Mono

Mono is a Japanese post-rock band that has released its new album "Hymn to the immortal wind." I really enjoy this band's slow epic builds. They released a dvd not too long ago that is pretty tight. I recommend it as well. 

Edit: After fully listening to this album in the car it totally kicks their last album's ass. The builds are even more epic and they don't take as long to get to. Please check it out.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2O99XRR9

Iran

Dissolver- the new record from Iran. I think that it is their debut full length. Malone is the main guy behind this band. He is also the lead singer for TV On The Radio. I like this album alot, but I am in a TV On The Radio phase right now. I think it's worth a listen.

http://www.mediafire.com/?qu2n4eyzmm2

Magnolia Sons

I had the opportunity to interview these guys today at WEGL 91.1. They were really nice, down to earth guys, which is a nice change from other touring bands that I've dealt with. After an interview Will, the lead singer, did an acoustic performance that was just as good as the album. I went and saw them play at a bar tonight and I am blown away by their live sound. They are really together for an up and coming band. Here is a video of one of their songs. Check out their myspace. 

myspace.com/magnoliasons

Six Organs of Admittance

This is a band now considered new folk. I do not know what else would fall into that category so I am saying that it is post-rock fused with folk. The song "Black Wall" is probably my favorite because of the drive that it has. Notice the lack of bass and drums in the album, it is instead primarily guitar driven. 

http://www.sendspace.com/file/saijls

Ulrich Schnauss

So this is the new year and i am making it a goal to post a new artist or album each week. So to start things off is a very ambient/electro album by Ulrich Schnauss. He is from Berlin and makes some pretty tight music. I found one of his songs off of the movie Elizabethtown. Yes, it is a chick flick but I really like Cameron Crowe, he always puts quality music in his movies to develop his scenes. So if you need a new winter album to drive or study by here is my current pick

For fans of Boards of Canada

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6DOEDHT8

American Football

This second wave emo band from the nineties is fantastic. Along the same lines as Mineral, Sunny Day Real estate, and old Appleseed Cast. The simple riffs could be considered post-rock nowadays but the lyrics are straight up emo. This album works well for this time of year and for wanting a little nostalgia. 

http://rapidshare.com/files/43821814/American_Football.zip.html

White Town

Here is a gem from the 90's

Ray LaMontagne

Gossip In The Grain is Mr. LaMontagne's new album. It starts really strong with his first single but then the album slows down for a while. By the last half of the album he really gets going. I recommend "Henry Nearly Killed Me"

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FCO5CHR9

The Great Book of John

Yves' Blues is the long awaited album from Birmingham folk band The Great Book of John. Every song was recorded in one take which lets you know this band is for real.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0JYS83RB

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

This is Margot's newest album. But there are two versions entitled Animal and Not Animal. The first album Animal is the version that Margot wants to release, while Not Animal is what Epic Records wants them to release. Apparently there was some problems with the label because this album has been delayed for some time now. However, Margot is a new folk/chamber pop style. They were selected by Spin magazine for artists to watch in 2008.  This album is a lot like The Decemberists or Arcade Fire. 

Animal 

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2RX4VAO8

Not Animal

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GJQNYGFX