Ultravox!

The ultimate pioneer in the mixture of organic real instruments with more modern synth based sounds was definitely Ultravox.  Here they are from way back in the 70's performing their own form of tribute to nostalgic film imagery. This performance in particular contains a lyrical content that is relevant to the possible END OF THE WORLD tomorrow.  Hope you enjoy this little blurb all future alien anthropologists.

Artist: Ultravox!

Origin: London, England

Wavves

A little preview comes to us from the forthcoming Wavves album, in the form of this hella twisted video that depicts the goings on behind the scenes in the double life of a preacher man.  The song is just as powerful as the imagery and has me salivating for further excellent developments from one of the very best active artists..WAVVES!

Artist: Wavves
Origin: San Diego, California USA

Whorish Boorish

There is a certain thickness in the air in Miami that can't be explained properly with words. It is almost like something is bubbling up from the pavement and plaster that keeps most people on the surface.  If you manage to fall in, or let yourself surrender and  slip backwards into those bubbles you'll discover just why Miami is dubbed the "Magic City".  Take a listen to this wondrous, bubbly track and feel yourself encapsulated by a true sorceress.

Artist: Whorish Boorish
Origin: Miami, Florida U.S.A.

XTC

There was a time many years ago when songwriters were not afraid to go against conventional thoughts of what was believed to have value and instead, represent alternative viewpoints such as the function of underrated states of being that trumped those things we erroneously think of as having weight or merit.  This tune is a classic example of this.  In this track the singer eschews all the trappings of successful or heralded accolades in exchange for the one powerful thing he holds as value above all else.  Love.

Artist: XTC

Origin:Swindon, United Kingdom

Black Marble

This song is a lot like the cover art of the album, electric, energetic and yet still draws a dreamy mental landscape of wonderment for the initiated and uninitiated listener alike.

Artist:Black Marble
Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

Mecca Normal

 

This duo of musical indie powerhouse peopleage's have been making their mark since the 80s and are still active doing live shows throughout the world.  Catch them if you can!

Artist: Mecca Normal

Origin: Vancouver, Canada

Broadcast

There was little panic on the streets of Birmingham when Broadcast used to be around to soothe civilization.  I truly believe they were the very best act of the 00's.

Artist: Broadcast
Origin: Birmingham England UK

The Vandals

How I love the old OC sound, let me count the ways!

Anyone remember how powerful the tunes of the past were?  Here is a reminder. 

Artist: The Vandals
Origin: O.C. California USA

Diiv

This Morning I find myself diving into indie pop with the smooth as a warm water slide sound of this act called Diiv! This track definitely makes me long for water parks and to hear and see more of their material ASAP!

Artist: Diiv
Origin: Brooklyn, NY USA

Logo for now.

Love and Rockets

Oh Sunday, used to be a day for the newspaper and recovering from the weekend's hangover. How things have changed, but this tune still serves up wonderful reminiscence in grand fashion. 
Stuck out the dog end of a day gone by, boy

Artist: Love and Rockets
Origin: Northhampton, United Kingdom

Nancy Sinatra

TionTunes goes super-retro!

This is the track that reminds everyone that if someone or any group expects you to be something you are not, that is the wrong person or people for you to be around.  I love Nancy's smooth singing style on this as opposed to the Dylan original.  However the lyrics are what really make this song, they are just astoundingly powerful.

Artist:Nancy Sinatra (written by Bob Dylan)
Origin: Jersey City, NJ USA

Mask Era

This viddie was done by yours truly and features me very own songwriting style.  Hope you all like it!

Artist: Mask Era
Origin: Miami, FL USA

Cuter Tunes has rebranded itself to TionTunes.  The new name will coincide with a more lax restriction on video inclusions herein.  For now, the videos included on this site will be from any time era although we will attempt to concentrate on modern stuff as always.  Enjoy!

Kreayshawn

With Summer almost over it's..Kreayshawn with a flawless summer song.  Fun and hot!  I love it so much I came out of semi-retirement of this blog just to post it.  Enjoy!


