Seattle's own, hipster approved Sub-Pop have recently expanded their empire to the smaller, even MORE independent label "Hardly Art". With only six releases under their belt, Hardly Art is already gaining attention in the indie music industry for debut's from artists such as The Pica Beats and Pretty & Nice. But this music reviewers pick for best Hardly Art debut LP is a group that hails from dreary old Seattle who go by the Moondoggies - and you guessed it, they're your new favorite band.
The hippie and classic country rock album art above may be enough to keep the average hipster from cracking open the spine of the Moondoggies debut LP, "Don't Be A Stranger" - but things aren't always as they appear to be. Yes, from opening track "Ain't No Lord" you feel sucked into a ancient folk country sound, feeling as though you're rocking back and forth on Pa's rickety old porch in killyourselfmiddleofnowhere, Kentucky. But delving deeper into the album, your rock n' roll heart will warm to the mix of folk, country, and psychadelic rock that the Moondoggies so perfectly harness. From the most traditional listener to the most contemporary, the boogie blues and harmonies of this four-piece collective will be sure to impress.
Unfortunately, the newness of this band means no national tours will be dropping the tunes to your doorstep anytime soon, so surfing over to their myspace will have to suffice - for now (http://www.myspace.com/themoondoggies). As always, stay tuned to WSOE to hear the Moondoggies on the airwaves, and sample our pick for the album's standout track below.
