If you've been within earshot of me (Shane) this year, you've heard me rant and rave about Providence, RI's THE BROTHER KITE, who came in practically out of nowhere with one of the best records I've heard in ages, "Waiting for the Time to Be Right." Now, if you're in the midwest, you've got a chance to catch them live, as they're making a rare tour.

You ever get that feeling? You know, that nerd feeling? The one that happens when you hit play on a record you were expecting to be decent, only to find out that it's BETTER than decent? The feeling that makes your arm hairs stand on end? The reassuring comfort in knowing that your musical taste is FAR superior to most mere mortals? The DISCOVERY of something sonically brilliant?

It happened to me just now.

Rhode Island's THE BROTHER KITE may have just unleashed the album of the year on us. Their self-titled debut record a couple years back was one of the standout releases on the fledgling Claire label (your home for turtleneck-wearing shoegazing fans who still can't accept that Lush broke up.) Their first album was good; I was expecting the same from the follow-up.