01.25.12 » Vol. VII, Iss. 3

This week, U.N.C.L.E. Special Agent 0013, Dead Air Dave, digs into the grooves.

No matter what you thought of last night's State of the Union address, the year is starting off with some very optimistic offerings, musically. And, you might have noticed that a few of these came to you with my return address attached. The buzz continues to grow on them as we work our way to the end of the first month of 2012.

Ben Kweller's new release, Go Fly a Kite, showcases Ben at this Power Pop best. The two lead tracks are "Mean to Me" and "Jealous Girl," but the farther you dig into the CD the more songs you'll discover to love. Plus, the CD packaging is some crazy puzzle construction piece. Between assembling your album puzzle and listening to the music, Ben gives you hours of enjoyment! Especially when you hit repeat!

Tremor Low is a young band out of Oakland, California. Their dark 80's-ish vibe will at once sound familiar, yet fresh, to your ears. It's difficult to resist trying out their provocatively titled single, "Peter Murphy's Dead."

Why wait until summer for the feel good song of the year?!?!  91X decided not to wait and added "Sky Is the Limit" from Rebelution this week. This new song finds the band in fine, laid back, lovin' life form, with the brass section taking the lead and setting the tone. The "Peace of Mind Tour" is rolling now, and you can check out dates and locations at unclepromo.com.

From the first gritty honky tonk chords of the song "Low Fuel Drug Run," you probably won't guess that the members of 7Horse used to be two thirds of the band DaDa! Well, it sounds like they found their inner twang via a few bottles of Jack Daniel's. So, if you like your Rock 'n' Roll dry as rye and highway worn, take 7Horse on a road trip.

If it comes from the mind of Courtney Taylor-Taylor then you know it's going to be unusual. This time, the Dandy Warhol gives us his fantasy band with a back story that's as interesting as the music. One Model Nation is the band that lead a violent, yet well-dressed, revolution in 1977 Germany before slipping into obscurity. You'll find the whole story in the companion graphic novel. Peruse it while you let the CD be your soundtrack. Danke!

February brings us groovy new tunes from Example, Laura Wilde, and Pond—just to name a few you'll find with the U.N.C.L.E. sticker firmly applied. So, dig the music while this message self-destructs in...three...two..one...!

•

I know some of you are dealing with snow and nasty weather,•

but the view from U.N.C.L.E. HQ North is looking pretty clear...just saying'...

The TOP 50 Artists at Specialty programming on Alternative Radio are listed below. To see the TOP 100 Artists, TOP 100 Specialty Singles Charts, or to track a specific artist, click here.

The K.K.B.B. Tracker/Chart reflects Specialty programming playlists from key tastemakers at the Alternative Radio format (predominantly Commercial stations) across the country. To find out who reports, click here.

NOTE: This is a weekly Tracker/Chart posted each Wednesday. Our deadline for station playlist submission is Wednesday at 12:00 noon, ET. For answers on how the K.K.B.B. Tracker works, click here.