off once the sun starts to shine. Ac+r lover Kim said she’s had the album on repeat since the temp climbed to the 80s. So, roll down your windows and try not to wreck your car dancing to classic Paul Simon.

[ac+r golden show] Hip-Hop 101: Lesson Twenty-1
Evan had the pleasure of venturing to Austin for the epic South by Southwest (SXSW) and saw a whole gang of crazy talented hip-hop artists. We can remember vicariously through him during this hip-hop lesson, as he recalls the best acts of the fest.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti’s Before Today
Breaking his two-year dry spell, Ariel Pink is dropping Before Today this year with the help of his band Haunted Graffiti. This marks the first album release for the group on the British record label 4AD, who reps big name Deerhunter, Bon Iver and Camera Obsurca, among others. Pre-order the album here, before it comes out June 8.

[ac+r golden show] Philos Adelphos
These boys manage to make a great mix by just throwing genre to the wayside and just playing whatever sounds good; and it works so well. That’s why we love, Philos Adelphos right? Listen to them every Tuesday from 3 pm to 5pm and Thursday 8 pm to 10 pm.

Mouth’s Cradle’s The Next Big Thing
The New Big Thing is exactly that—a big deal. Not only is the first full-length for Mouth’s Cradle—and an official dawning of his budding indie stardom—but it is also the first full-length release by Syracuse’s own O’ Morning Records. Kevin (aka Mouth’s Cradle) pulls influence from so many genres that his album is pretty much a great listen for any music fan. Pick up the album here.

[ac+r debut] The Pressure Drop
Zack decided to try his hand in spreading the sounds of reggae and rocksteady, and saving the songwriting glory of Buckets of Rain for his Sunday show. Listen to his first installment of “The Pressure Drop,” named after the classic Toots and the Maytals’ jam, and tune in every Wednesday afternoon 4 to 6.

[sugar-free] april 1 – april 8

what’s on sugar-free for the week of april 1 through april 8:

[ac+r golden show] What’s Good
Heath has been having quite the week. He’s an elementary school teacher in his 20s on spring break, so it’s no surprise he’s been heavily intoxicated for much of his vacation. He’s running on good vibes and Thursday’s sunshine inspired a perfect show for people to listen to while enjoying life.

Darwin Deez
Darwin Deez has been an ac+r favorite since the veryy beginning. The “friendliest hipster you’ll ever meet” just released the Take Away Show of “Bad Day,” off his self-titled album. Once you watch the video, you’ll want to hear not only the song again but all of what Darwin has to offer.

Darwin Deez – Bad Day – A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Paper Route Gangstaz
“It gives me great pleasure to share with you a new group of southern rappers that have recaptured this spirit of hip hop and they are the PAPER ROUTE GANGSTAZ.  In their mixtape Fear and Loathing in Hunts Vegas which was released in 2008 with indie dance party djs extraordinaires Diplo and Benzi they bring  a distinctly alabama sound to a mainstream hip hop landscape that was becoming remarkably trite and infuse southern funk to their music.  check out their singles “alabama” “bama gettin money” “woodgrain” and their new soon to be stoner classic “keyshia cole”.  These guys are going to bring the noize in 2010 and ya’ll should get ready for a great ride!”
– Andres, host of Tastebuds–on air everyWednesday nigh 7 to 10

Local Natives
Considered by Pitchfork as the “west coast Grizzly Bear,” Local Natives are providing some great music out of LA. Their first and only full-length Gorilla Manor took the #3 spot on the Billboard’s New Artist chart.

Check out this awesome backyard performance of “Warning Signs” during SXSW, courtesy of Pitchfork:

[ac+r golden show] audiocandy+
Get the full rundown of Beach House’s DC performance, which kicked off the stateside leg of their tour, among other great things during this installment of audiocandy+. Read more on Paige’s music-became-religious experience here.

Bombay Bicycle Club’s I Had The Blues I Shook Them Loose
Heath made mention of this album during his show Tuesday, citing that he had no idea why he had missed the memo on the band. Just to make sure you all didn’t miss out too, we’ve provided their album.

Lemonade
I’m pretty sure True Panther Sounds can do no wrong. Their group Lemonade is a solid trio from Brooklyn that made a bomb EP—Pure Moods– that will help get you one step closer to that Caribbean-island-feeling that only exists during the summer. Start conditioning your free spirit via this EP.