Artist: Kreayshawn/ V-Nasty
Origin: Oakland, California

Charli XCX

And I am back with a new smart track that merges unique rhytmns with a pop vocal sensibility.  Quite a magnet for my ears!

Artist: Charli XCX

Origin: London, United Kingdom

Cuter Tunes is on a temporary vacation. I'll be  back around June! Stay Tuned.

Woods

Well any other day would not be Friday, and of course you would not have this cool throwback style song to get you into your weekend.  Have a great end of the work week everybody that works M-F!

Artist: Woods
Origin: Warwick, Rhode Island USA

Shabazz Palaces

Major update to the hip-hop genre. This track and video delights the senses with its careful avoidance of the usual cliches and thus offers a highly enjoyable experience for the initiated and uninitiated alike.

Artist: Shabazz Palaces
Origin: Seattle, Washington USA

Animal Collective

Now this is a unique track, incomparable to anything.  I kinda hear elements of tiki and folky psychedelica, perhaps some mild Camper Van influence but this is just me trying to make sense of things.  Bottomline, it is an interesting listen.

Artist: Animal Collective
Origin: Baltimore, Maryland USA

Princess Chelsea

Two times featured, my first artist to get the double honor. I just am loving on this song so much that they deserved the mention.  A song to be listened to in the dark, eyes closed whilst ruminating on expelling negative thoughts and energies.

Artist: Princess Chelsea
Origin: New Zealand

Okkervil River

Memories of the 70s and 80s are so fuzzy for me, but seeing this video kind of brought some things back,  pleasant things.  I like this video for that.  Vocal delivery on this song also somewhat walks hand in hand with some kind of good shadow from the past.  Pleasing.

Artist: Okkervil River
Origin: Austin, Texas USA

Bowerbirds

Daydreamy video featuring the perspective of a  kid that seems to see life with all kinds of 'fishy' wonder. The song itself is a perfect match to this marvelous  video.   Two thumbs up!

Artist: Bowerbirds
Origin: Raleigh, North Carolina USA

Orbital

Now I know why Cat People are insane...this video explains it all with fine Feline beats that make me want to go to the animal shelter and adopt a kitty right now!

Artist: Orbital

Origin: Sevenoaks, England

Blood Orange

First seconds grabbed me visually, and then the interesting song over a single beat kept me watching the rest!

Artist: Blood Orange
Origin: New York, New York USA

Regina

Sleepy, relaxing tune imported from Scandinavia.   I can't understand the words, but whatever they are, the meaning comes across to me in a sort of honest, yet humble manner.

Artist: Regina
Origin: Finland

White Mystery

Go stop motion!  This video is so good, it could have been silent and I still would have recommended it, but the song is actually equally as powerful with super fuzz guitars, a driving beat and very interesting sibling driven dual singing.  This song sounds like this video, intense!

Artist: White Mystery
Origin: Chicago, Illinois USA

School of Seven Bells

Speed it up, but yet take a slow look at the pretty faces providing you with the end of the week tune.  Here we have an ode to fundamental solid vocal harmonics drifting over a city like, rushing urban beat.  Quite the listen.

Artist: School of Seven Bells
Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

Polica

Normally I don't enjoy anything to do with any concept that starts with the letters Poli... but wait a minute! This is Polica!   They have an alternate take on great vocals merged with something that seems like very aggressive jazz beat techniques.

Artist: Polica
Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Porcelain Raft

There is 'something in between' my ears that sounds very pleasant when this track plays.   It has a bit of an ethereal element combined with a subdued big guitar sound.

Artist: Porcelain Raft
Origin: New York, New York USA

Matt Uelmen

Today as a nod to May Day and the workers of the world, I have decided to give credit to the unbelievably talented people that compose music for video games.  I remember Matt Uelmen's strumming of his 12-string chords fondly as I descended into the depths of Diablo many years ago.   Here, I found for you an hour of music that is taken from Blizzard's upcoming 2012 release Diablo 3, enjoy!


Artist: Blizzard Entertainment/  Matt Uelmen
Origin: Irvine, California  USA

Now, Now

Instant gratification, this is what I get from listening to this new Minny band.   Loving the dual guitar power action, followed up with slick stripped away tender vocals.  This is a great song to have playing to go along with your Monday morning instant coffee!

