Horse Shoes

We'll Make Belive

2011-03-23T22:24:00.005-04:00

MAP - Make Believe (mp3)

I Don't Know

2011-02-25T12:26:00.004-05:00

Stay patient, good things are happening, albeit slowly (but surely!).

In the meantime...

Fine China - No One Knows (mp3)

Releases That Came To Mind (2010)

2011-01-18T17:34:00.001-05:00

I know...I know...I'm a little late with this. But here it is, my top 10 releases of 2010 (in no particular order).

Motorama - Alps
White Wishes - Today
Thieves Like Us - Again And Again
The School - Loveless Unbeliever
Cats On Fire - Dealing In Antiques
Tears Run Rings - Distance
Two Wounded Birds - Keep Dreaming Baby EP
Sun Kil Moon - Admiral Fell Promises
Trembling Blue Stars - Fast Trains And Telegraph Wires
Martial Canterel- You Today 7" (Single)
*Ytro - Ytro

It's Happening

2011-01-08T14:04:00.001-05:00

February marks the beginning of a new year.

Feel The Magic...

2010-12-25T11:57:00.005-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Joy Electric - Singing In Gee (mp3)

Her Majesties Merriment

2010-12-20T21:04:00.004-05:00

Plastiq Musiq is a great companion to the Holiday's. I don't know what I would do without them...This is about as rare as that Mothership LP. Enjoy!

Britannika - Tinsel For The Tree (mp3)

Birthday Surprises

2010-12-18T17:19:00.003-05:00

This is one of those things you never expect to happen, especially when they're delivered in person.

Don't Hate Me

2010-12-16T21:41:00.005-05:00

NOW THIS IS RARE...TRUST ME...

Mothership is a synth-pop project of Randy Rose, who was also a member of the band "Mad At The World" from 1987 - 1998. He released one album titled "L.P." on Plastiq Musiq in 1997. This was a nice birthday surprise to me, so now I would like to share some with all of you!

- The Ghost of Christmas Past (mp3)
- Don't Hate Me (mp3)

I Know That It's Cold, But It's Warm In Here

2010-12-15T19:04:00.002-05:00

I awoke to find a surprise in my inbox this morning! A short little Christmas gift from Labrador Records.

Pallers - Arctic Hymn (mp3)

Been Dreamin'

2010-12-15T16:18:00.003-05:00

So the first official Holiday Records release is now available through the website! You should go buy yourself a copy, it's nice, I promise!

(I mean, just look at those lovely faces!)

Purchase here!

A Little Cherub Rock

2010-12-13T10:53:00.003-05:00

Now this is an odd one, almost funny, but endearing nonetheless.

Smashing Pumpkins - Christmastime (mp3)

A Light In The Darkness

2010-12-11T13:31:00.002-05:00

Sometimes words aren't needed.

The Durutti Column - One Christmas For Your Thoughts (mp3)
From LC

I Swear I'll Be There

2010-12-10T15:45:00.004-05:00

Aztec Camera - Walk Out To Winter (mp3)

The title says it all...

Here In The Glow Of The Moonlight

2010-12-09T16:19:00.005-05:00

A hero of mine and guitar legend who can also conduct and write orchestrations, I hope to be as cool as this some day.

Brian Setzer Orchestra - The Nutcracker Suite (mp3)
From Boogie Woogie Christmas

Some Winters Are Harder Than Others

2010-12-07T15:06:00.012-05:00

This must be Snow week, maybe because I've been anticipating the first real snowfall here in Brooklyn, so many fantastic pop songs and feelings around such a simple act of nature.

The Innocence Mission - Snow (mp3)
From Birds Of My Neighborhood

We'll Make It Through the Winter Together

2010-12-07T03:25:00.001-05:00

A thanks to my friend Kevin for showing me this, I had no idea this album existed. Apparently it's because it was a very limited release.

St. Etienne - Snow (mp3)
From A Glimpse Of Stocking

Rain-Soaked Kisses

2010-12-06T14:24:00.004-05:00

A true story, I think.

