I’ll start with a confession: “Masood” is not a new song. It is the single from Songs For Waiting, a self-released album from Orlando band The OaKs that came out in March of this year. Unfortunately, the band is currently unsigned so you probably haven’t heard their stuff unless you caught them at SXSW this year, which makes them a perfect candidate for The Daily Dic.

The overall sound of the band is as natural as the images their name might evoke. The album was recorded using no artificial reverb or delay, relying exclusively on the warmness of songwriter Ryan Costello’s old house. The result is a woody, rich, honest sound that can be compared to the likes of Sufjan Stevens or Grizzly Bear.

“Masood” is an example of everything going right for The OaKs. Acoustic guitar takes the lead and is soon joined by the competent and song-stealing percussion of Matthew Antolick. The song pushes to the chorus where everything but the guitar drops out, leading to a dramatic build up of both the music and lyrics. A gorgeous spattering of marimba fills the gap between the chorus and the next verse as the song continues to be driven by The OaK’s talented rhythm section.

Yes, the song is a few months old, but that just means you can go buy the album now. Do it! You won’t be sorry. Listen to “Masood” after the jump.

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There’s been a lot of talk about the new spin-off of The Office lately, so over the next few weeks at Big Diction, we’ll all be picking our favorite Office spin-off stars, and speculating on the show that might develop around them. Now, Mark Topel on Phyl and Bob.

We all love The Office. Over the last three years, it has proven to be one of the best and most consistent sitcoms on television. However, there have been some serious flaws in plot elements that, to the dismay of violently disgruntled fans, have never been addressed by the writers, the most notable of these blemishes being the tedious and uninteresting love triangle between Jim (John Krasinksi), Pam (Jenna Fischer), and Roy (David Denman).

Really, I think we had enough after the brief first season, but this lazy and unimaginative crutch allowed the writers to limp through the second and third seasons, completely ignoring the more interesting romance that had begun midway through the second season. No, not Dwight and Angela. That’s right, the forbidden romance between Phyllis Lapin and Bob Vance (Vance Refrigeration), played by Phyllis Smith and Robert Shafer, respectively.

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Do you remember The Redwalls? It’s possible that you do, if you’re really into bands that try to exclusively sound like The Beatles. Don’t get me wrong, I listened to Universal Blues and enjoyed it as much as the next guy, but what are they REALLY doing? They are attempting to imitate the best and most influential band of all time as closely as possible.

Do you like Dr. Dog? Of course you do! It’s probably because they’ve used their late 60’s influences (The Band, Bob Dylan, The Beatles) to create a courageous blend of pop and rock that doesn’t counterfeit, but borrows the nostalgia of simpler times.

On their Dead Oceans debut Freedom Wind, The Explorers Club probably attempt the path of Dr. Dog and their 2007 LP We All Belong but instead follow the route of the Redwalls. The album doesn’t offer anything beyond a failed attempt at capturing the magic of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds while managing to trivialize lyrical themes that Brian Wilson made beautiful and profound. The first single “Do You Love Me?” shows us that, although they can successfully replicate the style, The Explorers Club are unable to use the influence of The Beach Boys to forge something new and exciting.

Get the track after the jump.

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Finally! It’s been too long since Mr. Waits graced us with his presence. Okay, well he toured Orphans in 2006, but still! This time around it’s “The Glitter and Doom Tour” and he is playing in Dallas AND Houston.

What’s more is the announcement of “Glitter and Doom” came to us from Big Tom himself. You’re probably thinking, “Don’t ALL tour announcements come from the artists?” Not like this they don’t. I guess you’ll have to watch the “press conference” for yourself. It’s after the jump, along with all the dates.

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There has been a lot of talk concerning Fleet Foxes this year, and deservedly so. The anticipation surrounding their self-titled LP (to be released June 3 on Sub Pop) has been described as “palpable.” They have added a string of North American dates to their previously announced tour, including two dates in Texas. Go see what all the fuss is about! You won’t regret it.

Check out the Fleet Foxes track, “White Water Hymnal,” after the jump. We DARE you not to sing along.

Fleet Foxes - “White Winter Hymnal”

Oh those folks at Pitchfork Media have never been good about containing their excitement. But seriously, all jokes aside the lineup does look fantastic and it’s not even entirely revealed yet! Most noteworthy of course is headliner My Bloody Valentine who will be making their return to the States after a 16-year hiatus. Other notable acts include Mogwai, Fuck Buttons, Low, and Thee Silver Mount Zion Orchestra. Additionally, Built To Spill and Thurston Moore will be playing Perfect From Now On and Psychic Hearts respectively, which should be “unfuckingbelievable.”

More details at ATPfestival.com.