Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday Napster Freebies. These un-DRMed MP3 files are free for a limited time and can be downloaded from just about any country. Enjoy!
“Within a Mile of Home” by Flogging Molly
This genre-defying septet got its start playing countless gigs at the L.A. bar Molly Malone’s. They’ve been compared to raucous Irish rockers The Pogues and Black 47. Hear them for yourself with this live track, taken from the documentary Whiskey on a Sunday.
“The Strikes” by Nakatomi Plaza
Based in Brooklyn, NY, this punk-rock trio has embraced the DIY ethic for the past eight years, touring and promoting themselves relentlessly. Today’s free download is from their Frog Octopus Wolf EP, a precursor to their upcoming third album, Unsettled.
“The Upper Ten/The Lower Five” by Ghost Stories
After years of playing in different groups, musician Ron Lewis was ready for his own project. The resulting album, Quixoticism, was nearly seven years in the making. Its songs, including today’s free download, were recorded in an empty house on just eight tracks.
“Sultanas de Merkaillo” by Ojos de Brujo
Barcelona’s internationally renowned flamenco collective has expanded their audience by fusing different styles of music, including hip-hop, rock, and reggae/dub. These influences can be heard on their new album, Techari, which includes today’s free download.
“Somewhere Girls” by Secretary Bird
Some may know singer-songwriter Mike Semple from his work with Friends of Dean Martinez and the score to Fast Food Nation. His current band, Secretary Bird, is likely to win him even more fans with this title track to their new album.
“Sweet Weepin’ Jesus” by Kemp Harris
In the tradition of stark, thematically driven albums such as Sam Cooke’s Night Beat, singer-songwriter Kemp Harris’ sophomore release, Edenton, is a journey back to the raw-boned gospel, R&B, and blues of his youth.
“Weapon X” by X-Clan
The legendary hip-hop group is back with a new album after years away from the scene following the death of one of their own. Return From Mecca continues the Clan’s stream-of-conciousness style and puts commercial hip-hop stereotyping on notice.