Trembling Blue Stars - Christmas and Train Trips and Things (mp3)
From A Certain Evening Light

Hear The Angelic Voices

2010-12-03T02:18:00.003-05:00

Now I don't like children choirs, they freak me out. But I think these voices sound a bit more in that awkward state of late teen to early 20's? Still, a little reverb goes a long way. This is quite ghostly and a must have for your Christmas playlist.

John Williams - O Holy Night (mp3)
From Home Alone

You Give Me The Chills

2010-12-02T14:23:00.003-05:00

A thank you to Vlad who showed me this track the other day, it's been on repeat for some time now in my room.

The Chills - Pink Frost (mp3)
From Kaleidoscope World 1986

On The Seaside

2010-12-01T02:56:00.005-05:00

Hold the phone...Just when I was going to write off 2010 as the worst year in music, a friend Eric, delivered hope. This band comes to us all the way from Russia. From first listen, I was in love. Think Factory Records, Interpol. Good yea?

Motorama - Northern Seaside (mp3)
From Alps [Free Download here!]

Scandinavian Warfare

2010-11-29T15:49:00.003-05:00

Champagne Riot, done the Horse Shoes way.

Champagne Riot - A Friend Of A Friend ( Horse Shoes Remix )

Teach Me To Ski

2010-11-28T18:09:00.005-05:00

I've been busy working on a remix for Champagne Riot the past few days as well as feeling the excitement that is now Christmas! So what better than a mesh of the two into one beautiful pop song?

Think of this as a little appetizer before the remix is released!

Champagne Riot - December Slopes (mp3)

It's That Time

2010-11-26T14:07:00.005-05:00

Did anyone watch the Peanuts Thanksgiving Day special? I sure did! Thanksgiving is over and though we're still in November, it's legal now to start playing Christmas songs. But I won't lie to you, I've been enjoying Christmas music for the past whole week. The title of the song today says it all...

Charlie Brown - Christmas Is Coming (Alternate Take 1) (mp3)
Composed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

No Need To Argue, It's Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I s'pose this one is dedicated to the family, the Holiday family and to my friends, who also are like family. An ode to you all. (I'm probably going to get a warning from the RIAA for this one. Oh well, it's Thanksgiving right? They should be thankful I'm sharing a lovely song with you!)

The Cranberries - Ode To My Family (mp3)

I Won't Forget You

2010-11-24T09:13:00.002-05:00

This is a bit of a mystery band from France in the 80's who only released one 7" single. I've shared the A-side with many people, so today, I thought I would offer the wonderful B-side.

Coldreams - Eyes (mp3)
From Eyes

For Johnny Danger

2010-11-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

This is classic Swedish pop at its finest. A lost band from the 90's, consisting of Per Sunding (vocals, bass), Patrik Bartosch (guitar) and Maurits Carlsson (drums). They only released three full-length albums, never breaking out of Sweden for various reasons of their own. The Cardigans were also said to gain a lot of inspiration from these boys as well.

Eggstone - Beach Boy (mp3)
From In San Diego (1992)

For Those Sleepless Nights

2010-11-23T03:34:00.000-05:00

Theremin music to warm the soul for the approaching winter...

Pamelia Kurstin - London (mp3)
From Thinking Out Loud

Light A Candle (And Fall Asleep)

2010-11-22T19:37:00.000-05:00

So, I ran into someone the other day at a show. his name is Sean Earl and he has this band called "Plastic Flowers." I found out he lives in Florida and as I was talking to him about music he said he toured with this band "Anna Ranger" back in the day. Anna Ranger had a release on Plastiq Musiq (I will post on them soon enough) and I was at one of the shows while he was on that tour. Imagine that?? He obviously knew Jacob as well and recently visited with him at one of the Drums shows in Florida. This is all strange because I was just looking up Anna Ranger for whatever reason this past week, especially since I've been revisiting the Plastiq Musiq catalog. I guess our paths were destined to cross ya know? All this revisiting recently was just building up to it.

