Free Album Streaming: New CDs from M. Ward, Cowboy Junkies, Paul Weller, & More

Whatever kind of music you're into, you'll find something to like among this week's free album streams. There's the return of established artists like M. Ward and the even more established Cowboy Junkies and Paul Weller (of The Jam and Style Council).

Indie rockers Bear in Heaven, Oberhofer, and Of Monsters and Men are back with new releases, and in the singer-songwriter vein I'm enjoying the new release from sisters Allison and Catherine, The Pierces. (Note: The Pierces are the musical guest on Jay Leno Tuesday night; I'll post the video tomorrow. Update: you can watch The Pierces doing "You'll Be Mine" on Leno here.)


Video for M. Ward's "The First Time I Ran Away," from his new album.

For a change of pace, check out the new EP by the group Poor Moon, which features two members of Fleet Foxes and Crystal Skulls... the new album by the psychedelic/progressive band Astra... and Macy Gray singing Radiohead.

Yes, that's right, the R&B/soul singer-songwriter tackles "Creep," the band's first single on new album of covers. The collection also features several funny skits, making this more creative than your average cover album.

It's a diverse line-up this week; dig in and enjoy!

NPR First Listen:"A Wasteland Companion" by M. Ward
"I Love You, It's Cool" by Bear in Heaven
"My Head is an Animal" by Of Monsters and Men

Spinner.com's Listening Party:
"Sonik Kicks" by Paul Weller
"Time Capsules II" by Oberhofer
"You, Anniversary" by Lindsay Fuller
"Rob Me Blind" by Jay Brannan
"Illusion" EP by Poor Moon
"The Black Chord" by Astra
"Wave Sleep Wave" by Wave Sleep Wave

AOL Music Listening Party: 
"You and I" by The Pierces
"Covered" by Macy Gray
"Wilderness" by Cowboy Junkies
"Into the Sky" EP by TJ Courtney
"Divide the Blackened Sky" by The Veer Union

NYC Concerts on Sale Fri.: The Black Keys with Arctic Monkeys; Gomez; M83; Neon Indian; More

Tickets for lots of great early-2012 concerts in New York are going on sale this Friday, Sept. 9th at Noon. The biggest of these is the recently announced show featuring The Black Keys with the Arctic Monkeys at Madison Square Garden, which takes place on March 12th.


Video for "Lonely Boy," the first single off the new Black Keys album.

The Garden is not the ideal place to see a concert, but The Black Keys have certainly gotten popular enough to fill arenas, especially with the release (today) of their much-anticipated new album "El Camino."

Here's a look at some of the most popular or interesting shows going on sale this Friday:
Wed., Jan. 4, 2012: Elizabeth & the Catapult with Misty Boyce, Mercury Lounge
Wed. & Thurs., Jan. 11 & 12: The Pierces, Mercury Lounge
Sat., Feb. 11: Don Giovanni Records Show featuring the Screaming Females, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, and others
Sat., Mon., & Thurs., March 3, 5, & 8: Bombay Bicycle Club, Music Hall of Williamsburg (March 3); Bowery Ballroom (March 5); Maxwell's (March 8)
Sun., March 11: Gomez, Bowery Ballroom
Mon., March 12: The Black Keys with Arctic Monkeys, Madison Square Garden
Fri., April 6: The War on Drugs, Music Hall of Williamsburg
Fri. & Sat., May 4 & 5: Andrew Bird, Beacon Theatre
Thurs., May 10: M83 with I Break Horses, Terminal 5
Sat., May 12: Neon Indian, Terminal 5

There are of course many big concerts coming up that are already on sale, one of the most popular being the slate of shows The National is doing at the Beacon Theatre starting next week. The shows run every night from Dec. 12th to the 17th, and each features openers who are appealing in their own right, including Sharon Van Etten, The War on Drugs, and Wye Oak.

The National's shows in New York have always sold out quickly, so it seems that the band is trying to address the problem with six consecutive shows. If you've wanted to see The National live in New York, this is your best chance in a few years.

Get your credit card out and get ready to see some great live music to start off the new year.