Artist: Now, Now
Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Opossum

This creature, the opussum, is one that is ever unappreciated and underrated for it's benevolence to where it chooses to reside. Much like it's name sake, the musical group Opussum bestows many gifts for it's listeners. Have a listen and enjoy your Opussum.

Artist: Opussum
Origin: Green Camp, Ohio USA

Bear in Heaven

This song is like a tasty soup of sound, thick with flavors that swirl in and out of the ears and when its over... I feel I need to go back for seconds, it's just that good!

Artist: Bear in Heaven
Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

Pond

It's almost as if they took many of the great elements of 60's and 70's rock, blended it with some modern hipness , shook, stirred and came up with this great track & video!  Here I am loving the retro yet again thanks to Pond!

Artist: Pond
Origin: Australia

Lissy Trullie

This is the first song by a New York artist that I've posted on this blog so far I can honestly say sounds like the city.   The beat and desperation and imploding instrumentation just remind me so much of life inside the big apple.  Neat video too!

Artist: Lissy Trullie
Origin: Manhattan, New York USA

Beck

Covers, can't always say I like them.  Usually the original spirit of the song is stripped away.  That is not the case with Beck's near flawless rendition of "I only have eyes for you."  His love for this song is crystal clear. I know because I love this song too!

Artist: Beck
Origin: Los Angeles, California USA

Crocodiles

Happy 4/20 everybody! Today I bid you munchie up all this week's kitties with Crocodiles!  This tune kept me glued to the screen with its ultra catchy nod to Jesus and Mary Chain-styled sonicular delights.

Artist: Crocodiles
Origin: San Diego, California USA

Cats on Fire

These 'Cats' have absolutely mastered the jangle pop sound, I have listened to this particular track a half a dozen times now in succession. It is a tremendously well constructed song that grows in beauty as the seconds tick away. I'll be back, I have to hear it again!

Artist: Cats on Fire
Origin: Vasa, Finland

Thundercat

Cat week continues with this downright unforgettable video which is today's selection.  It is just so comical you will be compelled to see it a few times. Incredibly original and absolutely cute in every way.

Artist: Thundercat
Origin: Los Angeles, California USA

Beta Frontiers

Very simply, it is a brilliant slow synth song which maybe sometime in the future will be performed in a ballroom of very futuristic looking people, all adorned in the latest technologies and dancing gingerly to this electro gem. Due out today!

Artist: Beta Frontiers
Origin: Toronto, Canada

Zebra Katz

With a sound piece stripped down to it's bare essentials, its Zebra Katz, and this thick brooding masterpiece that haunts me and makes me go back to it again and again to somehow understand how something so basic can have such enormous power! Thanks Sharlyn for showing me this one.

Artist: Zebra Katz

Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

M83

Clever M83 with their new style dancy/sing song music as re-mixed by the Scottish DJ Mylo is your Friday the 13th song to get you in the mood for the weekend!

Artist: M83/DJ Mylo
Origin: Anitbes, France

Zambri

Heavy beat, awesome vocals.  What more do you need in a track?  This sister act provides both for your mid-week auditory pleasure.  

Artist: Zambri

Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

Real Estate

"Those endless drives,"  on peaceful roads that had some sort of great destination, yet where the journey ended up being the best part due in part to musical accompaniment of fantastic musical acts such  as Real Estate.  Green Aisles will be treasured indeed.

Artist: Real Estate
Origin: Ridgewood, New Jersey USA

Airhead

Wait!    There is a combination of familiar sounds in what seems to be a link to a fragmented memory in this track.   It is quite the interesting listening experience.  I hear the voice of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's singer and what I think is new order guitars on some parts.     There are many other things in this auditory soup that I just can't make out, but I feel like I should keep trying.    Superb.

Artist: Airhead
Origin: London, England

Youth Lagoon

One more for the daydreamers and believers that hold on to the theory that nice things can  happen to you, if you only had the right song for it.  This is one of those songs and it does fit the image of looking upon a cascade of rainbows descendent upon a dreamy meadow.

