Every month, Utne Reader presents free, downloadable music gleaned from current and upcoming releases on independent music labels. This sampler was curated by editor Christian Williams with assistant editors Suzanne Lindgren and Sam Ross-Brown. 

Cool Ghouls
Maybe it’s lyrics like “I’ll eat my peaches when my peaches are ripe,” or that dancing guy in a bear costume in the “Natural Life” video, but it seems like the Cool Ghouls enjoy what they do. Steeped in ‘60s-era psychedelia, the San Francisco quartet has a knack for bright vocals and rich, upbeat arrangements. Melodic, noisy, and refreshingly unironic, Cool Ghouls’ debut is something close to a perfect summer album. Cool Ghouls is available now through Empty Cellar.  

Listen: “Natural Life” by Cool Ghouls 
(To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As")

 

Hooded Fang
When the summer of 2013 comes to a close, it’s likely that this infectious tune will still be in your head. A psychedelic head trip that gets its hooks in you at every turn, “Ode to Subterrania” by Toronto-based Hooded Fang should garner a lot of attention for the band’s solid third album, Gravez. Tempering frenetic guitar with memorable melodies throughout, Gravez mirrors the steady instability of an intense stretch of touring that preceded the recording of the album, which is out now on Full Time Hobby.

Listen: “Ode to Subterrania” by Hooded Fang  
(To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As")

Tijuana Panthers
Conventional thinking has surfers on waves and punks at wild parties, with the music of the two occupying separate decades entirely. Enter the Tijuana Panthers, with a formula for seamless fusion between the genres. Phil Shaheen supplies punk-rock beats, Chad Wachtel covers the surf-guitar riffs, and bassist Dan Michicoff splits the difference. All three contribute to the spirited vocals that occasionally glide into three-part harmony. This is “Tony’s Song” from Semi-Sweet, available now on the band’s website. 

Listen: “Tony's Song” by Tijuana Panthers 
(To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As")




 

Jay Arner
From drums and synths to guitar licks and lyrics, Jay Arner’s first solo album plays like a recording of the radio station in his head. “I have music playing in my brain all the time,” he writes, describing his influences as “confabulated.” And the self-titled album does sound something like a memory of late ‘70s post-punk (undercurrents of Joy Division and The Cure are strong), with the gaps filled in by bits of dream pop and space rock. Incredibly—and appropriately—Arner wrote, performed, recorded, and mixed the album single-handedly. Here’s “Don’t Remind Me.” Jay Arner is out June 25 on Mint Records.  

Listen: "Don't Remind Me" by Jay Arner
(To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As")  

Brent Amaker and The Rodeo
The neo-cowboys in Brent Amaker and The Rodeo have been making their own unique brand of C&W music since 2005, and have a world-wide following to show for it. Behind Amaker’s Cash-esque baritone and an excellent backing band that’s equal parts Tennessee Three and Devo, the band seamlessly blends its varied influences throughout its latest album. Here’s the city-weary track “Country Sky” from Year of the Dragon, which is out June 4 on Fin Records.

 Listen: “Country Sky” by Brent Amaker and The Rodeo (To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As") 

 

Little Radar
Little Radar’s infectious energy owes a lot to its bright, mercurial guitar. Jumping seamlessly from power chords to delicate, melodic riffs with just the right amount of distortion, Trevor and Sean Hale’s textured playing is at the heart of Little Radar’s rewarding sound. But that’s not to say there’s anything missing from the band’s tight rhythm section or its dark, evocative lyrics. Composed mostly in one of Austin’s more dangerous neighborhoods, Little Radar’s new album pulses with an anxious intensity—nicely balanced by well-placed hooks and strong, catchy vocals. Souvenirs is available August 6.  

 Listen: “Coming Clean” by Little Radar
(To download, right click—or control click for Mac users—on the link and "Save Target As")