[sugar-free] march 25 – april 1

what’s on sugar-free for the week of march 25 through april 1:

Caribou’s Swim
It’s not every day that a Ph.D-outfitted mathematician would turn down academia for a run in the electronic scene, but that’s exactly what Caribou did.

We know him as Caribou now, but prior to 2004 Daniel Snaith had been making music as “Manitoba.” Since his name change, he’s put two albums, The Milk of Human Kindness and Andorra, with the latest album Swim dropping April 20.

Swim is not only an amazing album, but is sure to be a goldmine for mash-up djs and remixers through out the summer. Listen to the whole album this week.

Pre-order it here.

Wye Oak
Good things tend to come in threes, but things might be a different in Maryland. Wye Oak is another duo hailing from Baltimore, Md. to add to the list of great indie pairs (like Beach House, to name one). Named after Maryland’s state tree, Wye Oak grows a dream-pop folk sound from the keys and drums of Andy Stack and strums and serenade of Jenn Wasner.

The band adds a third album, My Neighbor / My Creator, to their discography this year. Listen to their release from last year The Knot all this week.

Buy the album here off of Merge Records, or pre-order their new joint.

The Morning Benders’ The Bedroom Covers
The Morning Benders’ Big Echo leak made just the right waves in the indie pop community to push them into the radar of music lovers across the nation. But the album isn’t their first.

“Boarded Doors,” off of their 2008 full-length debut Talking Through Tin Cans, had some exposure, making the song relatively recognizable. The band put out a cover album that same year, making retro-pop renditions of classic songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, the Cardigans, amongst others.

Check out The Bedroom Covers all week, and download it for free off the band’s blog.

Dr. Dog’s Shame Shame
Dr. Dog made a name for themselves over the past decade dishing out Beatles-esque pop jams. They’re releasing a new full-length this year Shame Shame. Listen to it in full here and hit them up when they come to 9:30 Club May 14.

Buy the album April 6 or pre-order it here.

[ac+r golden show] Philos Adelphos
As listener Andrew Hoag put it best, “Thanks for the love dudes. Keep up the good work. This is a perfect “sit down and get shit done” mix.”

Listen to the boys every Tuesday 3pm to 5pm and Thursday 8pm to 10pm.

[ac+r golden show] The Dub-C Show
Sam showcased a lot of talent hailing from West Chester this show. Hot jams.

Catch up with Sam every Sunday from 7pm to 10pm.

Brett Gleason
“Brett Gleason’s debut EP, ”The Dissonance’ is a unique fusion of rock and electronica, combining the low end crunch and electronica of industrial music with a piano based singer/songwriter style, drawing comparisons to such diverse artists as NIN, Tori Amos and Ben Folds.”

Visit his myspace here.

[sugar-free] march 18 – march 25

what’s on sugar-free for the week of march 18 through march 25:

[ac+r golden show] What’s Good’s Mash-up Night
Heath knows of an unbelieve amount of underground mash-up djs, so many that he was easilly able to pick a handful of the best out there for a special mash-up show. To make things even better, he invited DJ TORPEEDOH on-air for an interview to pick his brain about the craft.

Listen to What’s Good every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 to 8.

[ac+r golden show] The Dub-C show
Sam decided to have a chill show this week, playing whatever he was vibing from his couch. This is the perfect show to pump while you’re relaxing and taking in the beautiful spring weather.

Listen to The Dub-C Show every Sunday night from 7 to 10.

[ac+r golden show] A Beautiful Day with Philos Adelphos
There must have been some solid weather all through out Pennsylvania this week because, like Sam on the Dub-C Show, Joey and Andrew decided to celebrate with a show packed of feel-good springtime jamz. It doesn’t get much better than this, ladies and gentlemen.

Listen to Philos Adelphos Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 5 and Thursday nights from 8 to 10.

[ac+r golden show] Alive in Bed-Stuy St. Patty’s Day 2k10
It was roudy in the Stuy this week as Spence and Colin showed loved for BK, featuring a lot of talent from the borough and even giving away a pair of tickets to the Anti-SXSW show going down at the Bell House.

Even though you didn’t win the tickets, you can still roll to the show. Details here; tickets $5.

Listen to Alive in Bed-Stuy every Wednesday from noon to 3pm.

[ac+r debut] Rusty Radio
Mike has a deep-rooted love for Neil Young. Very deep. Very very deep. Not only did he help produce the well-received Neil Young mash-up album Beats Never Rust with Danny Falsafi, but he’s joined the ac+r ranks as our resident Young aficionado. Get a three hour dose of the man and his unparalleled commentary on the music legend every Monday from 9 to midnight.