Artist: Youth Lagoon
Origin: Boise, Idaho USA

Sleigh Bells

Not everyone is going to like everything the same, and with Sleigh Bells it is a text book case.  You are either going to love it or hate it.   The choice is yours.  I happen to be on the thumbs up side for this band, mostly because of their originality.  Decide for yourself!

Artist: Sleigh Bells
Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

Kid Krule

Just can't say enough about Kid Krule, here he is merging a bit of jazz sensibilities with a bit of old soul lyrics meanwhile utilizing a very peculiar and original vocal style.   It is mind boggling how young he is, I look forward to big things from him in the future.  This is him performing live in January 2012, do yourselves a favor and look at his current material, I really can't say enough positive things about him.

Artist: Kid Krule
Origin: London, England

Midnight Magic

Nostalgia &  Deja Vu, they are powerful tools indeed.  This video has all the retro-ey sounds of the 70s and early 80s combined with video effects that seem to be time warped directly from that era as well. This writer will take a moment to look back on his birthday memories with this new, albeit historical video as his musical backdrop.

Artist: Midnight Magic
Origin:  Brooklyn, New York USA

Hospitality

Listening to this feels like a note somewhere I sent out in a bottle into the ocean a long time ago was finally snatched by someone just moments before smashing into rocks and sinking into nothingness.  What was read from my note?  I don't want to say, but it would go absolutely perfect with this tune this band has created.  Just listen.

Artist: Hospitality
Origin: Brooklyn, New York USA

A Place to Bury Strangers

Monday, Monday...  a time to calm your nerves and transfer yourself to a place where the music is always pumping with vibes that sound just right.  Try this here track with its tasteful feedback, carefully placed male and female vocals and just remember to relax,  things are bound to be better tomorrow.  This song demands it of you.

Artist: A Place to Bury Strangers
Origin:  Brooklyn, New York USA

Crimson Scarlet

How about...We do a review with something a little harder and more RED!  This death rock act puts a lot of aggression into their music but does not over do it, and thus they manage to retain the powerful and seductive element of their brilliant female vocal lead.  Unfortunately no video on this one , but just close your eyes and imagine your self being drained of your precious life essence by some dark princess in some unknown place that only exists in the lustiest nightmare.

Artist: Crimson Scarlet
Origin: Santa Barbara, California USA

Pocket of Lollipops

Poor Mailbox!  Well, these people can be forgiven for the minor delinquency being that I know they are actually very sweet!   Here they are being their creative selves and they also get two extra bonus points for being both local and darlings.   Look for the lollipops in your pockets, always a treat!

Artist: Pocket of Lollipops
Origin: Miami, Florida USA

Father John Misty

Yet another LA act yields someone that must have peeked at my personal mental diary from this year. This video has so many events that are relevant to me recently it's uncanny.  The apples, the eating of flowers, the crying gals, the fits, the smoke, utter indecisiveness and finally how it all ends by shutting the door and driving away.  This one really connected.  I don't know if it will be the same experience for you readers and onlookers, but who knows...maybe.

Artist: Father John Misty
Origin: Los Angeles, California USA

Julia Holter

If you are my friend on facebook, you may have seen me post this one already, but it's just so nice I had to post it twice!   Just listen to the beautiful construction of this piece and slip into a place where dreams come true.  At least it gives me that feeling, does it do it for you?

Artist: Julia Holter
Origin: Los Angeles, California  USA

Santigold

Visions of a foreign exotic land is what most of you need to kick off your brand new work week.   Doesn't hurt that the visuals are accompanied by the strong energetic music of Santigold!  Who needs a redbull, when you can just feast your eyes and ears on a video such as this.

Artist: Santigold
Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA

Weekend Wolves

Be careful on your bicycles girls & boys!   Just look at all the horrors that can befall you by watching this video. Before you meet your catastrophic end, at least you can delight in the very hypnotic sounds of Weekend Wolves!

