Ok you have to allow me some fun with the post title, now let me explain. The brilliant slice of self-titled magic that is Tarcutta’s debut album is sitting pretty at number 13 in the latest KBOO (Portland) CMJ radio chart ahead of the likes of Kurt Vile, Atlas Sound and of course AC/DC.

Get the album here and prepare to fall in love again.

Tarcutta are playing two shows in Melbourne in the lead-up to Christmas, both with Jshwa and the Owls. This coming Sunday, 13th December, they’re playing at Edinburgh Castle with special guests The Kinship. Then, on Sunday 20th December they’re playing at Bar Open with special guests Winternationale, the new project of The Spheres’ Guy Harris.

Tarcutta’s self-titled debut album will be available on CD at both shows, or you can grab it in CD and mp3 format from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Hidden Shoal Recordings is pleased to announce the official release of compilation album Crushed and Reminded, the fifth installment in its free sampler album series. Whilst the keen eyed amongst you may have already noted that this has has been available for a few weeks now, we thought we’d allow some breathing space before making the official announcement (busy month!!!)

Crushed and Reminded takes the listener on a multi-dimensional sonic rollercoaster ride, showcasing tracks from recent 2009 HSR releases. Moving from bitcrushed remixes through cinematic instrumental rock to deliciously mellow ambient electronica, Crushed and Reminded shines a new light across the breadth and depth of the Hidden Shoal landscape.

It includes stunning songs from 11 Hidden Shoal artists and bands: The Caribbean, HC-B, Sankt Otten, Hotels, Down Review, Tangled Star, Apricot Rail, Tarcutta, Sleeping Me, Elisa Luu and Jumpel. Dip in, then explore each artist’s album and EP releases to experience their full splendour.

“a gripping, adventurous and touching journey across their catalogue of ambient, shoegaze, post-rock and indie-rock releases. The perfect introduction for the artists and bands, or alternatively, the perfect sampler for those who cannot decide which of these fantastic bands to pay attention to at the moment” – Post Rock Community review of Limit of Maps, volume 3 in the free sampler album series.

Crushed and Reminded is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store, along with volumes 1 to 4.

Hidden Shoal Licensing (HSL), the official licensing arm of the Hidden Shoal Recordings label, is set to launch in November 2009. While the label is already involved in a number of projects, ranging from film sync through to jukebox licensing, Hidden Shoal is excited to be formalising the public face for its licensing activities.

HSL comprises the constantly growing catalogue of over 600 tracks from the critically acclaimed Hidden Shoal Recordings music label. This wonderful selection of music covers a broad spectrum of sounds and styles, from filmic ambient instrumentals through to inventive indie rock and beyond. HSL provides a unique one-stop licensing source, handling both the master and sync rights.

If you’d like to be kept up to date with all HSL news, please join our mailing list or keep an eye on the pre-launch HSL website.