Beirut’s The Black Session
Beirut has always been celebrated for their great arrangements—Balkan folk that goes down easy. This live album is the perfect soundtrack for any picnic or springtime drive. The session aired on French radio initially, so there are nice interludes of French—a little added bonus.

Portugal. the man’s American Ghetto
“American Ghetto picks up right where The Satanic Satanist left off, which is a blend of progressive indie, and smooth electronic drum machines that meets some sampling and looping. However, where The Satanic Satanist was more of a fast-paced, driving rocker of an album, American Ghetto slows things down a bit gets way more soulful.” – Brett

Read the whole review here.
Buy the album here.

[sugar-free] feb.25 – march 4

what’s on sugar-free for the week of feb.25 through march 4:

[ac+r debut] Alive in Bed-Stuy
Spencer joints the ac+r family from a little old place called Brooklyn (have you heard of it?). After spending a few years dabbling in the music scene via Pitchfork, Rykodisc, Central Park SummerStage and PopGun Booking, Spence has decided to beef up his indie street cred by adding ac+r to his rep. He’ll be bringing the best from the boroughs and beyond every Wednesday (noon-3pm) with the help of a few of his friends.

Rocky Volotado’s True Devotion
True Devotion dropped this past Tuesday, adding another notch to the belt of raw-yet-composed singer/songwriter Rocky Volotado. Resident blogger Brett had the pleasure of seeing Volotado on this most recent tour, which took place in various secret locations (and living rooms). Look for Brett’s review of his album sometime this week on ac+r.

[ac+r golden show] Buckets of Rain: Songs of Desperation & Urgency
Zack thought this installment was pretty great. And he was right.
“These songs mean so much to me,” he said. “It’s incredible how putting together a playlist is grounds for self-expression. I wish radio radio had that to it. Maybe it will again someday.” Just listen. There’s nothing more to say.

J. Cole
Ac+r hit the streets of DC last week to see what people are listening to as well as spread the ac+r cheer. We met some cool people the Marvin Center on George Washington University’s campus. Senior Kori Clanton told me she can’t stop listening to J. Cole’s The Warm Up mixtape, so we’ll be playing it all week. Listen for “Lights Please,” which is her favorite song. Much love to GW!!

Yawn
It is questionable whether the band had it right when they named themselves Yawn. Their sound is hardly boring, yet it is quite contagious. You be the judge. If you still haven’t had your fill of their EP after its frequent airtime this week on sugar-free, hit up their site where you can download it for free.

Broken Bells
The Broken Bells is a project by the singer/songwriter James Mercer, of the Shins, and producer Danger Mouse (The Grey Album). The two expressed an admiration for each other’s music while meeting at a music festival in 2004. The resulting collaboration is a blend of Shins style melodies and lyrics, and organic electronic production. Not to be missed.

[sugar-free] feb. 18 – feb. 25

what’s on sugar-free for the week of feb.18 through feb. 25:

Broken Social Scene
The collective indie powerhouse Broken Social Scene will break their five year album-dry-spell with the release of Forgiveness Rock Album on May 4.  They’ve shared one track off the album titled “World Sick,” and it’s great. So in honor of their new material, we’ll be giving spinning for you their self-titled 2005 release.

Get a free download of “World Sick” to play over and over again until the album comes out just by clicking below and entering your e-mail. The track will be delivered to your inbox.

The Morning Benders’ Big Echo
Big Echo? More like huge splash, because that is exactly the reaction this album is getting in the indie community. Paige reviewed it this week, so give her post a read if you want to get a feel for their style before you dive right in. But, pretty much the album rules. You’re guaranteed to like it if you enjoy music that sounds good; who doesn’t?

Surfer Blood
“Florida’s Surfer Blood recently put out their debut “Astro Coast,” and boy, it’s a doozy. When you listen to the first three tracks, which includes the single “Swim,” you’ll notice that it’s almost too difficult to continue listening to the rest of the album, mainly because they are so addicting.” – Brett

And sugar-free will be running their album to fuel your obsession. Read Brett’s whole review here.

[ac+r golden show] 20 Watts
20 Watts pretty much are some of the most dedicated people to music coverage, and ac+r is lucky enough to have them host two shows a week. Irina always holds it down on Thursday nights and she managed to have a bomb show even though she was sick. Props to her and the whole 20 Watts team! Check out their digs at http://20watts.wordpress.com/ & listen to 20 Watts every Tuesday and Thursday 10pm-midnight.

