Jason Schwartzman, former Phantom Planet drummer and Indie-movie extraordinaire, dropped a few tracks off his new solo effort last year, but recently the physical album just released and is available for purchase on his record company, Young Baby Records, site. Jason’s solo band is Coconut Records. He plays most of the instruments on the album, only with help on a few instruments and vocals (Kirsten Dunst sings).

A few nights ago Jason was on the Jimmy Kimmel Show plugging his new movie The Darjeeling Limited and Coconut Records’ release. Jason stated that with every actual purchase of his album he sends you a free, one-of-a-kind polaroid. I think he said his sales are over 2,000 now, so don’t be afraid if you get a random picture of his foot or something. Sounds like an indie-kid’s dream right? I bet. Head to the site and buy one, why don’t you. $12.99. Not that he’s really a starving artist or anything.

Check after the jump for video goods.

Read the rest of this entry »

Do you dig the name? I do. And you will definitely dig it after you hear some of their music. The Donkeys herald from San Diego and remind me of a more folk sounding and less-produced Ambulance Ltd. My friend recently picked up their new 7″ release with Casiotone for the Painfully alone when Casiotone played a few weeks back at Pygmalion Festival in Urbana. He brought the record down to my room because my roommate has a pretty nice turntable. After switching to the other side, we were both instantly impressed.

The Donkey’s side holds two gems: “Be My Girl” and “Seventh Heaven”. The first track, “Be My Girl”, is honestly one of my new favorite songs. It’s getting up there in the iTunes most played songs. If you guys are looking for something new besides electronic stuff, give these songs a listen. Use it to swoon that new love interest (no, do it. It’ll work). “Seventh Heaven” is more upbeat.

Go here to purchase the 7″ vinyl split between The Donkeys and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Both sides are exceptional, and it’s a good chance to get into Casiotone. They have yet to upload these tracks to their myspace, but hypemachine is a good site to search and listen to music. So go search, now.