Joseph Arthur is offering a free download of his new double-album Redemption City. My initial reaction upon streaming it is that it sounds like an eclectic mix that’s mostly beautiful. He’s also offering limited-edition vinyl for purchase. If you enjoy the album, you might want to pick one of those up as a thank-you to him for putting it out for free!

Download Redemption City at JosephArthur.com

Lexington’s concert calender is starting to look interesting again, so it’s time to revive my weekly picks. Here’s what’s looking interesting for this week. Thursday: Lord T & Eloise at Cosmic Charlies I barely even know what to expect with this one. Watch this video to see why. Friday: JJ Grey & Mofro at Headliners [...]

Death Cab for Cutie are launching a tour that sees them backed by San Fran’s Magik*Magik Orchestra. Youth Lagoon open dates from April 27th – May 13th. They’ll be playing the Louisville Palace April 13

Tour dates after the break.

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Master of My Make Believe is out this spring. Grab the song for free at Santigold’s website.

Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles co-frontman Daniel Rossen will be releasing his solo record Silent Hour/Golden Mile, out March 20. Judging by this first listen, it’s going to be a stripped-down, intimate record.

Daniel Rossen: “Saint Nothing”

Fight off the winter weather with Phantom Vibration!

MP3: Phantom Vibration – Summer Blood
While it’s not surf music, “Summer Blood” has such an excited riff that this pop gem sounds like a descendent of beach songs of the 50s and 60s. This is a perfect track for your first trip to the lake in 2012.

Phantom Vibration on Bandcamp

I checked out Warm Weather after he followed me the other day on Twitter. I’m incredibly glad I did. Their album is fantastic and up for a name-your-price download on Bandcamp.

MP3: Warm Weather – So Far/Vertigo
I’m willing to bet that Warm Weather are sick of Vampire Weekend comparisons. But when you’ve got an intro that sounds like “Mansard Roof,” they’re going to show up. But there’s room enough in my playlists for post-Vampire Weekend groups like Warm Weather. They’ve got great songwriting, smart production and melodies that’ll stay with you for days.

Warm Weather on Bandcamp

Last night St Vincent brought her new track “Cheerleader” to the always-receptive Conan O’Brien. She was in top form, as always (does she even have any other form?).

[via AP]

Here’s a great proshot video of Neon Indian performing “Is David Bowie Dying” with the Flaming Lips at their Oklahoma City New Year’s Eve party. This song is from their collaborative EP from last year.