Who said we don't have Indie Rock in Vermont?

Ok, so it was me. The fine folks at Higher Ground are doing their best to make me look the fool (or answering my plea, depending on how you see the glass, or vase, or whatever). They have gone and booked two very exciting shows for the spring:

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - April 11 - $13/$14
The Books - May 13 - $12/$14

Hallelujah! If nothing else, 2005 was the year of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. This four piece from Brooklyn bursted on the scene labeless, but with something to prove. Their sound is uber catchy and reminiscent of some of David Byrne's best work. It easily found its way on my top ten albums for the year. Click here to read False45th's write-up on the world's most blogged band. Listen at their MySpace page.

The Books' debut release in 2002, Thought for Food, brought something new and exciting to the indie world - and continues with release number three from last year. This hard working duo does all the work themselves (sample collecting, composing, writing, recording, mixing, and mastering in home studios and no producer or engineers) mixing acoustic music and various samples of found sound. The final result is a kaleidoscope of sound that is intriguing yet focused. All three of their albums may be streamed through their amazing website. A great review of their first album can be found at Dusted Magazine.

Thank you to Nick for bringing these shows to my attention.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood.mp3 (via Badminton Stamps)
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Blue Turning Grey.mp3 (via Anablog)
The Books - Be Good to Them Always.mp3 (via tmwsiy*)
The Books - It Never Changes to Stop.mp3 (via tmwsiy*)
The Books - Venice.mp3 (via tmwsiy*)