Today, a double feature.

First, the D. Sticker Ensemble band. When I saw the cover of the new album, “Seasons of Sticker,” I thought this was a joke band. First of all, the font made it look like “Seasons of Sucker.” Second, the track names included “Born With 3 Eyes,” “That’s My Bah!,” and “Space Noodles.” Then I played the first two tracks, and still thought it was a joke band. But as I continued to listen, I realized there’s some real talent here. The music is incredibly varied (“Space Noodles” turned out to be a very interesting instrumental jam), the lyrics are as bizarre as they come, and the album overall is quite good. Theh band’s press release puts them out as a kind of Gnarls Barkley thing, creating a fictional “reclusive Sticker” person, so it’s hard to tell what’s really the deal wtih this group. But from what I can tell, they’re a California group. You can stream a few songs here, which I recommend doing before you buy. This album isn’t for everyone, but those who will like it should really enjoy it.

For fans of: Morphine, Dresden Dolls, Neutral Milk Hotel. And Adam Ant.

Nowhere

Ballad of Han, Luke and Leia

I Wanna Hold Your Hand (Beatles cover)

The other band I’m featuring today is War Tapes, who are releasing their eponymous EP on Sarathan Records. I’m featuring it along side D. Sticker because it’s got a similar sound, although War Tapes is a far more traditional, 1980s Joy Division/New Order/gloom sound kind of band. I know, there are lots of bands with this sound. But this one is a cut above the rest. In particular, “My Mind is Ugly” is a great tune.

Dreaming of You