He released a free EP on the Beko digital singles club (Arctic Flow, Moscow Olympics)

Plastic Flowers / She Learned The Best Way (mp3)
Plastic Flowers / Self-Titled (Beko 63)

You're My Only Friend

2010-11-21T15:10:00.003-05:00

This is an EP I can't get enough of lately, especially the title track, which I'm sharing with you on this post. Lots of layered melodies, Radio Dept.-esque vocals. Nothing but warmth and sincerity here!

Saharan Gazelle Boy - Strange Teen Heart (mp3)
From Strange Teen Heart
Buy it here for a measly $5.

Whatever Possessed You?

2010-11-20T12:50:00.003-05:00

I've been obsessed with this song lately (and the footage used to make this video is so perfect) I had to go pick up the album. Though it's more a compilation of the few singles released and b-sides that Care recorded before Wild Swans reformed. Care was Paul Simpson and Ian Broudie, a duo formed after the Wild Swans split in 1982.

Care - My Boyish Days
From Diamonds And Emeralds

Take This Emotion

2010-11-19T18:00:00.004-05:00

Now this is a lost relic! It must have been a demo Jason decided to donate to his brother Ronnie's first Plastiq Musiq release. It's very sparse and minimal, one of my favorite recipes. You also gotta love that lingering synth lead...

Starflyer 59 - We Got A Word For (mp3)
From Electric Music Compilation (PM001)

Dance House Party

2010-11-19T03:50:00.005-05:00

This band is out of control, the kind of music you need to turn up as loud as possible and dance like a crazy person too. Strong melodies, ghostly vocals and an out of control drum machine.

Dance House Children - There Will Never Be (mp3)
From Songs and Stories
Blonde Vinyl Records

It's All For The Best

2010-11-18T13:51:00.009-05:00

Sigh...I come across a lot bands that I knew but didn't know, ya know? This one happens to be called "Miracle Legion." A lot of you may know them as "Polaris," who wrote all of the music for the classic Nickelodeon show "Pete & Pete." I was never a fan of REM, at all really. But I tend to like a couple bands (East River Pipe being another) that remind me of them, though I don't think it's that they remind me, it's that these bands were doing it better. Does that make sense?

Mark Mulcahy (Voice/Guitar), Mr. Ray Neal (Lead Guitar), Dave McCaffrey (Bass) and Scott Boutier (Drums)

Miracle Legion - Truly (mp3)
From "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise"
Check out some other great tracks on their MySpace

You Are My Sunshine (Goodnight)

2010-11-17T13:18:00.007-05:00

Revisiting the past can be fun and quite scary. I was digging through some of my old CD's last night and came across this gem of an album. This has deep roots for both Jacob and I, you'll understand someday, or perhaps just by listening. Ok, I've said too much already...

Goodnight Star is Jesse Carrigan and George Kazaklis. They released their debut LP on Ronnie Martin's label Plastiq Musiq.

Goodnight Star - Goodnight Star (mp3)
From Goodnight Star (Self-titled) PM005
Plastiq Musiq

(Love is) Unisex

2010-11-16T18:10:00.005-05:00

Maybe I'm advancing through my secrets too quickly, but I want to keep things interesting. Blueboy is one of my favorite bands, I've come across a lot of rare unicorns recently. This one harnesses a glimpse back to 1995 at the Sarah Records 100 party, it's also one of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite albums "Unisex."

Blueboy - Imipramine (mp3)
Live at the Sarah 100 party

Found and Not Forgotten

2010-11-16T01:27:00.008-05:00

Talk about an influential song to both Jacob and I! We've often lost sleep over the thought of how Bobby comes up with such incredible vocal melodies... So, I've decided to share something very special with you. This particular version of "Between Hello And Goodbye" was recorded live for a French radio session the Field Mice did while promoting their album "For Keeps." Enjoy!