[sugar-free] feb. 11 – feb. 18

what’s on sugar-free for the week of feb.11 through feb. 18:

[ac+r debut] what’s good
Heath is a great addition to the ac+r family, and it’s not all credited to the fact that he shares a name with a classic candy bar. This elementary school teacher will be playing the best in pop music of the indie and rap variety, while also praying for snow days. Listen to him every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-8pm.

[ac+r debut] buckets of rain
Zack has been dishing out some pretty solid playlist for the past couple of weeks, but this week marks his debut to the live stream. He isn’t able to record the actual broadcast but you’ll be able to listen to the playlist after his shows via his usual grooveshark playlist. His Wednesday night show showcased Ryan Adams, so Zack’s favorite Adams’ album Cold Roses will be on play this week.

Minus the Bear’s They Make Beer Commericals Like This
Not only does this album rule, but it’s kind of timely seeing how the Super Bowl wasn’t too long ago (and you know you only watched it for the beer commercials). Brett got a chance to see Minus the Bear with Maps & Atlases and Phantogram after a mini roadtrip to Allentown, Pa. Read the review here.

The Strange Boys
Paige profiled these blooming Texans this week, highlighting their awesome sound and their sophomore album Be Brave that comes out Feb. 23. Lucky you, we’ll be playing the new album all week, so if you like what you hear, pre-order it here.

Accordions
These haunting folksters from Indiana are set to release their new album Hope for the Best at the end of the month. They’ll be playing at the Earth House Collective in Indianapolis, IN Feb. 27 with Arrah and the Ferns and Arlo and the Otter (yay Jason & Max! they’ll be playing Baltimore at the end of March). We don’t have our hands on the cd yet, but you can hit up the band on their myspace for it ($10). To give you a taste of their style, we’ll be playing four early recordings by the band all week.

[ac+r golden show] i survived snowmageddon, audiocandy+ 2/8
Snow has pretty much directed all the lives of us here in the DMV(+). Here’s the audiocandy+ show that commemorates the blizzard of 2010.

[sugar-free] feb. 4 – feb. 11

what’s on sugar-free for the week of feb.4 through feb. 11:

Bear Hands’ Golden EP
Brett offered up a great review of Bear Hands’ 7” this week, so we decided to hit you with the EP.

[local love] Woo & Yellow Dubmarine
Half the world loves reggae music. Half the world loves the Beatles. Put them together, and you’ve got an undeniable combination for success. And so you have Woo and Yellow Dubmarine. The band just released their first “woo”-length New Found Dub last week so we figured we’d serve up the album. Buy the album at any of their upcoming shows:

Sat 2/13 – @ The Depot in York w/ Second Self and Zack Lowe- VDAY SPECIAL
Sun 2/14 – @ the 8×10 in Federal Hill Balt, Baltimore w/ Can’t Hang – VDAY SPECIAL
Sat 2/27 – @ Chapala’s in Burtonsville, w/ Eastern Standard Time
Sat 3/6 – @ the 8×10 in Federal Hill Balt, w/ Basshound
Wed 3/10 – @ Santa Fe in College Park
Sat 3/20 – @ Rockville Austin Grill
Fri 4/23 – @ The Draught Horse in Philly

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Edward Shapre and the Magnetic Zeros are going to be a hot ticket on the small stages of summer festivals this year, so better log your hours listening to them early; we promise it will be pain-free. We consider it some of the best twee pop we’ve heard in a while, with a little hint of Arcade Fire and Zooey Deschanel. Get their album From Below here.

[ac+r chit-chat] Younger Years
Paige sat down with Baltimore punks Younger Years for a heart-to-heart about girls, the streets and sushi.

[ac+r golden show] Hip-Hop 101: Lesson Seventeen, The Power of Four
Who says it better than the master himself: “Group mentality may drive people to act a certain way in the larger context. But within rap, it drives artists towards innovation. A group of four or five can really bank on each other, positively reinforcing the power of the group. So many dope groups over the years have made their mark on hip-hop. And here are some of these artists. Till next week, bump some Killarmy or Freestyle Fellowship. I recommend it.”

Headlights’ Wildlife
Last week Paige profiled Headlights, so we’ve decided to play their latest album Wildlife. Check them out live March 21 at the Ottobar in Baltimore with David Bazan, of Pedro the Lion. You can also buy their album here.

