The Big Black Bear just woke up from a 5-hour Sunday nap. Such an unplanned hibernation leaves one a bit woozy feeling. I’m just getting the muscles working again, so I will be posting some random songs without a central theme, other than a vague tendency to post in threes.

First, some samples of three upcoming releases, starting with one from the Grizzly Bear. No relation to the Big Black Bear. The poor Grizzlies have seen their new album leak all over the internet. Veckatimest is out May 26, and I urge everyone to buy it if you like this sampler. I’m excited about it, and from what I’ve heard, it seems that the songwriting and production bears some similarities to the Department of Eagles side project. Following that is a track from the upcoming Camera Obscura album My Maudlin Career (April 13). I’m ready to be heartbroken. Finally there’s one from the upcoming Pet Shop Boys’ album Yes (March 23). Judging by this track and “Love, Etc.,” it promises to be a good one.
Grizzly Bear: Two Weeks
Camera Obscura: French Navy
Pet Shop Boys: Did You See Me Coming?

And now, three for Crozier, all from recent or upcoming singles. The first one (to be released March 31), from the Crystal Stilts, that has stuck itself on repeat in my head; hope you like it too. Their drummer, incidentally, used to play with the Vivian Girls, and we’ll be seeing them soon; I’ve posted the a-side to a September 2008 single. Also on that same bill is Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, so I did a bit of research on them. Weird stuff that goes under the name of freak folk. This track is from a December 2008 single. Sounds like a warped version of a song that might have  appeared on the complimentary 8-track mix tape that came with my parents’ Oldsmobile back in the late 70s.
Crystal Stilts: Love Is A Wave
The Vivian Girls: I Can’t Stay
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: Can’t Hear My Eyes

And finally, three of my favorites from the world of hip hop; all of these songs are exactly three minutes long.
The Cool Kids: What Up Man
Dangerdoom: Korn Dogs
Quasimoto: Green Power