Artist: Weekend Wolves
Origin: Germany

Princess Chelsea

Upon entering this song, it almost sounds as if you are entering a very pretty candy store with all the kinds of toys you remember wanting from childhood looming on the shelves. Just after a minute of gloating at the auditory wonders, an interesting duet begins at just the right time.  It seems two people are having a simple dispute over a tiny carcinogenic item.    At the same time you're hearing all of this, all kinds of useful things float by our field of vision within the hot tub where our dueling duetists continue to casually debate each other within the lovely framework of this tune!

Artist: Princess Chelsea
Origin: New Zealand

Dr. Dog

Not typically what I'd listen to, but this tune just seems like a mood lifter, and that's good enough for me to qualify it as song of the day.  It has just a touch of reggae, not enough to be noticeable musically, but just enough to give this song some bounce.   The video itself is simple and homely and I do love it for that.  Give it a look!

Artist: Dr. Dog
Origin: West Grove, Pennsylvania USA

Grimes

I always been a total sucker for catchy pumping synth bass lines, this one has it in spades.   Cuter Tunes always approves of Cute Girl voices over smart dancy programming.  I will gladly go to Oblivion as long as the sound of Grimes takes me there!

Artist: Grimes
Origin: Vancouver, Canada

Lotus Plaza

Listen to it a few times, this is a song for me that takes a couple of tries to sink in, but once it does, it is no longer a "stranger"  and sits comfortably with all the jangly pop beauties that you know and love.

Artist: Lotus Plaza
Origin: Atlanta, Georgia USA

Magnetic Fields

 

I am really trying to think of something quick! I swear, I still love you Magnetic Fields.  This is my favorite track in years by the MF's.  You definitely still got it Mr. Merritt.  

Artist: Magnetic Fields

Origin: New York, New York USA

Dunes

Ahh L.A. you have so much to offer me, and this time you have gifted me with the music of Dunes!   What a gentle song to accompany me through a dreamy afternoon, with just a touch of grittiness to remind me that I'm still in the clutches of Reality.

Artist: Dunes

Origin: Los Angeles, California USA

Altus Noumena

If you live in Miami, come out tonight to see Boxwood (mentioned yesterday) and the FANTASTIC  Altus Noumena on one ticket.  You can't beat that with a stick!     Altus, the ultra creative magical super musician is not only terrific at music, but he's a super wonderful person.   Be sure to talk to him some time and see for yourself.    Here is a bonus link for you readers--------->   The place to  be tonite in Miami!  Realm of the PhantoclasM!

Artist: Altus Noumena

Origin: Ft.Myers, Florida USA

Boxwood

I love to include some local (to me) music.    I just heard this right now and it I sincerely believe it is amazing.    Great job Boxwood!  You are Wednesday's selection.

Artist: Boxwood
Origin: Hollywood, Florida USA

St. Vincent

Tuesday's selection is picked on almost sheer visual spectacularness*.



* I know it's not a word , but it should be immediately placed in the dictionary to describe this video!


Artist: St. Vincent
Origin: Dallas, Texas USA

Shearwater

Today's selection comes courtesy of my college radio listening friend in L.A., also a wink goes to her as the very inspiration towards the creation of this blog.  She knows who she is.  It is so nice to see sub-pop records still putting out quality music after all these years.

Artist: Shearwater
Origin: Austin, Texas.  USA

Morrissey/ The Smiths

Yeah I know this blog is supposed to be about "new" music, but I wanted to kick it off with a classic.   What about good ole' Moz still doing his thing in Chile from February of this year!

Artist: Morrissey/ The Smiths
Origin: Manchester, England

Mission Statement

Today, I have just launched this blog which I have dubbed Cuter Tunes, it will be a 4-5 day a week celebration of all the fantastic new music that is being released by artists all over the world. In this blog I will not focus on a particular style, but rather the time of release. My intentions for this blog will be twofold:

1. A resource for myself and others to keep up to date on the happenings of the music world and
2. A place for new artists to strive for mention.

This blog will be heavily critical and opinionated as I will only include what I  personally consider  to be "top shelf" material. This has nothing to do with sound quality, but everything to do with sound construction, innovation, and ingenuity. Almost everything posted here will be current releases from the past 10 months. Enjoy everybody.