The Light Footwork’s sophomore record National Historic Landmarks came out yesterday and to celebrate the group are offering up a second MP3 for you to enjoy. We already heard the Fiery Furnaces-sounding “Rock Island Arsenal,” now we get to enjoy the bounce of “Carlsbad Irrigation Project.”

MP3: The Light Footwork – Carlsbad Irrigation Project
Man, I really wish I hadn’t used the word “bounce” up in the last paragraph, because I’d really like to describe this track as “bouncy,” but I’d hate to repeat myself. Oh well. Once you hear the track, I think you’ll forgive me.

The Light Footwork on Myspace

Stereogum just premiered this new Apples in Stereo track from their upcoming record Travellers in Space and Time.

MP3: Apples in Stereo – Dance Floor
Didn’t really see this one coming. I knew the next Apples album would be slightly different, but this sounds like Robert’s writing for Robyn, Annie or Of Montreal. But really, would you expect anything different from a track called “Dance Floor?”

Travellers in Space and Time is out 4/20. Full Apples in Stereo tour dates (including KY) after the break.

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Whoa. Word was that no one was going to get even a second’s worth of Portugal. The Man’s new album American Ghetto until the March 2nd release date, but it looks like they partially caved. Here’s our first taste of the new record.

MP3: Portugal the Man – The Dead Dog
Judging solely from “Dead Dog,” American Ghetto is going to be a bit more of a spaced-out record than the Satanic Satanist. This is a pop song, for sure, but it exists in a weightless world that the last record definitely did not. Luckily the one area where both overlap is that they’re both pretty fantastic.

Portugal the Man on Myspace

Portugal. The Man tour dates after the break.

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MP3: Caribou – Odessa

The Decibel Tolls just pointed out that Caribou will be playing Louisville this June with Toro y Moi. While I haven’t really taken to TyM, I’ve heard they’ve got a good live show. And of course I can’t wait to catch Caribou again.

Caribou with Toro y Moi
Tuesday, June 8th
Zanzabar
2100 S. Preston St.
9 p.m. / 21+
Tickets on sale 2/26 at ear X-tacy, $12

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to Jim James’ swanky Valentine’s Day show in Louisville — as I imagine most of you couldn’t either — but luckily there’s a great quality recording to help ease the pain.

Jim James at the Seelbach Hotel, Louisville, KY 2/14/10
MP3: Jim James + Bootsie Anne – I Will Be There When You Die
MP3: Jim James + Bootsie Anne – I Only Have Eyes For You
MP3: Jim James + Bootsie Anne – Just the Two of Us (Grover Washington Jr)
MP3: Jim James – Tonight I Want to Celebrate With You
MP3: Jim James – Wonderful (the Way I Feel)
MP3: Jim James – Hopefully
MP3: Jim James – Bermuda Highway
MP3: Jim James – The Right Place
MP3: Jim James – Look At You
MP3: Jim James – His Master’s Voice
MP3: Jim James – Wonderful Man
MP3: Jim James – Blue Moon
MP3: Jim James – Take My Breath Away (Berlin)
MP3: Jim James – It Beats 4 U
MP3: Jim James – Sweetheart
MP3: Jim James – Knot Comes Loose
MP3: Jim James – True Love Ways (Buddy Holly)
MP3: Jim James – Good Morning Dove
MP3: Jim James – Smokin From Shootin
MP3: Jim James – All the Best
MP3: Jim james – Anytime

Big thanks to the original taper and the MMJ message board.

Remember that new New Pornographers LP we were promised about a month ago? Well, now we’ve got our first listen and it sounds just like old New Pornographers — fantastic.

MP3: the New Pornographers – Your Hands (Together)
There’s a good, steady crunch to “Your Hands (Together)” that really compliments Neko/Carl’s sweet vocals. As both the guitar and melody climb up higher, I can’t help but wish that their last album sounded as great as this one track.

Together is out May 4. Preorder it and get a free poster and 7″.

February wasn’t quite as impressive as January when it came to new songs, but it was still a memorable month. So kick back, get to downloading (buy Local Natives’ and Yeasayer’s new albums) and enjoy some of the songs that made February enjoyable.

MP3: Lissie – Little Lovin

Why you should care: because she could very well be the next Neko Case.

When it’ll impact your life: it’s already out. I was a little bit behind on this one, fellas, but don’t let that deter you from falling in love.

MP3: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way

Why you should care: because Sharon Jones is just about the last link our generation has to the soulful funk of the 1960s. Respect the gift we’ve been given lest it be taken away.

When it’ll impact your life: new SJ&tDK album is out April 6. Plenty of time for you to practice your dance moves.

MP3: The Morning Benders – Excuses

Why you should care: because Big Echo is clearly going to be one of the best records of the year. The first two tracks I’ve shared have been monsters and the rest of the album is fantastic.

When it’ll impact your life: Big Echo is out March 9. Just in time for SXSW!

MP3: Emily Reo – Metal on Your Skin

Why you should care: She’s a refreshing breath of fresh air that sounds like how Beach House used to sound.

When it’ll impact your life: Right now. You can pick it up here.

Read the rest of the list after the jump

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MP3: Vetiver – You May Be Blue

Though there’s about a 50/50 shot that I’ll be out of town, I’m still excited that Lexington snagged Vetiver to play an all ages show here in town. I really think this is going to be a pretty good spring for concerts.

Vetiver
w/Matt Duncan
March 6
at Al’s Bar
All Ages | $5