[sugar-free] jan. 28 – feb. 4

what’s on sugar-free for the week of jan.28 through feb. 4:

[ac+r debut] Philos Adelphos
This week marked the start of Philos Adelphos, hosted by the lovely Joey and Andrew stationed at Temple University in Philly. Google their show’s name and you’ll find out why these witty guys are going to such a good college. This is their debut show, but you can tune in to their live broadcast every Tuesday (3pm-5pm) and Thursday (8pm-10pm).

[ac+r golden show] Jammin with the Johns, 1/26
The 20 watts’ review department served up some killer tunes this week, highlighting all the noteworthy bands that have been making crucial moves in the scene lately (and getting due praise as well). Settle in for two hours of selected tracks from ac+r favorite Beach House, as well as Four Tet, The Magnetic Fields, The Silent League and more. Plus, these guys know their shit. Listen to their live show every Tuesday night (10-midnight).

summer fest fever
With the festival season soon upon us, ac+r has been ramping up with coverage, content and contests (love that alliteration, eh?). Paige chose to celebrate her investment in a 2010 Coachella trip with a special themed audiocandy+, outlining all the must-see acts performing at the festival this year. Listen to persuade yourself into dropping the cash to go or daydream at how much it is going to rule to hear these songs live.

Don’t forget to enter the “summer fest fever” contest. Up for grabs: an ac+r prize pack including your choice of an ac+r t-shirt and two free tickets to a local show. What’s the deal: submit 15 bands you think will be at Bonnaroo this year; whomever gets the most correct guesses win. Contest ends once the line-up is announced (which is rumored to be Tuesday, 2/2!). Get your guesses in ASAP! More details here.

Younger Years
Consider Younger Years a road map to avoid materialism and social standards, and in what more appropriate packaging than some good ol’ punk. These Baltimore boys haven’t let Charm City soften their MO too much, proven by their The Death of Steve Rogers EP. Buy the EP here and look out for an ac+r chit-chat with the band in the near future.

Scout Niblett’s The Calcination of Scout Niblett
Nothing is like some raw emotion. Sincere and identifiable, but still rough and cold; best served by a woman that can sing, because it softens the blow a little. Scout Niblett does exactly that with her new album, The Calcination of Scout Niblett. Buy it here. For fans of Fiona Apple, 90s rock and blues—minus the bass, add some guitar feedback.

ac+r deluxe

audiocandy+radio is proud to announce that we’ll be on-air 24-hours a day, seven days a week!

In the downtime between scheduled ac+r shows, listeners can tune in for “sugar-free audiocandy+radio,” a selection of featured content and the best of ac+r. Material will be refreshed every Thursday; look for a blog post outlining it.

Playing on “sugar-free” for Jan.21-28:

[chit-chat] Filligar
I sat down with Chicago-based Filligar in early October ’09 to hear more about their sound, tales from the road and future plans. The pop-influence indie rock band had plenty stories to share ranging from inner-womb jamming to their failed band name KOAL.

Mouth’s Cradle
Electro-pop artist Kevin Hedegus (aka Mouth’s Cradle) came on to the Syracuse music scene last year, playing house parties and releasing the Baby Teeth EP on O’Morning Records. His first full-length album The Next Big Thing is due out in a little over a week, so in anticipation we’ll be playing his EP so you can get a taste of his flava. If you like what you hear, help the cause by donating to the record pressing here.

Beach House’s Teen Dream
Put best by our DJ Brett, “a butterfly is born every time this album is played.” We’re just helping prevent butterfly extinction. Plus the album rules. Win-win. Pre-order it here, on disc or vinyl.

[ac+r golden show] Hip-Hop 101: Lesson Twelve
Evan chose to share some jams that inspire him. Let’s all the start 2010 off on the right foot.

[ac+r debut] Buckets of Rain
Zack joins the ac+r line-up Sunday and Wednesday nights to showcase the best in songwriting: classic or current, local or well-known. Just have an expectation of two hours of beautiful music. Visit the show’s page on ac+r.

[ac+r debut] set it off
Garrett premieres a new installment of his show, set it off, every Friday at 3pm to get your weekend started on the right foot via a musical exploration, by way for Brooklyn. Guaranteed to expose you to some new jams. Visit the show’s page on ac+r.

If you’d like to recommend some “sugar-free” goods, feel free to hit me up at paige@audiocandyradio.com.