Between Hello And Goodbye (mp3)
French Lenoir Sessions

Embassy Classics

2010-11-15T20:02:00.003-05:00

Indulge yourself.

Listen.

Some News

2010-11-15T15:48:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I had to dust this old blog off a bit before I could even post! This needs to be maintained a lot more. We're busy I suppose, which is good! But that's no excuse to keep our friends wondering.

I wanted to share some info about the Soda Shop 7" single being released on Shelflife. The pre-orders have gone up! Once you place your order, you are given the mp3's to hold you over until the vinyl gets officially released! You can order from HERE! Thanks everyone for your support! There is a lot to come these next few months!

Also, head on over to Holiday Records and see the new site. Two Wounded Birds debut CD/EP will be released Dec. 13th!! How awesome is that?? Just in time for my birthday! There is also a Young Friends CD, Holiday Records sampler CD, Jes Maybe vinyl and the first issuing of a classic North Of Cornwallis vinyl album set to be released!! Everything is falling into place.

Oh, what about Horse Shoes you ask? I guess that's understandable considering this IS the Horse Shoes web site. Let's just say, within the new year, things will progress, secrets will be revealed. They say "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." We're hoping that's true in our case.

Yours,

Soda Shop

2010-08-19T09:49:00.006-04:00

The summer is fading, new memories have been made and what better way to reflect than a good old-fashioned pop song? I uploaded the first single from a new side project called Soda Shop I'm doing with my good friend Maria Usbeck. The track is titled "Farewell."

Go check it out here!

2010-07-31T20:52:00.002-04:00

I should mention Caleb is moving to NY! Therefore I have been receiving all of his clothes, records, dvd's and books. Of these books I found Peanuts Vol.1 & Vol. 2. These are so perfect. Which brought me to that comic strip above!

On a plane to New Zealand...

2010-07-26T20:20:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm not but Jacob is.

NEW!

2010-05-28T10:15:00.011-04:00

Horse Shoes 'I Can't Decide'

Finally, something NEW from Horse Shoes right? A live session we ( Horse Shoes ) did for the production company Blindeye Films can be seen here on their newly launched Brixton Sessions website. Enjoy!

2010-05-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

Well, NYC Popfest is over... I can now relax a little. This years festival was quite a good time (Thanks to Maz and Matt of course). Got to see some familiar faces, new faces and other faces as well, erm..yeah..it was sad to see it end, but all good things must come to an end right? And of course there is next year to build up anticipation for.

But anyways...I/We can now get started on continuing some new songs(HS), remixes, ideas, and Wishful Thinking. Busy busy.

2010-05-17T16:34:00.000-04:00

I will be DJ'ing in the front room at the Bell House for NYC Popfest this Saturday (May 22nd) from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Come over to say hello and dance!

Any requests??

2010-05-17T12:52:00.000-04:00

Hello? Is anybody out there?

NYC Popfest

2010-05-11T19:12:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know, and also to remind those who do, you need to come out to NYC Popfest. May 23rd will showcase the Embassy at Littlefield in Brooklyn NY and I'll be joining them on stage playing bass! There are a bunch of great bands playing this year as well as some awesome DJ's including Twee Grrrls Club, Roque Ruiz (Cloudberry Records) and Lil' Tweezy.

/d

2010-05-02T18:37:00.000-04:00

This blog is still quite desolate...I figure now that we're back in full swing and working on our first ever full-length, more needs to be happening on here! Jacob is back on tour with the Drums and I'm finally getting situated in my new apartment here in New York. Luckily I have a decent handful of new material to work with and improve a little until Jacob gets back. We are very excited with the direction it's going! More soon!

Love... /d

2010-03-23T15:59:00.000-04:00

it's been quite around here lately, and that's my fault. it is also drew's fault. but we are still alive and well. we had an amazing time at the london pop festival. opening for The Wake was a dream come true, and they (and the Orchids) are all such lovely people. hopefully they'll come to the drums concert in glasgow next week and hang out with me, but i wouldn't be surprised if they didn't because i'm a loser.

so! drew and i have begun working on our second horse shoes record. we have a strong vision and a wavering work ethic. should be good, stay tuned.

