Bruce Springsteen’s new song “We Take Care Of Our Own” got a grand showcasing last night when it opened up the 2012 Grammys. Wrecking Ball is out March 6.

[via AP]

I went to this show knowing basically nothing about the Black Belles and left with little having changed. I came to the show having only heard a handful of their songs (not including their stint backing up Stephen Colbert on his Third Man Records 7″). I liked them enough to know that I’d probably kick myself for missing their performance in my city.

They were a fun group to see, but their “girls in gothic garb” bit overshadowed their music just a bit too much. Their black-on-black garb ate up most of the girls’ individual personality. Only the drummer and lead guitarist managed to occasionally break through the haze. But when they did crack a smile or do some between song banter, we got a glimpse at the girls behind the makeup. It was those bits of personality (and the good performance) that made the show worthwhile.

Of Montreal brought their new stage show to Jimmy Fallon’s show last night to showcase “Dour Percentage” off their new album Paralytic Stalks. They’ll be at SXSW this year, so if you dig this be sure to see ‘em live!

[via SG]

Good morning! Do yourself a favor and start off Thursday with the classy bounce of Little Racer’s “The Town.” It’s unquestionably a pop, but there’s just a little bit of free-spiritedness in the horns that remind me of New Orleans jazz. The bulk of the song reminds me of BOAT, pop darlings of the Northwest.

Little Racer on Bandcamp | Pick up the 7″

The Shins’ new album Port of Morrow is out March 20th. As expected, they’ll be doing a bit of touring including a stop in Louisville on June 9th. The Shins w/The Antlers at Iroquois Amphitheater Louisville, KY Saturday, June 9 $30 Presale page (code: MORROW) The presale runs until 10pm on Thursday. General sale begins [...]

MP3: CHURCHES – Save Me
When you hit play on “Save Me,” you’ll start up a track that combines Beach House’s slow dream-pop style of riff with some vocals that sound like the Walkmen performing a 2000s brit-pop track. It’s a light track that still manages to pack a bit of a punch.

CHURCHES on Bandcamp

Sleeper Agent just shared their new video for “Get Burned” off their excellent 2011 album Celabrasion. They’re spending a lot of time on the road soon. Pretty much everywhere except their native Kentucky, in fact.

Sleeper Agent tour dates after the break.

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It seems like it’s been so long since St Vincent’s Strange Mercy came out, but let’s remember that it’s never too long to wait for a great video for an incredible song. Enjoy this two-story version of Annie Clark.

Here’s another one I picked up through my Soundcloud dropbox (hint hint).

MP3: River Whyless – Cedar Dream Part II
River Whyless have a great understanding of the interplay of songwriting and production. There’s a slow-burn intro here that drops out just as the vocal jump in. It couldn’t be more effective if the song tapped you on the shoulder and said “hey man, you’ll want to pay attention to this.” In the end, it’s a bit more of a folky version of everything I loved about Page France. And while it’s hard to pull myself away from “Cedar Dream Part II,” they are currently offering their entire album as a free download on Bancamp!

Download A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door for free at Bandcamp