Pluck Magazine Is Here!!!

Unfurl the banners, order the serfs to pull the chariot, and let the trumpets blare the sound of triumph, for today is a very special announcement.

Today is the official launch of Pluck Magazine.

Yours truly, along with my fabulous friends Rafael Cuevas, Anna Durrett, Matt Hansen, and Nico Lauricallea have been hard at work for the past few months putting this online magazine together and we’re proud to release our first issue today.

Our goal was fairly straight forward, we wanted to create an online magazine about being a twenty something at a time when paths have been less straight-forward, professional opportunities limited, and relationships affected by technology and distance. I am proud to share with you our first "issue," and we hope that you will pass it along to your friends and networks.

We appreciate all the support that we have gotten throughout the process, not the least of which has come in the form of incredible articles written by our talented friends, both new and old.

So take a look, read an article or two, and please give us feedback!

In particular, if you’re so inclined to the writings of one Mr. Chow, take a look at my article on my experiences working in the Navajo Nation for the Obama campaign as well as my piece on my favorite albums for 2011.

We are hoping to post new articles and reviews on a weekly basis, so check back for more, and be sure to "like" us on our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter .

If you would like to write for Pluck or know somebody who would, please email us at editors@pluckmagazine.com and we’ll be in touch with you.

In the meantime go forth and get plucked!

Arctic Monkeys – Brick by Brick

In a surprise release, the Arctic Monkeys have just dropped "Brick by Brick," a new track with a video.

Little has been publicly announced about this track, and its still uncertain whether this is going to be on the band’s fourth album.

Recorded in LA, where the Arctic Monkeys are at work on their new album, the song is a bit of a departure from their usual sound. Less British rock sounding and more retro 60’s rock and California sun, “Brick by Brick” sounds like it’s part of the retro craze that’s been sweeping Albion of late (Beady Eye, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Miles Kane).

Watch and listen below.

The Lucksmiths Say Goodbye (again)

After The Lucksmiths suddenly announced their break up back in 2009, they went on a short Australia-only farewell tour leaving the rest of the world in a bit of a jam. Fortunately, the recent release of their DVD Unfamiliar Stars last month, will allow you to relive their final show.

Shot at the Corner Hotel in August of 2009, the DVD includes their last show in all of its two and half hour glory. The DVD also has a documentary on the final days of the band and footage from their recording session for their last single Get-to-Bed Birds! which was released in September 2010.

Check out the trailer and stream the single below.



Get-to-Bed Birds by Lost And Lonesome

And for old time’s sake, here’s the live version of my favorite Lucksmiths’ song ever

AA Loves – Conner Youngblood

I just stumbled across a rather interesting musical find with the talented Conner Youngblood.

The 20 year old Dallas native and Yale undergrad has been turning heads lately with his unique combination of deep electronic dub-step beats and folksy bluegrass banjos. Blending the two sounds seamlessly on “Monsters,” he whispers with a husky, detached, blissed out voice that lures you in to his world.

Needless to say the effect is utterly disarming.

On “Girl Hair,” he parts with the deep bass lines of “Monsters” and opts for a simple banjo and a light vibraphone to accompany his gorgeous vocals in a Bon Iver-esque manner. The blissed out quality of his voice remains, yet somehow he infuses them with powerful emotions that are still somehow detached from this world.

Download and listen to both below, courtesy of Blue Walrus.

Conner Youngblood - Monsters by The Wounded Jukebox

Conner Youngblood - Girl Hair by neumagazine

U.S. Royalty – Mirrors Review

My review of U.S. Royalty’s album Mirrors just got published over at DonnyBrook, so hop over here to check it out.

To say the least, the album kicks a lot of ass.

Listen to my favorite track from the new album “Hollywood Hollows” below and head over to Donnybrook to read more.

Keep Shelly in Athens – Hauntin’ Me

It’s been a while since I checked in on the Grecian duo of Keep Shelly in Athens and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have dropped a few new tracks and joined the Transparent lineup.

In a sign that all is right with the universe, it’s good to see that the band is doing well and seeing success as they really are rather talented.

Hauntin’ Me was recently released and is the band’s first physical 7”. Maintaining their mystery, these folks have yet to divulge any more information about themselves other than the fact that the vocals are by Sarah P and the beats are the brainchild of RPR.

Ethereal, exotic, and utterly enchanting, Huantin’ Me literally whispers through your speakers like a ghoulish spirit from the netherworld. Melancholy yet infused with glittery shine, the combination is perfect to mellow out your soul.

Enjoy.

Keep Shelly in Athens - Hauntin' Me by TransparentRecs

Also, be sure to check out the video.

Hosannas - Walrus

Slow and sensual, Hosannas’ latest track “Walrus,” sounds as if it were the perfect song for a sultry burlesque show in an old Mexican bar in the days of the frontier.

As the track unfolds, you can see almost see that lovely senorita slowly gyrating her hips to the rhythm as rugged cowboys gulp down cheap whiskey in the sweltering desert night. Her olive-skin glistens as the sweat forms beads on her forehead. She works hard to gain the attention of these world-weary men. Most of them ignore her, while a few leer at her lecherously.

Be sure to keep a look out for Hosannas’ upcoming EP Thug-Life Nicole, which is expected to drop in late March.

Stream and download the amazing single below, and be sure to head over to their bandcamp to check out the rest of their stuff.

Hosannas-Walrus by dangervillage