2010-01-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

It looks like we are starting this new year off just right...

ouch

2009-12-21T18:06:00.000-05:00

i think i broke my foot friday night at the indie pap dance party. it was during french navy. i get so excited... now i'm paying the ultimate price.

an autobiography

2009-12-09T23:47:00.000-05:00

I just wanna get hold of you...

can you feel it?

2009-12-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

something to warm you up (haha?)

2009-11-28T13:13:00.000-05:00

http://warmer-climes.blogspot.com/2009/10/warmer-mixtapes-49-by-andrew-diver-of.html

http://warmer-climes.blogspot.com/2009/11/warmer-mixtapes-70-by-jacob-graham-of.html

no limits to my dreaming...

2009-11-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

i have so many plans, and i'm very serious. if i wasn't i wouldn't be here. and i can't contain myself most of the time. i don't mean to be vague, but can't you excuse me just this once? it's not like a daily occurrence. last night i saw camera obscura at the music hall in williamsburg, they were very nice and played an amazing show. today i woke up and had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. happy? (it's more for my own peace of mind but you probably already know that)

it has just recently occurred to me..

2009-11-09T01:07:00.000-05:00

...that i don't know how to play the guitar, and i really don't know how to play anything. i'm not quite sure how i've ever managed to write any songs. i'm thinking about getting guitar lessons (i suppose that's what i have drew for, but still, one would like to contribute something). i also just realised that i'm not quite sure what indie pop is all about, i've been thinking about it all day and i've come to the conclusion that it's just a bunch of normal people with an unhealthy fascination with love. which means i'm in luck because i think i just fell in love last time i was in london. it's probably too soon to say for sure but whatever the outcome, it will probably fuel some future song writing. i'm pretty sure no one ever reads this blog, which is a relief because i might need a place to vent from time to time. FRESH SURROUNDINGS.

Friday October 2nd

2009-09-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

next friday we'll be playing at the party that gave us our big break last year, the coolest party in america.. it's our record release party, jon pierce (the drums) is djing and we have some big surprises for you. it will be a night to remember. if you're in or around new york please be a part of it.

The Amazing Alex Roulette!

2009-08-29T13:06:00.000-04:00

I don't know how this guy has time to do anything. His paintings look like they take years, but he just keeps crankin em out! He's really the only artist that I'm interested in these days and I'm still so amazed and honored that he let us use one of his paintings for our album cover. Check him out on the cover of New American Paintings anywhere fine publications are sold. Good job Alex, you deserve it! America Lives!

i took a bus out to the coutry tonight...

2009-08-24T00:55:00.000-04:00

i haven't really left the city for a couple months (the pop mayhem florida trip was all too brief) and i'm not really a city guy. the ride out here was so nice, listened to blue boy most of the way. the joy of living is one of the best songs ever written. it's so crazy. i don't know how i even lived the first half of my life without it. so hopfully i'll write some new songs while i'm out here, and at the very least reconect with nautre.

POP Mayhem

2009-08-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

We just got back from hot and muggy Florida where we played the POP Mayhem festival. We had a great time and just wanted to thank everyone who came out to see us!

Just to clarify..

2009-08-07T01:31:00.000-04:00

There are a few websites/blogs that think they are giving away the Horse Shoes Imperial School EP. What they are actually giving away are mp3s ripped off of our myspace page. We don't mind, actually we like the attention. But just to clarify, this is not our EP, they are just unfinished demos. The actual release will have three never before released songs as well as the fully relized versions of the old classics. And it won't be long now!

International Radio

2009-08-07T01:28:00.000-04:00

Listen to our radio interview on P3 Pop!

We're big in Romania

2009-08-07T01:25:00.000-04:00

Here is a page from SOUNDS MAGAZINE. The biggest Music publication in Romania. Thanks to Vlad for writing about us!