Santah's debut White Noise Bed has been out for over a year, but it's only now that it's getting an "official" label release. So forgive us if our exclusive download from the band has already met your ears; you may consider yourself ahead of the buzz. Pat yourself on the back for already ferreting out a local gem that seems headed towards wider acclaim. more ›

Damon & Naomi have steadfastly explored the dreamier edges of music making. Their songs often feel like phantom images burned onto your aural retina, hinting at layers of greater truth conveyed through utter simplicity. We know that sounds high falutin', but if you give any of their songs a spin we think you'll understand what we're talking about immediately. Their arrangements may be sparse but the reach of each song is far deeper than a few simple chords would suggest. Give "Shadow Boxing," off their latest album False Beats And True Hearts, a listen, fall in love and then check them out tonight at Lincoln Hall. more ›

Big Science, whose debut made our Best of local music list in 2008, is back with a new EP Skyscraper Sound. It's coming out at the end of the month on June 29 on AEMMP Records, Columbia College Chicago's student-run independent record label. In past years AEMMP has confounded us with the bands they partner with, but this time around we applaud their taste since we think Big Science is one of the city's most underrated musical gems. Their live shows carry a punk energy through songs that lean heavily towards the college rock of the late '80s. Brainy and danceable, Skyscraper Sound continues down the path the group laid out on their debut. We've got a sneak peek at the new EP with our download of the track "1000 Years," so snag it and if you enjoy it grab the rest of the EP when it comes out. more ›

Jesus Kee-rist, Trent Reznor is on a roll. Mere weeks after the release of the instrumental Nine Inch Nails quadruple album Ghosts I-IV, he's released the newest "pop" album by the band, The Slip. While Ghosts offered a tiered pricing plan, The Slip is available absolutely and completely free. Formats include MP3, FLAC, lossless M4A, and even WAV files. DRM-free. Creative Commons copyright. Super-fast download. And the songs ain't bad at all either! more ›