Free comp: A Familyre Christmas - Vol.

Free comp: A Familyre Christmas - Vol. 3 from Sounds Familyre

MP3: "Nightwalking" via Stereogum MP3: "Someone Is Waiting" via Filter MP3: "Daybreak" via Stereogum from I Was A King's forthcoming Old Friends LP

Having previously collaborated with the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Emil Nikolaisen (Serena Maneesh), it's no surprise that the new record from Norway's I Was A King features a bizarre cross-section of musical backgrounds as well, represented by indie-music luminaries (Daniel Smith, John Ringhofer, Emil Nikolaisen), an avant-classical composer (Joshua Stamper), a free-jazz drummer (Kevin Shea), an electronic music diva (Anne Lise Frøkedal). Indeed, their work together would seem strange were it not for the compellingly simple songs and clarion melodies of Frode Strømstad that provide a sure anchor for such wildly disparate musical proclivities. Old Friends is being released on January 25th, 2011 on Sounds Familyre.

In addition, the Sounds Familyre gang has picked up the Christmas-comp-gauntlet once again with A Familyre Christmas - Vol. 3!! Featured artists are the usual SF suspects, plus other good friends Helado Negro, Holler Wild Rose!, Evan Mazunik, Aaron Roche, and of course, I Was A King. As in past years, they will be rolling out a little bit each day, starting today with Ben + Vesper and Half-handed Cloud and ending Christmas Eve Eve. Two a day-- FOR FREE, including everything from beautiful and endearingly humble home-recordings to psychedelic Yuletide journeys through space. Don't miss it!

Old Friends was recorded in April 2010 as the inaugural project for Daniel Smith's Familyre Studio in Clarksoro, NJ.